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Re: New GM/Cubs Future News Articles

ArizonaGM

By ArizonaGM,
in Chicago Cubs Talk

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BP's Colin Wyers: http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=15291

 

The Cubs front office, however, will be shaken up substantially by this hiring, and by all accounts it needs to be. The Cubs have had one of the smallest front office staffs in the industry, and plans to build new office spaces to accommodate a growth in staff have stalled for years. The last time the Cubs team overwent a major roster overhaul, general manager Jim Hendry had to decide to pull his advanced scouts for the end of the season to have them scout potential acquisitions. Upon taking over as Cubs chairman, Tom Ricketts hired Ari Kaplan to serve as the team’s statistical analysis manager, but that doesn’t give the Cubs anything like what Boston has, with heavy hitters like Tom Tippett and Bill James available to give the team insight. (And no, I’m not giving you a link for Bill James.)

 

So Cubs fans need to significantly temper their optimism here; Epstein has his work cut out for him in building his new front office, and he’s going to have to start largely from scratch, as any agreement that lets him leave Boston for Chicago is likely to prohibit him from bringing key personnel with him.

 

Epstein is going to be taking on greater responsibility in Chicago than he had in Boston, where he famously left the team for a while in 2005 due to clashes with team CEO Larry Lucchino. Epstein will have a freer hand in Chicago, reporting directly to the Ricketts' without having to go through an intermediary. (Former Chicago Tribune executive Crane Kenney is likely to stay on as club president to help the Ricketts family with their plan to renovate Wrigley and other business matters but will have no oversight on the baseball operations of the team.)

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sneakypower South Bend Cubs

sneakypower

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Theo's been fairly lousy in FA, but I have to wonder if he's at times been overruled by Lucchino, like Cashman had so often been by the Steinbrenners

 

the Crawford and Lackey contracts especially come to mind. he was letting Pedro, Lowe walk and preaching fiscal responsibility, it just doesn't make much sense that he'd so radically change his outlook

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This has been the quickest half day of work ever.
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This has been the quickest half day of work ever.

 

That would imply I've done anything that constitutes work today.

 

 

Same. I just passed up going out for free lunch to stay at my computer.

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SI_JonHeyman Jon Heyman

can confirm epstein has deal in place with #cubs. believed to be worth $15M over 3 yrs plus $3.5M "transfer buyout''

44 seconds ago

 

 

THANKS FOR THE BREAKING NEWS, HEYMAN

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I'm so happy with the idea of having Epstein mold the future of this team. I wouldn't even be disappointed in Ryno as manager. Probably not even disappointed in losing a decent prospect or two, even though I doubt the validity of giving up such talent for a non player.

 

Ricketts will have my undying respect if he gets Epstein here.

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I did just make fun of Heyman, but this may qualify as news

 

Jon Heyman

SI_JonHeyman Jon Heyman

there is a bit of discussion whether #cubs send cash or minor leaguers to #redsox for theo. so far boston prefers the $.

5 minutes ago Favorite Retweet Reply

Laura Chicago Cubs

Laura

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Peter Gammons was on WEEI a little while ago, talking mainly about the collapse and today's clubhouse revelations. I don't think there's audio yet, but quick summary:

 

He's "sickened" by what he sees as the trashing of Tito and believes the same thing will happen to Theo.

Thought "Why? Why?!" at 4 am this morning when he read today's Globe report on the collapse.

"It doesn't speak really well about how insane Boston has become."

"There's so much fanaticism ... maybe it's gotten out of hand."

"It's going to be really tough for fans to like this Red Sox team again."

Ownership would have discussed extending Theo's contract, but he wasn't interested. They clearly wanted him to stay and ownership felt he should stay through the end of his contract (honor his commitment).

MLB Commissioner's office pushed HARD to keep compensation down. (focus seemed to be on $$ to Theo, not team compensation). [i'll be interested in hearing more on this]

Theo was feeling claustrophobic. He went in there and right away had great success, so expectations became overwhelming. He's a very private person.

Talked to many young GMs about trying to raise a family and be a GM - taking calls from Scott Boras on major holidays - upside might not be as great as downside.

team compensation: probably a prospect. Mentioned Brett Jackson again, clearly who HE would like to see.

SouthSideRyan MVP

SouthSideRyan

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Theo was feeling claustrophobic. He went in there and right away had great success, so expectations became overwhelming. He's a very private person.

 

LEAVE HIM ALONE NOAH PINZUR

Old Style Knoxville Smokies

Old Style

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My friend from Boston says Dan Duquette built the 2 championships, not Theo. He is a bit of a meathead, so I expect you guys to tell me how wrong he is here.
Hairyducked Idiot All-Star

Hairyducked Idiot

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TT, if you're around, would you mind posting a link to that Red Sox SI article you talk about on Gateway Redbirds?

 

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1190632/1/index.htm

Wow, that's impressive. Let's get this done.

 

That article makes me ashamed I ever had Theo anywhere but No. 1 preference.

 

Theo is the key-o. I better start saving now for all the championship gear I'm going to have to buy.

Hairyducked Idiot All-Star

Hairyducked Idiot

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My friend from Boston says Dan Duquette built the 2 championships, not Theo. He is a bit of a meathead, so I expect you guys to tell me how wrong he is here.

 

The first one you might be able to make a case for. But the second one? Not a chance. Pure meatheadery.

 

Besides, it's not the specific rings that makes him an awesome candidate. It's the consistent regular season success. Or more specifically, the amazing drafting and trading history.

Edited by Hairyducked Idiot

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