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Oh, how quickly the memory of a first World Series title in 86 years is fading in Red Sox nation.

The architect of that championship, General Manager Theo Epstein, was unable to reach agreement with Red Sox ownership on a new contract leading the 31-year-old boy wonder to walk away from one of the highest profile jobs in Major League baseball. Reportedly, Epstein turned down a three-year deal worth $1.5 million annually.

In just three years at the helm, Epstein helped revive a Red Sox franchise that had experienced its share of big game failure. Among his many moves was putting the press on Curt Schilling, talking the big right-hander into donning a Sox uniform two years ago. Likewise, he managed to attract David Ortiz, a first baseman who has become a clubhouse leader and extraordinary designated hitter. Big Papi gave the Red Sox the best one-two hitting punch in baseball the last couple of years, combining with Manny Ramirez to put up some of the best hitting numbers in baseball history.

Then Epstein organized the trade of all trades last year. He gave up the face of the Red Sox, Nomar Garciaparra, in a move to build greater chemistry and improved defense in the field. That trade carried the Sox through their amazing run in 2004, coming back from three down to the Yanks to earning their first World Series title since 1918.

Epstein put together teams that averaged 96 wins per year over the three seasons. For the first time in Red Sox, they went to the post-season three straight years. Though the team was eliminated in three straight games this fall by the ultimate champions, the White Sox, the season was deemed a success, especially given the injuries to Schilling and Keith Foulke, and the incredibly poor performances of two stalwarts from 2004, Alan Embree and Mark Bellhorn.

Epstein also led a charge to rebuild the Sox farm system and rebuild it he did. This year's Portland Sea Dogs, the team's Double A affiliate was a force in the Eastern League. The team has numerous talented players with a big league potential.

Amazingly, outside of Boston, Epstein had a number of detractors. Those people insisted that he inherited a wealth of talent and was fortunate to be able to operate with the game's second-highest payroll. Many in that camp also stipulated that he benefited greatly from working under club president Larry Lucchino, chairman Tom Werner and principal owner John Henry.

The Red Sox have not commented since Epstein's resignation. And publicly, Epstein was nothing but praiseworthy of President Lucchino and Sox ownership. But media reports circulated that he left because of a growing lack of trust in Lucchino. Public leaks about the negotiations as well as the recent leaking of trade demands by Manny Ramirez are thought to have given Epstein great pause.

The timing of Epstein's departure leaves the Sox in a challenging spot. Negotiations with free agents are on hold and with center fielder Johnny Damon among that group, the team faces the potential departure of some key players. The Red Sox also need another front-line starter and bullpen back-up to support youngsters Craig Hanson and Jon Paplebon.

A number of possible candidates have been suggested as potential Epstein replacements. Among the highest profile candidates are Kevin Towers, Padres' Executive Vice President and GM, Pat Gillick, former Blue Jays, Orioles and Mariners GM and Jim Bowden, current Washington Nationals GM. Towers and Lucchino had prior success working together, helping the Padres reach the World Series in 1998. Bowden, a native of Weston, Massachusetts has shown he can handle the high profile media and the over zealous demands of ownership that come via a stint working for George Steinbrenner and the Yankees.

But none carry with them the one thing that Epstein had already produced for the Sox, a World Series title.