The Boston Red Sox fired Chaim Bloom and are now tasked with replacing him. Here are four options, ranging from impossible to a possibility.

Early last week, the Boston Red Sox made the decision to fire chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom.

The move came as little surprise to rival executives, but perhaps most surprising was the timing. Most people expected the Red Sox to give Bloom the entire season and evaluate his status after the season. But clearly the team believed it was time to move on from the young, accomplished executive and go in a different direction.

Now, the Red Sox are searching for a new head to their baseball operations, and they have already been linked to a few candidates. Let's dive right in and grade the candidates.

MLB Rumors: Could Theo Epstein replace Chaim Bloom?

This was bound to happen once the job came open. Epstein, of course, is among the most decorated and accomplished executives in baseball history. He's won World Series with the Red Sox and Chicago Cubs and is currently working in the commissioners office.

Epstein wants to be part of an ownership group, and it's extremely unlikely that he will join a team in a different capacity than that. Epstein is not a candidate in Boston. He will not lead their baseball operations department. It's time to file that one away and move on.

Grading the fit: 0/10.

MLB Rumors: Could Red Sox manager Alex Cora replace Chaim Bloom?

This was not something that I had thought of or considered when Bloom was fired. But Buster Olney of ESPN.com wrote that, "It'll be interesting to see if Alex Cora emerges as one of the candidates to run Boston's baseball operations. He has a broad range of experience, and others in the organization felt he increased his presence in the player development this year."

At first, I scoffed at this. Cora is a very good manager. But if you step back, it makes some sense. It's also worth noting that Cora worked with Olney at ESPN and the two could have a relationship from that.

Still, I think it's unlikely that Cora becomes the leader of the Red Sox's front office. I ultimately believe he'll remain as manager for whoever they hire to lead the front office.

Grading the fit: 3/10.

MLB Rumors: Could Mike Hazen replace Chaim Bloom with Red Sox?

Hazen is currently the Arizona Diamondbacks' general manager. If the Red Sox wanted to name him their general manager, they would have to get permission from the Diamondbacks, and it's unclear if they would grant him that.

The only way that he could leave without permission is if the Red Sox hired him as their president of baseball operations or chief baseball officer.

From what I gather, a Hazen-to-Boston scenario is unlikely, but it does make sense. Hazen, 47, has previously worked in Boston and the last time the Red Sox had an opening atop their front office, they attempted to talk to Hazen. But the Diamondbacks responded by extending him on a long-term deal to keep him in Arizona.

It's worth noting that Hazen and Cora have ties. They were in Boston together from 2005-2008 (Hazen was in the front office, Cora was a player). When the Diamondbacks were last looking for a manager, Hazen interviewed Cora before ultimately deciding to hire Torey Lovullo.

Grading the fit: 4/10.

MLB Rumors: Could Amiel Sawdaye replace Chaim Bloom in Boston?

Another Arizona Diamondbacks executive with Red Sox ties. Sawdaye previously spent 14 seasons in Boston before joining Hazen in Arizona, where he is now an assistant general manager.

Sawdaye is viewed as a prime general manager candidate and has interviewed for numerous other lead front office positions, and those close to him describe him as a future general manager. It's a bit surprising that he hasn't already gotten a position, as people who have worked with him describe him as a talented evaluator and strong communicator.

It would hardly be surprising to see him interview with Boston considering his ties and previous success with the organization. It may be unlikely that he gets the job, however, a job as attractive as Boston's could lead to some other top candidates (James Click?) becoming involved.

Grading the fit: 5/10.