'The Halloween Eve Massacre,' Part II: Considering Tony got it largely right last week (though some are still giving him only grudging respect), let's go right to Tony this morning. ... Bob is doing a highly admirable job as pooper scooper, providing a decidely different view of Lucchino than Dan's pro-Larry and know-your-place-Theo column on Sunday. Speaking of Dan, he's pulling a Judy Miller with a column this morning that raises more questions than it answers. He also: A.) admits who his sources largely were for the Sunday column (Lucchinoites) and B.) appears to hint at the probable 'nationally known Lucchino-hating Epstein source' he referred to on Sunday. ... Do I think Dan was a conscious player in the 'campaign' against Theo? Perhaps not. More like a Judy Miller who had her sources and assumed they were right because she agreed with them. ... FYI: I'm a non-cabal Herald business reporter who is thoroughly enjoying this one from the gallery seats. ... P.S. I didn't mention I disagreed with Reader No. 1's argument that Dan's Sunday column was 'mostly balanced.' I think it was 'mostly unbalanced.' It was highly insulting to Theo -- and Theo drew certain conclusions about what a long three years it would be if he signed the contract. ...

Dan Kennedy and Adam have more on the Theo drama. ... Bruce is all over it and has his winners and losers.

Update -- Reader No. 1:

"Now that the Sox have really Stepped In It, will we all go back to the Gloves Off Accusatory Finger-Pointing Style of pre-2004? Will Theo's departure mean more prominent coverage on stories like the departures of medical and training staff over the past 2 years?

"The Sox have become a Cool Place to Work and Hang Out under new ownership. Generally it's a bad thing when talented people leave work at Cool Places, from players to Assistant GMs. That may be the worst long-term ramification of this mess - let's hope not!" ...  ¶ 5:57 AM