Theo Epstein Re-Upping With Red Sox

The architect behind one of the most successful periods in Red Sox history is going to remain in Boston for awhile. General manager Theo Epstein has agreed to a new three-year deal with the team, according to Red Sox owner John Henry.

''We are all on the same page with regard to our vision for the organization," Henry wrote in an e-mail this afternoon. "The negotiations were pleasant and were all about rewarding Theo for the great, great job he has done in bringing two world championships to the Red Sox. We look forward to the difficult task of trying to win a third."

Henry clarified in a later e-mail that while the main negotiations were complete and "lawyers are handling the details," the sides haven't settled all matters.

The last time Epstein's contract was up in 2005, he famously snuck out of Fenway Park in a gorilla suit after resigning his post, partially because of a conflict with team president Larry Lucchino. Epstein returned three months later, and there's been harmony ever since in Boston's front office -- enough at least that the Red Sox will avoid another offseason of speculation about their star GM's job status.

Epstein was hailed as a "boy wonder" when he first took over in Boston. He became the youngest GM in major league history when he was hired in 2002, and two years later he helped the Red Sox end an 86-year title drought.

But Epstein has transcended that moniker over the last two years by delivering another championship in 2007 and cultivating a minor league system that is the envy of baseball -- one that will give Boston a chance to become a dynasty.

Back in 2002, John Henry wanted A's GM Billy Beane to lead the Red Sox. When Beane backed out after initially accepting Henry's contract offer, the job fell to Epstein. Six years later, not even Beane, a brilliant executive in his own right, can lay claim to the title of best GM in the game. Epstein stands alone on that mountain.