Theo Epstein to the Cubs for $20 Million Over 5 Years. How Quick Can He Turn the Franchise Around?
Theo Epstein, the GM who used Moneyball theories to cobble together* World Series-winning teams for the Red Sox in 2004 and 2007, is leaving to become GM of the Chicago Cubs. Unconfirmed reports this morning pegged the deal at five years for $15 million, but Buster Olney says the figure is closer to $20 million.
How long will it take Epstein to make over that roster? The Cubs haven’t made the postseason since 2008, and haven’t won a playoff game since 2003.
The offense is led by three players, age 33-or-older from the DR: 1 strikeout king (Carlos Pena), 1 with an awful contract (Alfonso Soriano) and 1 broken down 3B whose last three years have been plagued by injuries (Aramis Ramirez). The Cubs only have two regular hitters under the age of 27 in the lineup: Barney and Castro. Their bats must get younger.
Besides taking the Cubs job for the obvious – money and to be That Guy who brought titles to long-starved Boston and Chicago (if he pulls it off in Chicago, Epstein will be the most famous GM in baseball history) – I’d guess this job was attractive to Epstein because the Cubs potentially have quality pitching. Dempster/Garza/Wells are a nice trio. Zambrano is a nut-job, and I surmise he won’t be back. Marmol is erratic, but when you combine him with Samardzija (Notre Dame represent) and Marshall, you’ve got a nice pen, too. The farm system isn’t loaded with prospects, but pitcher Trey McNutt is considered a Top 100 guy and outfielder Brett Jackson might be worth a look in 2012.
The best news here for Cubs fans – the White Sox will go back to being irrelevant without Ozzie Guillen mouthing off, and everyone will be closely watching the Cubs rebuild. Toss in the fact that the Astros will be continue to be a mess for a few more years, the Cardinals could lose Pujols this offseason, and the Brewers could lose Fielder this offseason, and Epstein could feasibly have the Cubs back in the postseason in 2012 (though I think 2013 is more realistic).
* Moneyball, but for the rich: The Red Sox actually spent money, unlike Billy Beane’s Athletics. In 2004, Boston was 2nd in payroll ($125 million) and in 2007 Boston was 2nd in payroll ($143 million).
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October 12th, 2011 at 11:57 AM
If Bird has his way, the Astros might not even be in the NL Central much longer.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:00 PM
Theo Epstein, the GM who used Moneyball theories
TBL learned this last night in the comments section of a blog.
(it was this blog, but still)
October 12th, 2011 at 12:01 PM
Theo was a big fan of low-ceiling arms. He’ll fit right in there in Chicago. Ask how well our own crappy ND pitcher (Kyle Weiland) did in big spots this year…
/actually think Weiland could be a fifth starter somewhere not named Boston
October 12th, 2011 at 12:02 PM
Marmol sounds like it should be the name of a furry rodent in South America.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:03 PM
Looks like MLB has encouraged the Cubs to not send much back over. There was talk of a top 10 prospect (I’d actually prefer a Kalish for Brett Jackson deal)
October 12th, 2011 at 12:03 PM
nice marmol.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:04 PM
No he learned it from the last minute of Moneyball!
October 12th, 2011 at 12:04 PM
I think Branch Rickey will hold that title forever for some reason.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:04 PM
LOL. Wells?
I think when talking about baseball, you might be limited to snarky ratings trolling.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:05 PM
I really want Carlos Zambrano to be part of the compensation. That guy in Fenway would be awesomely combustible.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:05 PM
For the record… I’m okay with Epstein leaving, and I don’t think he is the scapegoat for the team. It seems that bad signings came from the very top, and there’s a lot of people to blame for the collapse (imagine that) not just Tito/Theo. From the manager position, it may be time for a change, because at some point it is tough to get through to players, but with Cherington vs. Theo, I doubt Sox fans will even notice a difference.
It already seems that management isn’t deciding to not spend their way out of this hole, and instead get back to what won them the 04/07 titles…
/steroids
//kidding, but better I say it than someone else
October 12th, 2011 at 12:05 PM
Pardon?
October 12th, 2011 at 12:06 PM
history = 15 years if you are on the internet, Clown
October 12th, 2011 at 12:06 PM
Actually excited to see what happens for the Cubs this off season. Have not felt that way for a while with them
October 12th, 2011 at 12:07 PM
Aram, Pena & Dempster will be free agents.
Wells and Shark suck .
It will be a good 3-4 years to be competitive.
Real Cub fans don’t give a shit about White Sox, they are the vocal red headed step child clamoring for attention.
I like the Theo hire, he has been through it before w BoSox so he can handle the Cubs bullshit.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:07 PM
I just read something somewhere (could have been here or ESPN or twitter) saying MLB doesn’t want a precedent set for GM trades, so because Epstein is getting a promotion, there will definitely not be a ML player sent back (I’m fine with that) but reading between the lines, I doubt even a top 5 prospect, if the Cubs actually even had any.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:08 PM
Toss in the fact that the Astros will be continue to be a mess for a few more years
think the stros are headed to the AL
October 12th, 2011 at 12:09 PM
Why is it a promotion?
October 12th, 2011 at 12:10 PM
Are the Cubs improving their amateur scouting here too? With nearly every team using SABR principles, I don’t see what Epstein’s done in the past few years that makes you think he gives you a leg up on the competition. Selig supposedly is trying to kill over-slot drafting anyways (another topic) so if the Cubs are going to flex their big market muscles, how is that any different than the past?
October 12th, 2011 at 12:10 PM
Theo will help the Cubs far more than his loss would hurt the Red Sox. Cherington will be fine. Good GMs don’t fall in love with prospects ceilings, and sell high. There are very few trades (even the Hanley trade now) that Sox fans even know who the prospects were, let alone miss them (Gagne sucked, but the Sox got a draft pick out of it, and no one misses Kason Gabbard or David Murphey a whole lot right now).
October 12th, 2011 at 12:10 PM
PUJOLS TO CHICAGO!
make it happen
October 12th, 2011 at 12:11 PM
How about a SPOILER ALERT next time!!
October 12th, 2011 at 12:11 PM
The compensation for signing Theo is simple, Cubs take Lackey.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:11 PM
Why is it a promotion?
Isn’t more money and more power a promotion?
October 12th, 2011 at 12:12 PM
Some bullshit ‘president’ something I think. If it’s a straight GM job, Boston could definitely ask for more compensation. There will definitely be some whining involved on both sides.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:12 PM
Do you think he goes after Pujols or Fielder?
Real reason he left Boston – Gammons kicked him out of the band.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:12 PM
id like pujols to go to SF, just for the unintentional comedy that would spring forth from the castro street crowd.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:13 PM
I think 2014 or 2015 is a little bit more realistic. This team has to start rebuilding through the draft.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:13 PM
Not really. I’d say it was attractive because Tom Ricketts laid out a long term plan and is giving Theo 99.9% of the control. The only person he would report to is Tom himself.
Being the GM would be a lateral move. He’s going to be President of Baseball Operations and the GM. He will have no one to answer to but Tom Ricketts. Crane Kenney will stay out of his hair and just run the business side. That way all Theo has to focus on is baseball moves and Kenney comes up with the funding.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:14 PM
Not very successfully.
I’m sure they’ll start with trying to do things intelligently for a change.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:14 PM
back the future said so!
/miami marlins to the AL
October 12th, 2011 at 12:14 PM
No he learned it from the last minute of Moneyball!
he would never watch Moneyball, because it was a well reviewed movie, and he’s not a sheep.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:14 PM
Nomar’s right
October 12th, 2011 at 12:14 PM
Dempster is not very good anymore. Nice guy, but not a good baseball player anymore. Randy Wells throws 86 MPH sinkers at the belt. He’s terrible. Matt Garza is a good pitcher. He’s all they’ve got rotation wise unless Cashner shows the ability to stay healthy and be more than a bullpen guy.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:14 PM
Bcan83
Hendry didn’t believe in sabremetrics. And most of cigar cronies will be gone too
October 12th, 2011 at 12:15 PM
think the stros are headed to the AL
The Chronicle had a story yesterday about Crane and Selig having a productive meeting last week. They are steering for an owners vote at the November meetings. The story only mentioned MLB investigations into Crane’s old company as the cause for delay. They said nothing about a possible move, but I don’t put anything past Bird.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:15 PM
I agree with this.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:15 PM
Thats just a rumor. Everyone knows Gammons is a one man band headed to senility.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:15 PM
If Cherington takes over GM as is expected I wonder if there will be some Theo/Cherington trade just like with San Diego and Hoyer.
Maybe that is the RedSox plan. Just send out front office people to run other organizations and trade top players back to the Sox. Genius!
October 12th, 2011 at 12:15 PM
I’m sure they’ll start with trying to do things intelligently for a change.
Which is why they SHOULD NOT go after Pujols or Fielder.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:16 PM
the cubs always manage to make themselves relevant, despite year after year of sucking. they’re like the modern day cowgirls.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:16 PM
1. That strikeout king was 3rd in the NL in walks this year and is a FA
2. Correct
3. He played in 149 games this year, the 4th highest in his career. He also posted the 2nd highest OPS+ of his career.
And including Wells as a quality pitcher is batshit crazy.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:17 PM
Lackey will bounce back somewhat next year. There really isn’t a good alternative, and unless Miller/Wakefield/Weiland (all of whom aren’t ready) could pitch, he’ll be needed as a 4th starter. As much as it sucks, right now, he is needed.
Tazawa could be a starter, but he hasn’t built up strength from TJ surgery, and Doubrant/Pimentel keep going backwards. Starting depth in the system is awful right now, with low ceiling college arms that can’t pitch in the majors, and high-school/Latin arms that didn’t pan out. The big FA signings may come from the top, but my biggest problem with Theo is the lack of any sort of good arms in the upper levels of the system. AA Portland was awful this year, and all the SPs are age-delayed and not ML-caliber.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:17 PM
What sc said.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:17 PM
Pujols to Washington or Florida is more likely.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:17 PM
I’ve read this twice now and I think TBL has managed to write a baseball post that was relatively well-informed, reasonable, and inoffensive. That is quite special.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:18 PM
Oneri Fleita found Starlin Castro. The Cubs are also building an academy in the Dominican Republic to recruit foreign talent and train them.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:18 PM
Holy crap, is that why they changed their name? Cant wait for the 10 Jaws movies that are about to come out in 3D
October 12th, 2011 at 12:19 PM
Cubs plan of action:
Dump Soriano, Zambrano for pennies on the dollar
Spend a shitload on international players & the draft
Continue to lose and build up draft picks the next few years
Win
October 12th, 2011 at 12:19 PM
Then they should have chose a better organization.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:19 PM
Landing Theo gives them the credibility they sorely needed. Pujols is a Cub.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:20 PM
For Red Sox fans here… just keep repeating to yourself Xander Bogaerts
October 12th, 2011 at 12:20 PM
I’m sure Epstein will do a thorough evaluation of the entire organization, that’s what a new GM does. But if you’re point is the Cubs have a bad farm system, I don’t think that’s right.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:21 PM
How about hell no? This entire organization needs a makeover and this is a big first step. Hopefully Ryno comes over with him to take the reigns in the clubhouse. I sincerely hope all the drunk morons at Wrigley exhibit some patience. TBL, your knowledge of any baseball outside of the AL East is really sad.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:21 PM
They won’t. They’ll re-sign Pena because Tom Ricketts likes him and he’s a good veteran clubhouse guy. He’ll get a 1-2 year deal. The Cubs will be tanking to do what Ricketts wants to do now. Build in the draft.
Expect the Cubs to sign some free agent 30+ year old arms that will just eat innings. I don’t see an FA on the market this winter that is young enough that the Cubs would want to make a big splash with. All they sign this winter is depth, IMO.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:21 PM
Landing Theo gives them the credibility they sorely needed. Pujols is a Cub.
Landing Pujols will not help them right now. They need more players around him. This isn’t the NBA or NFL where a big player instantly improves your whole team. They have too many other issues to contend with and signing another player to a huge contract is exactly the opposite of what they should do.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:22 PM
Yup. I’m still skeptical about the last line, but the first three are as good a road as any to getting there.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:22 PM
Its really starting to get depressing seeing all these players born in the 90′s
October 12th, 2011 at 12:22 PM
For Red Sox fans here… just keep repeating to yourself Xander Bogaerts
October 12th, 2011 at 12:23 PM
Philadelphia Eagles say what now?
October 12th, 2011 at 12:23 PM
they’re like the modern day cowgirls.
i like to compare the cubs to the aggies. somehow in the conversation, yet has not done shit for generations and has a neat stadium with delusional fanbase.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:23 PM
I can buy it with the current ownership, but iyou can’t draw comparisons with current guys and Yaz, Rice, or Williams.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:24 PM
“Big” player? I don’t know. Pujols? Yeah, it does. Depends how you project his next 3-5 years, though. His second half is certainly encouraging.
For more evidence, see Bonds-era Giants. Those teams were shit.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:24 PM
Yeah, first thing my eyes went to was 1992.
/1992!
October 12th, 2011 at 12:25 PM
Very true. I am just waiting for the Globe’s 5 pager tomorrow about the beer and fried chicken consumption of Theo.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:26 PM
He better bring a ton of David Ortiz’s magic eyedrops to Wrigley.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:26 PM
Derek Jeter is taking over as GM of the Yankees. They are then signing Pujols to be the DH, Jose Reyes to be SS, and then CJ Wilson to be the #2 after CC signs his new deal.
/WFAN caller
October 12th, 2011 at 12:26 PM
Well, he’ll be in Salem by July, so I think 2014 is possible, depending on his growth against better pitching. The FO already has pushed him hard, age-advanced and aggressive promotions, and he’s done pretty well.
Lowell/Greenville should be pretty good this year, and hopefully Portland improves. It’s gonna take couple years to get the good prospects into AA/AAA ball, especially the pitchers.
Their best “advanced” arm right now is a college pitcher who had some struggles at high-A ball this year, and who has the ceiling of a #3 starter.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:26 PM
But if you’re point is the Cubs have a bad farm system, I don’t think that’s right.
Cubs develop pitching.
Before Castro, Soto was their last everyday player they developed.
Before Soto it was Mark Grace.
So yes I would agree their farm system sucks.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:27 PM
I would only go with inoffensive
October 12th, 2011 at 12:27 PM
everyone will be closely watching the Cubs rebuild. Toss in the fact that the Astros will be continue to be a mess for a few more years, the Cardinals could lose Pujols this offseason, and the Brewers could lose Fielder this offseason, and Epstein could feasibly have the Cubs back in the postseason in 2012 (though I think 2013 is more realistic
No love for the Buccos?
October 12th, 2011 at 12:28 PM
Aramis Ramirez will be a Marlin next season, too. He isn’t coming back. The Cubs are going to be downright terrible next year. For once, I think that’s a good thing. With Jim Hendry pulling the strings, being terrible netted us crappy draft choices. Hopefully Theo turns that around.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:29 PM
A Moneyball reference, a Carlos Pena reference, and no mention of how Pena was the guy Beane wanted to bench in favor of Hatteberg?
October 12th, 2011 at 12:29 PM
Awaiting moderation:
How about hell no? This entire organization needs a makeover and this is a big first step. Hopefully Ryno comes over with him to take the reigns in the clubhouse. I sincerely hope all the drunk morons at Wrigley exhibit some patience. TBL, your knowledge of any baseball outside of the AL East is really sad.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:30 PM
Epstein needs to fix the farm system in their inability to develop position players first and foremost.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:30 PM
OK, I guess I’ll go to what the “experts” say. This was before the draft, which was pretty well received.
Law:
A top-10 system before the Garza trade, the Cubs probably would place more guys in the 101-150 range than any organization except the Royals. They’re loaded with high-floor players who have the potential to be above-average or better big leaguers but aren’t there yet. Considering all the picks they’ve given up to sign free agents, it’s remarkable how strong the system still is after the giant trade with Tampa Bay.
Baseball America: #16
October 12th, 2011 at 12:30 PM
The 2000 NL MVP disagrees!
October 12th, 2011 at 12:31 PM
I’m guessing you are talking about Ranaudo. It’s crazy how quickly a prospect can lose their luster. Ranaudo had a ceiling of a #2 last year but struggled this year. Maybe he can regain some of his form next year.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:31 PM
Very true. I am just waiting for the Globe’s 5 pager tomorrow about the beer and fried chicken consumption of Theo.
He doesn’t look like he’s aged at all in 10 years. Perhaps that’s his secret.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:31 PM
Terrible in 2012, means a 2013 draft pick, that will be ready in 2016. So to have multiple home-grown players on the team, it’s gonna be 2018. That’s a long wait for a GM. He’s going to have to sign some MiL free agents, Rule 5 draft some guys, and do anything to get a couple lucky hits on prospects to stock that farm system before then.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:31 PM
Agreed. 2012 is going to be worse than 2011. I hope people realize that. Most of them won’t though. 2014 is the first year I think the Cubs can realistically compete for the Central division title.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:32 PM
Baseball America: #16
Astros moved up to 26th! Yay!
October 12th, 2011 at 12:33 PM
Then it’s still #2. I wasn’t trying to downgrade him a lot, but he struggled in a pitchers league, so he’s definitely no sure thing. Hopefully he gets some command back, and another year of conditioning/strength/innings will let him keep his form deep into games. His biggest problem was not being able to repeat his delivery for 6 IP, and that is the kind of thing that should improve when a 6’7″ (!!!) pitcher can finally pack on and keep on the weight.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:33 PM
if only the sox had made konerko player/manager they’d still own the spotlight!
question though: if a team has a player-manager what constitutes a mound visit?
October 12th, 2011 at 12:34 PM
“I got married in the Chapel O’ Love?”
October 12th, 2011 at 12:34 PM
I’d expect Presidnt Theo to get some new front office people in marketing and operations and increase future revenue models first, so he can then have more $$$ to spend. Player Development is a pain, I see Theo just going scorched-earth free agent signings in Chicago.
/I didn’t invent the rainy day, man. I just own the best umbrella.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:35 PM
That would have been awesome.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:35 PM
The character assassination piece of Theo will be the hardest one to read for Sawks fans. He made three shitty signings (Drew (too much, too long, too injured – good when healthy), Dice-K (outbid the Yankees for a #3 starter) and Lackey (TBD). Other than that, he constructed two title teams and made the playoffs all but 3 years he was employed. There’s no reason to defile him in Boston. What he did was nothing short of fantastic considering he had to compete with New York.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:35 PM
The more I look at this Cubs team (I opened another browser tab) the less I like. They have nobody in the farm system, the current players are average at best, and they have a few huge contracts to pay off. The Pirates will be relevant again before they are.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:36 PM
or how about if the player gets thrown out, can he still manage?
October 12th, 2011 at 12:37 PM
I have no idea, but oskie bringing up Jeter as GM made me think of him as player/manager, and that if that ever happened Ian O’Conner would never take his hand off his own cock.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:37 PM
Theo should forever be celebrated by Sox fans for trading Nomar in 2004 for Orlando Cabrera and Doug Mientdhljabscxziewicz. Ballsy move that brought a World Series title to Boston.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:37 PM
Ricketts wouldn’t have hired him if this were the case.
The only teams that made more money in the last decade in baseball are the one he’s leaving and the one he competed directly against. The Chicago Cubs print their own currency.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:37 PM
Perhaps that’s his secret.
Not caring means no stress. Less stress means less aging.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:38 PM
Here is to hoping Lavarnway can possibly stick a C. Every scout says he has no chance but if he can, with that bat that would be a huge plus.
And if they can get that kind of offensive production from C it might allow them to go with Iglesias at short and be able to take absolutely no production offensively from that position.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:38 PM
my worry would have been paulie never taking himself out for a pinch runner
October 12th, 2011 at 12:38 PM
It’ll take a while. Rather than wait for draft picks, expect Theo to take a lot of fliers on young guys (maybe sign/trade for Andrew Miller??) and try to build the system up outside the draft. The Sox had some success with aggressive shoulder-strengthening program (which saved Papelbon’s career as a closer). You could see some similar ‘organizational’ effects from Epstein that have big impacts in Chicago.
If Epstein gets the Cubs back to contention, will SC have to take back all his snarky comments about him in Boston? He’s already done a pretty strong 180
October 12th, 2011 at 12:39 PM
Doug Mientdhljabscxziewicz
Worst person I ever met when working in sports… Hands down.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:40 PM
And yet, it’s kind of our ownership’s ‘thing’ to do.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:40 PM
Scripty … why?
October 12th, 2011 at 12:40 PM
This x 4 wins in a row vs. NY.
But it also must be said that he took an above-average SS who won a title and wanted to stay in Boston in Cabrera, and ‘upgraded’ to the awful Renteria, and then had to pay the Braves to take him.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:40 PM
Worst person I ever met when working in sports… Hands down.
Damn. That’s some strong hate. He sleep with your sister or something?
October 12th, 2011 at 12:40 PM
Fuck Mientdhljabscxziewicz. He stole the WS game ball!
October 12th, 2011 at 12:41 PM
The Chicago Cubs print their own currency.
I’m not necessarily saying your wrong, but didn’t they file for Bankruptcy not too long ago?
October 12th, 2011 at 12:42 PM
aw, i’m not trying to read 103 comments….so, sandberg is a real possibility as mgr. epstein tried to hire him as a double A manager
October 12th, 2011 at 12:42 PM
He made three shitty signings
Juan Pierre with a little pop says Hi
October 12th, 2011 at 12:42 PM
Yeah, I was delighted that they didn’t keep Cabrera.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:43 PM
I wish we could sign Tek to a 3 month contract, and give Lavarnway some reps in Pawtucket. He’s only caught 20 games or something above AA ball I think because he was a DH mostly at AAA. If he makes the big league club, he’ll need some serious work with Gary Tuck to be able to catch.
I’d like to re-sign Scutaro, pick up the option and let Iglesias learn to hit better. I think @ChrisMellen has said he has some plus bat speed and really some decent offensive potential.
For any Sox fans not following @ChrisMellen and @SoxProspects (Mike Andrews) I recommend it highly.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:43 PM
He made three shitty signings
Juan Pierre with a little pop says Hi
Bobby Jenks?
October 12th, 2011 at 12:43 PM
aw, i’m not trying to read 103 comments….so, sandberg is a real possibility as mgr. epstein tried to hire him as a double A manager
That would be a quick way to get Cubbie fans on your side with a hire like that.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:44 PM
the tribune company did, not the same thing
October 12th, 2011 at 12:44 PM
Theyre doing a live blog with a Boston Globe editor about that story.. this comment just got posted and had me loling:
Joe, when you say Hohler is one of the leading investigative journalists in the country, do you mean he had to investigate where his phone was when Sox ownership called to throw Francona and the players under the bus?
October 12th, 2011 at 12:44 PM
Are the Cubs improving their amateur scouting here too?
really beefing up the dominican academy type presence
October 12th, 2011 at 12:44 PM
Your franchise still needs to be cleansed from the face of the Earth. The guy that ran the baseball side of it is smart with the exception of the 3 signings I mentioned.
He better know how to build a farm system, of which he’s shown me little evidence in Boston. The only thing I know he knows how to do is trade young kids with a high ceiling. You can only dupe so people so many times. He needs to develop at the very least, two position players internally to compliment Castro and grow another top end starter. The Cubs have the resources to sign proven FAs, hopefully he does it wisely, meaning not this year or next.
I hope your franchise continues to slide into ruin but I’ll be focusing a little more on mine being successful now than I was before.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:45 PM
m not necessarily saying your wrong, but didn’t they file for Bankruptcy not too long ago?
That was for tax dodge to complete sell fromTrib.
They have to rebuild Wrigley, in order to maintain a $ 130 million payroll and go higher.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:46 PM
Renteria and cash to Atlanta for Andy Marte, and then Renteria was turned into Gorkys Hernandez and Jair Jurrjens. Then Sabean paid Renteria $18 million. That’s a lot of teams whiffing on one guy.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:46 PM
I really want Carlos Zambrano to be part of the compensation. That guy in Fenway would be awesomely combustible.
no moreso than he and ozzie in miami
/limbo!
October 12th, 2011 at 12:47 PM
Wide World,
What do you think the Sox should do with Ortiz? I am leaning towards letting him walk and pocket the two draft picks when he inevitably turns down arb. I know he had a good year but I really envision a decline beginning next year. It’s time to give the roster more flexibility and rotate players through the DH spot.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:47 PM
Uh, no
October 12th, 2011 at 12:47 PM
@wfantrades is going to see a spike in stupidity with Yankees and Mets fans thinking they can fleece the Red Sox for some high end players with Theo gone.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:48 PM
I’m not necessarily saying your wrong, but didn’t they file for Bankruptcy not too long ago?
Uh, no
Uh, well yes, they did, but as Butters and others pointed out, it was for a tax dodge.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:51 PM
This isn’t the NBA or NFL where a big player instantly improves your whole team.
like asomugha?
October 12th, 2011 at 12:52 PM
But yeah, if he’s in the Cubs fold, he’s got my backing and a long leash. The contract is 5 years for a reason. Show us a competitive team by year 3 and a contender by years 4-5 and I’ll wash his car every day.
Bumpy ride for years 1-2. That’s expected unless you’re a mouthbreather. Of which the Cubs fan base has its share. Results in the standings are not what we should look at but rather overslotting in the draft and foreign player acquisitions.
I still hate the Red Sox. Nothing can ever change that.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:53 PM
Dude had some confirmed family in town but was trying to send out ball boys and others to tell them he had to run out and couldn;t meet them (each day of a series), the clubhouse guys seemed to loathe him, generally abrasive and rude for no reason to everybody. This was minor leagues before he even made the show and he was about the 8th best player on a Twins minors team. This includes 7 years in sports and entertainment. worst dude. easy.
I guess he was he was an equal opportunity jerk. terrible to all people to their faces
October 12th, 2011 at 12:54 PM
The Tribune Co. filing for bankruptcy is not the Cubs filing for bankruptcy
October 12th, 2011 at 12:55 PM
Served him at a bar in Minneapolis a few times, he was a prick to fans and a terrible tipper
October 12th, 2011 at 12:55 PM
I bet a Cubs title will. 1) because of all the pink Cubs hats and 2) just because when you have success, it’s hard to hate. I want to beat the Yankees as much as ever, but since 2004, I hardly ‘hate’ them, outside of the field of play.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:57 PM
The Tribune Co. filing for bankruptcy is not the Cubs filing for bankruptcy
Chicago Cubs File Bankruptcy to Ease Sale
The Tribune Company owned the Cubs at the time did they not? They filed Bankruptcy to sell make selling the team easier, did they not? That’s all I was saying.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:57 PM
Yeah, I was delighted that they didn’t keep Cabrera.
In fairness, Cabrera hasn’t lasted in one place long since. He has a 1-year shelf life max before he rubs everybody the wrong way it seems. Initially them ignoring him was weird but vagabond nature afterwards has made that seem semi-rational.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:57 PM
That would be a quick way to get Cubbie fans on your side with a hire like that.
very unnecesary. those mopes wake up on the cubs side. it would be a smart move….sandberg has paid the dues
October 12th, 2011 at 12:58 PM
It really depends on the money/years. With Theo gone, they might be hesitant to let him go. I just don’t think Lavarnway is ready at all. If you are going to let him go, use Youk as a DH 90% of the time, and have Aviles/Lowrie play third, and re-sign Scutaro.
A year ago I’d have said let Scut/Ortiz/Paps all go, but I think all could sign. The depth isn’t there to take a hit at every position, and if money isn’t an issue, let Papi stay if you can get him for 2-3 years (even if you just overpay for the 2 + option and not 3. I’m sentimental anyway, but Lavarnway as great as his July was, has had 3 months above AA and was in high A Salem 13 months ago. He needs to slow down.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:59 PM
Served him at a bar in Minneapolis a few times, he was a prick to fans and a terrible tipper
Yes I abstained this as tipping in clubhouses is odd; some guys come in at the end of the season and tip a ton to compensate for the whole year; but generally if you want special things you tip right away; he was not in this club; the head clubhouse guys in road clubhouses are some of the coolest people in all of baseball;
October 12th, 2011 at 1:01 PM
They placed the Cubs in Chapter 11 so that Tribune creditors couldn’t raid the Cubs for Tribune Company debts. It’s not like the Cubs were broke.
October 12th, 2011 at 1:07 PM
Seems like a good dude.
October 12th, 2011 at 1:07 PM
Thanks, point I was trying unsuccessfully to make
October 12th, 2011 at 1:09 PM
konerko as manager would be slightly less boring than ventura
October 12th, 2011 at 1:17 PM
konerko as manager would be slightly less boring than ventura
How about letting Ventura playing third?
October 12th, 2011 at 1:23 PM
Cubs have a lot of money. They could be competitive as soon as next year with the right moves. 2013 is more likely.
October 12th, 2011 at 2:31 PM
Theo is an egomaniac. Wrong choice for the Cubbies.