Theo Epstein appointed Epstein to replace interim general manager (GM) Mike Port. Epstein is credited with initiating the trade of Nomar Garciaparra and making key contract acquisitions including those of Kevin Millar and Curt Schilling during his first tenure as Red Sox GM. The new players were regarded as instrumental in breaking the so-called "Curse of the Bambino" when the Red Sox defeated the St. Louis Cardinals in the 2004 World Series. It was the Red Sox' first World Series championship since 1918, ending what remains the third longest championship drought in the history of any Major League team, after the Chicago
Cry of the Afflicted called About Face. Nik met Troy (drums) at the beach in 2003 and got talking about music. Troy and Steve (guitar) were playing in another Kelowna band. The five of them started jamming together and decided to form a new band together. They appointed Ethics Industries as their managers in July 2004. The band released their first full-length album, "Consume This Wasteland", in June 2006. Cry of the Afflicted signed to Solid State Records on January 30, 2007, and soon recorded a new album with producer Jeff Schneeweis. Released on August 14, 2007, their album "The Unveiling" contains 10 tracks,