04/26/24
October 12, 2011
Report: Theo Epstein Taking Over Cubs: Boston Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein has reached a $15 million, five-year deal to lead the Chicago Cubs, according to media reports. The Red Sox and Cubs must work out a compensation deal since Epstein still has a year on his existing contract. Epstein, who ended an 88-year World Series curse in Boston, would face an even more formidable 103-year title drought in Chicago. "Make no mistake, Epstein has a doozy of a challenge waiting for him in Chicago," writes Bob Nightengale of USA Today. "It's going to take time and there will be no overnight miracle."
If Theo goes there as well, I might have to root for them instead. Amazing the Sox could go from winning a Series to being a disgusting stain in a mere 7 years. Good work, Ownership!
posted by yerfatma at 03:40 PM on October 12, 2011
If he's determined to head toward the pinstripes, better that they're Waveland stripes than Cross Bronx Expressway stripes.
posted by beaverboard at 03:48 PM on October 12, 2011
If the Cubs win a World Series during his tenure as GM, I could see that being enough to get a HOF plaque when his time is up.
Busting two of the most famous sports droughts in history?
Naturally, I'm getting ahead of myself here, but he has the opportunity...
posted by grum@work at 03:56 PM on October 12, 2011
If the Cubs win a World Series during his tenure as GM, I could see that being enough to get a HOF plaque when his time is up.
Or sainthood. Depending, of course, on whether the pope is a Cubs fan.
posted by roberts at 07:17 PM on October 12, 2011
Presumably that challenge is why he took the job: you guys detailed in a previous thread when these rumors started how much of a challenge Chicago is, and how much work there is to do... but if he pulls it off, then yes he'll be worshipped in two cities and own a shiny plaque in Cooperstown. Better to fail reaching for that brass ring, than succeed anywhere else.
Also, I thought MLB had a prohibition against making deals during the playoffs (as it distracted from their "main event"), or does that only count with players and not GMs/Managers?
posted by hincandenza at 08:06 PM on October 12, 2011
Or sainthood. Depending, of course, on whether the pope is a Cubs fan.
More likely that he's a supporter of the Cardinals, Padres, or Angels.
posted by tommybiden at 08:28 PM on October 12, 2011
Also, I thought MLB had a prohibition against making deals during the playoffs
The prohibition applies only during the World Series. Divisional series and LCS are OK.
posted by Howard_T at 02:48 PM on October 13, 2011
If Theo goes there as well, I might have to root for them instead.
Think you meant Tito, right?
BTW, a former coworker of mine owns the burrito restaurant that is offering him a discount as an incentive to come coach the Lakonia Muskrats.
posted by lil_brown_bat at 04:05 PM on October 13, 2011
Yes. I'm used to names that start with Os, not end with them.
posted by yerfatma at 04:09 PM on October 13, 2011
The way things currently stand with Boston, even as a lifelong fan, it's difficult to say anything to even try to redeem the organization.