It's still an unknown, and likely will always be an unknown, what the communication was between Eppler and Friedman when the Sox started two-stepping the Betts deal because of fan backlash. We never did find out who the players going back were going to be and I find it plausible that Friedman, while explaining to Eppler the delay in the Angels deal, also may have indicated that the players in addition to Rengifo may need to be changed. They had a handshake deal in place and Friedman and Arte had differing views on what a handshake deal obligates you to. Of course, one man's integrity is another mans impetuousness but I do believe Arte was motivated to move on based on his own personal sense of integrity. At the end of the day, an (non-corporate) owner has to make decisions that allow for them to live with themselves and enjoy their role for the long term and I'm OK with Arte making decisions based on that, even when I don't like the results or might have made a different decision in his place.