Epstein to Chicago
Theo Epstein has wrapped up his act in Boston and is said to be moving it over west to Chicago. Epstein and the Cubs have agreed on a five-year deal worth around $15 million.
WEEI, the flagship station of the Red Sox, first reported the news saying the deal is pending as the Red Sox await compensation. Epstein is still under contract for 2012 with the Sox. They will not get a major leaguer in the package but could settle for a prospect or cash.
The Chicago Cubs let go of their general manager, Jim Hendry who was hired in 2002, in mid-August and have been searching for a GM since. It is said that Theo could receive the title of executive vice president/general manager.
Theo Epstein, a Billy Beane fan and moneyball practitioner, will bring a pretty impressive resume to Chicago. In 2002 at the age of 28 Epstein was hired by the Red Sox as their GM.
He made the big money deals to get the Red Sox the best free agents available, while harvesting prospects in the minor league system. Under Epstein the Sox saw the likes of Kevin Youkilis, Dustin Pedroia, Jacoby Ellsbury and Jonathan Papelbon triumph in the Majors.
In 2003, one year after Epstein took over, the Red Sox saw themselves five outs away from a trip to the World Series. To their dismay they saw Aaron Boone punch the walk-off home run over the left field wall.
Epstein and the Sox went back to work and in 2004 the Sox ended their 86 year drought. They swept the St. Louis Cardinals to win their first World Series since 1918 and were said to have broken The Curse of the Bambino.
The Cubs believe they have a curse of their own, the Curse of the Billy Goat. Starting in 1945 when Wrigley Field personnel did not allow William Sianis and his pet goat Murphy to watch the game. William in disgust claimed the Cubs would never win another world series game.
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