Theo Epstein doesn?t expect a long absence from baseball. Beyond plans to consult with the Red Sox on an extremely limited basis, Epstein said he hopes to be running a team again soon. ?By this time next year, I would hope to be a general manager somewhere,? he said last night at Brookline High, where he was honored as a distinguished alum in a sold-out gala, with guests including Patriots owner Robert Kraft and former Gov. Michael Dukakis. ?Who knew that on Nov. 5 I?d be a Red Sox alumnus, too?? he said. Red Sox owner John Henry attended the event, but team president Larry Lucchino and communications czar Dr. Charles Steinberg were no-shows. Epstein?s not sure what his immediate future holds, but he?ll probably take a break from Boston. ?I?m considering leaving town for a while,? he said. ?I?ll probably be back and forth between here and other destinations.?