Written By: WindyCity
http://windy-city-sports.blogspot.com/
Throughout the day, developments about Theo Epstein’s future with the Cubs have taken place. Multiple reporting agencies including FOX Chicago, FOX Boston, WEEI, ESPN’s Buster Olney, and the Chicago Tribune are reporting that Epstein and the Cubs have agreed to a 5yr/$15-20mil deal, although the Cubs will not confirm the report.
Epstein won two World Series championships as General Manager of the Boston Red Sox, but after the Red Sox failed to make the playoffs in 2011 they started cutting ties with staff, including manager Terry Francona.
Many questions remain with Epstein at GM. I would personally assume that he is going to fire Mike Quade as his first move. The question is then who will be managing the Cubs next year. Many have speculated that Theo will pursue Ryne Sandberg because he asked Ryno to manage Red Sox minor league affiliate Pawtucket. Former GM Jim Hendry took a pass on Sandberg last year, despite Ryno being a fan favorite and a Cubs hall of famer as a player.
I am very happy about this move by the Cubs. Firing Hendry was the right thing to do, as he seemed unwilling to re-build as GM. Hiring Epstein is right because he is a baseball genius and knows how to take a team with little or no World Series experience all the way.
One thing I stress to Cubs fans is to give him time. I have seen many people on the internet today talking about World Series aspirations for the 2012 season. While that is always a great goal, Epstein deserves more than one year to turn the club around. I am confident that he can bring the Cubs a World Series in the five years on his contract, but only if the fans are patient with him.
I will have any updates on the Cubs as well as some football coverage coming up. Remember that you can get sports news quicker by following @WCSBlog on Twitter, and then you can read about the details here later. I look forward to following the Cubs as this plays out. Go Cubs!
