Theo Epstein leaving Sox for Cubs - ScarletBuckeye

PHATBUCK13 · 10-12-2011, 09:52 AM

AP: Theo Epstein on verge of leaving Red Sox for Cubs

Quote:

AP: Theo Epstein on verge of leaving Red Sox for Cubs

CAPTIONBy Elise Amendola, AP
Theo Epstein may be joining Terry Francona on the fast track out of Boston.

Epstein, the club's general manager since 2003, is likely to join the Chicago Cubs taking the same job within the next 48 hours, the Associated Press reported.

Epstein, 37, could not guarantee he'd be back in 2012 in the aftermath of the club's 7-20 finish that knocked them out of the playoffs. The Cubs, without a general manager since dismissing Jim Hendry during the season, reportedly asked permission from the Red Sox to speak with Epstein, who has one year remaining on his deal with Boston.

The Boston Herald said Epstein's position with the Cubs would include "powers greater than he has" with the Red Sox, perhaps a team presidency. Epstein's assistant in Boston, Ben Cherington, has long been presumed to be the frontrunner to replace Epstein were he to leave.

If the deal is consummated, the Cubs will owe the Red Sox compensation in the form of a player or prospect in exchange for Epstein. The Herald notes that this could be a potential hang-up in the deal, with a source telling the paper that the Red Sox will want "something real" in exchange for Epstein, as opposed to a fringe prospect or reserve player.

Still, it would figure such a price would be worthwhile to the Cubs, who have foundered in recent years despite a massive payroll populated by several toxic contracts. The club had five players making at least $12 million this season, and left fielder Alfonso Soriano (who hit .244 with a .289 on-base percentage in 2011) still has three years remaining on an eight-year, $136 million contract.

Epstein has already proven he can craft a champion out of an underachieving big-market giant.

The Boston-area native added several key components to the Red Sox in two off-seasons of work prior to their 2004 World Series championship, the club's first since 1918.

Three years later, with several holdovers from the '04 club but also new pieces acquired or drafted under Epstein's regime, the Red Sox won a second Series title.

Now, it appears Epstein will move on to an even taller task: Building a club that will deliver Cub fans their first World Series title since 1908.

PHATBUCK13 · 10-12-2011, 10:03 AM

I hope the owners give Theo the authority to spend whatever it takes to bring a World Series Title back to Wrigleyville.

This should tell you guys a little bit of how big a Cubs fan I am. I'm obviously a Buckeye fan, but I'm also a diehard Cubby.

My dogs names - Wrigley & Brutus

Wrigley is getting old now and may only have 1 more baseball season remaining in his life. I hope Theo can bring home a championship before my good buddy Wrigley passes away. 1908!