Dan Shaughnessy

Epstein's exit is latest sign of chaos

It was a seismic event when Theo Epstein quit in 2005. This time, his departure is lost in the mix as the Red Sox go from freefall to nuclear fallout.

Epstein was just 28 when he started as GM on Nov. 25, 2002. He became the youngest GM in baseball history.

Jim Davis/Globe Staff

Theo Epstein was just 28 when he started as GM in 2002, at that point making him youngest GM in baseball history.

Epstein spent Thanksgiving at the Arizona home of Curt Schilling in 2003 as he tried to convince the pitcher to accept a trade to the Red Sox.

Jeff Topping/REUTERS

Epstein spent Thanksgiving at the Arizona home of Curt Schilling in 2003, and convinced the pitcher to accept a trade to Boston.

Perhaps Epstein's biggest gamble, he traded disgruntled All-Star shortstop Nomar Garciaparra at the 2004 trading deadline.

Minneapolis Star Tribune/AP

Perhaps Epstein's biggest gamble was trading disgruntled All-Star shortstop Nomar Garciaparra at the 2004 trading deadline.

Epstein reveled in the victory parade as hundreds of thousands of fans saluted the Red Sox in Boston.

Michael Dwyer/AP

After the Red Sox won the World Series in 2004, Epstein celebrated at the victory parade in Boston.

In December 2006, Epstein made a splash when he signed Japanese pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka to a six-year deal.

David L Ryan/Globe Staff

In December 2006, Epstein made a splash when he signed Japanese pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka to a six-year deal.

Personally, Epstein (shown at a Jimmy Fund benefit on Jan. 15, 2003) grew from a Pearl Jam-loving bachelor into a seasoned baseball executive during his time with the Red Sox.

Globe Staff Photo

Epstein also liked to have fun off the field, shown here playing guitar at a Jimmy Fund benefit in 2003.

But the season unraveled during a 7-20 stretch in September. The Red Sox missed the playoffs, and Epstein watched Francona depart as manager, just two weeks before he would leave.

Elise Amendola/AP

This season unraveled in September as the team missed the playoffs, paving the way for the departures of Epstein and manager Terry Francona.

Theo Epstein

Theo Epstein leaves Red Sox

He grew up in Brookline and lived a Red Sox fan’s dream when he was named GM at age 28. Now Epstein’s off to the Cubs, with ambition trumping hometown loyalty.

David Ortiz

Ortiz might embrace move to Yankees

The soon-to-be-free agent told ESPN the Yankees have an enviable situation, and added there’s “too much drama” on the Red Sox.

US Republican presidential hopeful Herman Cain spoke at event in Washington, D.C., last week.

Poll puts Cain ahead of Romney

In a survey taken before the most recent debate, Pizza executive Herman Cain edged out Mitt Romney, 27 percent to 23 percent.

Universities rethinking global expansion

American schools are closing international campuses as cash and interest run short.

ESSDRAS M SUAREZ/GLOBE STAFF

Protesters raise thousands of dollars on Internet

Online donors gave Occupy Boston more than $11,000 to pay for for protesters’ bail. A separate plea for logistical needs — food, blankets, warm clothing — has raised more than $10,000.

Metro

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Man arraigned on charge of shooting Woburn officer

A not-guilty plea was entered on behalf of a Boston man yesterday to charges that he shot a Woburn police officer during a jewelry heist last month.

Business

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Friendly’s advice to help restaurant chain thrive

Outsiders with restaurant industry expertise offer their advice on what the chain might consider to improve its chances of success post-bankruptcy.

Politics

Political Notebook

Brown campaign attributes plagiarism to ‘technical error’

A Democratic group has unearthed a bit of inspirational autobiography on Senator Brown’s official website that was lifted verbatim from Elizabeth Dole’s site.

Style

New club Descent recalls neighborhood’s red-light past

Boston’s Combat Zone, the former hotbed of adult entertainment and prostitution, is seldom fondly memorialized, particularly in high-end architecture.

Arts

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events

Arts: the week ahead

Alireza Darvish offers a series of drawings and watercolors about the book in the modern world, particularly in the context of totalitarian politics.