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 of The Afflicted played what they said was most likely to be their last show. They had no plans to write or record a new album at that time and plan to be in hiatus until further notice. At this show the band also used their former guitarist Steve Lockhart. In April 2008, bassist Nik Wagener, along with four others, started a band called Moments. In October 2009 the band announced a one-night only reunion show in West Kelowna where they opened for a local band called Reflection. Cry of the Afflicted Cry of the Afflicted was a post-hardcore band