Red Sox fall soap opera

SEPT. 28 Red Sox conclude historic collapse as Jonathan Papelbon blows save in Baltimore and Evan Longoria's home run against the Yankees puts the Rays in the postseason.

SEPT. 30 Club decides to not pick up the option on manager Terry Francona's contract.

OCT. 12 The Boston Globe, in a devastating story on the collapse, alleges that Jon Lester, John Lackey and Josh Beckett drank beer, ate takeout fried chicken and played video games in clubhouse during Red Sox games. Also, Globe reports that Francona may have been distracted by marital woes and painkiller use.

OCT. 12 Reports surface that Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein has agreed to become president of the Chicago Cubs and his deputy, Ben Cherington, will become Red Sox GM. But deals are held up as teams negotiate compensation for Red Sox since Epstein has one year left on contract.

OCT. 13 David Ortiz says he might have to think about playing for the Yankees next season. He later takes it back.

OCT. 14 Owner John Henry drives to a Boston radio station to confront the hosts and appears on air for an hour, during which he says he was against signing Carl Crawford.

OCT. 18 Local TV station reports Lester, Lackey and Beckett drank beer in the dugout during games. The team and the players deny the report.

YESTERDAY Epstein is introduced as Cubs president. Three hours later, Cherington is introduced as Red Sox GM.