I heard this too, and they both didn't want to say since they called it a "rumor". However I doubt Theo made this move based on a "rumor" and it must be based on fact.
The worst thing that can happen is hitters playing tight and trying to do too much at the plate. Watching Pedroia last night swing at a bad 3-1 pitch to foul out in the 9th, down by 2 and with Ortiz on deck, seems to show that.