Re: New GM/Cubs Future News Articles

[BosRedSox5]

The idea that Boston would suffer any backlash from the lack of a deal is fiction. Sure, both sides have something to lose but I can't see how Chicago just walks away and looks good.

 

In Boston Theo is well liked, and his top assistant, Ben Cherington, is poised to take over. If Epstein comes back, he stays in his home and near his family. This was reportedly a major concern for him in accepting work with the Cubs. Sure, he'll probably be a little upset at not being able to take an opportunity he wanted, but he's a grown man, not a baby. Is he going to hold it against the Red Sox that they held back because the Cubs wouldn't agree to fair compensation. Given his success in Boston people have discussed making him team president here. Their current CEO, Larry Lucchino's contract is up, and Theo could assume that role, or of a new one such as "President of Baseball Operations" while Cherington takes over.

 

Theo has been all but anointed savior of the Cubs. The team already has a contract in place for him. He was Rickett's first choice for the job and losing on him makes the organization look incompetent and cheap. Say Theo comes back to Boston and finishes his contract, who's to say he doesn't mend fences and feel thankful that he didn't make the jump? Who's to say, if he was available next season the Cubs would be holding a torch for him? Do you really think any self respecting baseball executive would come to Chicago, with the understanding he's only keeping the chair warm for Epstein? Give me a break!

 

Trust me, absolutely no one in Boston is worried about this not going through. I'd argue most hope it doesn't. Boston has nothing to lose whatsoever from walking away.

Edited October 15, 2011 by BosRedSox5

[Derwood]

If you think Theo could just go back and everything would be fine you're fooling yourself. Henry has already thrown him under the bus, and the Boston media has destroyed him. there's no going back

[MSG T]

The idea that Boston would suffer any backlash from the lack of a deal is fiction. Sure, both sides have something to lose, I'd be a liar if I said otherwise, but I can't see how Chicago just walks away and looks good.

 

In Boston Theo is well liked, and his top assistant, Ben Cherington, is poised to take over. If Epstein comes back, he stays in his home and near his family. This was reportedly a major concern for him in accepting work with the Cubs. Sure, he'll probably be a little upset at not being able to take an opportunity he wanted, but he's a grown man, not a baby. Is he going to hold it against the Red Sox that they held back because the Cubs wouldn't agree to fair compensation. Given his success in Boston people have discussed making him team president here. Their current CEO, Larry Lucchino's contract is up, and Theo could assume that role, or of a new one such as "President of Baseball Operations" while Cherington takes over.

 

Theo has been all but anointed savior of the Cubs. The team already has a contract in place for him. He was Rickett's first choice for the job and losing on him makes the organization look incompetent and cheap. Say Theo comes back to Boston and finishes his contract, who's to say he doesn't mend fences and feel thankful that he didn't make the jump? Who's to say, if he was available next season the Cubs would be holding a torch for him? Do you really think any self respecting baseball executive would come to Chicago, with the understanding he's only keeping the chair warm for Epstein? Give me a break!

 

Trust me, absolutely no one in Boston is worried about this not going through. I'd argue most hope it doesn't. Boston has nothing to lose whatsoever from walking away.

 

Offering compensation that is much higher than what should be required, or appropriate, and having Boston still stall because of personal reasons will not make the Cubs look bad or incompetent if they walk away. On the contrary, it will make Henry and Lucchino (in particular) look like they were doing it purely to punish Theo. It already looks like that.

 

If anything falls through, Ricketts simply tells fans that Boston was wanting more than what was reasonable, and go hire someone else. There would be little backlash amongst Cubs fans because of that. And Boston is stuck with a guy they don't want, don't have room for and still have to pay him $6.5 mil to do nothing.

[Bryants Disco Ball]

This will probably be unpopular, but I agree with everything Boston guy is saying.

 

After a few days to think about it, I'd give up Brett Jackson for Theo. I'd appreciate if the Sox wouldn't try to be unfair and ask for a whole lot more.

 

There are lots of other general managers to pick from, true, but Theo is being brought in here to change everything about this franchise. I put my full trust in him that he's going to be able to do that. Maybe some of the other GM hires can, maybe they can't. I believe 100 percent that Theo will. To me, that's worth a good prospect because we are going to be paid back with 10 good ones thanks to Theo.

 

I can't stop thinking about that interview someone posted here where Theo is talking about J.D. Drew. That was simply amazing stuff, not only what he said but the way he articulated himself. The dude totally inspired me, and one stupid interview made me realize that I'd give up a prospect for Theo. Most prospects bust. Theo won't.

[Guest]

Why stop at Brett Jackson? Toss in Soto, Cashner, and Starlin too.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Frankly, I'd offer cash and nothing more.

 

As a Cubs fan, I'd love to have Theo, but based on the reports, I'd hold no ill will if Rickets said that the cost in players was too much.

 

I do think Boston has much more to lose here. First, sure they could keep Theo around for another year. In fact, they could offer him an extension to get him to stay. But in reality, I think Boston has gone too far down this road to keep Theo.

[Guest]

The idea that Boston would suffer any backlash from the lack of a deal is fiction. Sure, both sides have something to lose but I can't see how Chicago just walks away and looks good.

 

In Boston Theo is well liked, and his top assistant, Ben Cherington, is poised to take over. If Epstein comes back, he stays in his home and near his family. This was reportedly a major concern for him in accepting work with the Cubs. Sure, he'll probably be a little upset at not being able to take an opportunity he wanted, but he's a grown man, not a baby. Is he going to hold it against the Red Sox that they held back because the Cubs wouldn't agree to fair compensation. Given his success in Boston people have discussed making him team president here. Their current CEO, Larry Lucchino's contract is up, and Theo could assume that role, or of a new one such as "President of Baseball Operations" while Cherington takes over.

 

Theo has been all but anointed savior of the Cubs. The team already has a contract in place for him. He was Rickett's first choice for the job and losing on him makes the organization look incompetent and cheap. Say Theo comes back to Boston and finishes his contract, who's to say he doesn't mend fences and feel thankful that he didn't make the jump? Who's to say, if he was available next season the Cubs would be holding a torch for him? Do you really think any self respecting baseball executive would come to Chicago, with the understanding he's only keeping the chair warm for Epstein? Give me a break!

 

Trust me, absolutely no one in Boston is worried about this not going through. I'd argue most hope it doesn't. Boston has nothing to lose whatsoever from walking away.

 

The relationship between Epstein and Luccino/Henry is irreparably damaged.

[Rob]

NSBB is convinced that the Cubs have all the leverage, SOSH is convinced that the Red Sox have all of it. As of writing this very sentence, I honestly don't know where I stand on the issue. But I'm tired of wondering and figure my only real chance to figure it out is to consolidate the bargaining positions of each club. So I'm going to examine what each team has to gain and lose from a potential deal... as well as what they stand to gain and lose from this deal falling through.

 

The Red Sox

 

What the Red Sox stand to gain from dealing Theo Epstein:

Money - Both from the Cubs and from getting out from under Theo's contract. I've seen differing reports on the contract, but most of them seem to agree that it will cost the Red Sox between $6mil and $7mil to keep Theo around between his salary and his conclusion bonus. Many Red Sox fans are willing to write this off, but I'm sure the Red Sox aren't. I'll touch on why in the next bullet point.

Prospects - Both from the Cubs and from the $6mil to $7mil the Red Sox just freed up in their budget. That's enough for some huge overslots in the draft (enough to get better prospects than the Cubs can possibly offer).

Employee morale & image - An employee was allowed to change organizations to pursue a promotion, Cherington gets promoted from within, and all is well.

 

What the Red Sox stand to lose from dealing Theo Epstein:

Theo Epstein himself - It sucks for them, but he's gone regardless after this season. Relationships were already strained enough he was willing to leave. Taking away the biggest payday of his life wont help matters.

 

What the Red Sox stand to gain from this deal falling through:

Theo Epstein - Just for one extra year

 

What the Red Sox stand to lose from this deal falling through:

Money - Both from the Cubs and honoring Theo's contract

Prospects - Both from the Cubs and not having the leftover money from Theo's contract.

Employee morale & image - Theo is around as a lame duck. Best case for the Red Sox, his contract allows him to be put aside twiddling this thumbs somewhere while Cherington takes over as GM. Worst case, he has to be retained as GM and the Red Sox run the risk of Cherington leaving for a GM job elsewhere at his first opportunity. Also, this course of action hurts hiring of potential young executives.

 

The Cubs

 

What the Cubs stand to gain from trading for Theo Epstein:

Theo Epstein - Obviously their #1 choice.

Public Relations - This move should help sell some tickets.

 

What the Cubs stand to lose from trading for Theo Epstein:

Money - And loads of it, at that.

Prospects - Whoever in the system the Red Sox are demanding.

Randy Bush - Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha

 

What the Cubs stand to gain from this deal falling through:

Money - More than enough to hire whoever else they'd like to have. Rick Hahn, Josh Byrnes, etc...

Prospects - Keep the guys the Red Sox want. Plus, there's leftover money that would have gone to Epstein's contract and could be spent on prospects

 

What the Cubs stand to lose from this deal falling through:

Theo Epstein - Or more accurately, the gap from a Theo Epstein to a Rick Hahn type. For at most one year until Theo becomes available again.

Public Relations - Not getting Theo would bite the Cubs in the ass a bit in the press, unless the Cubs made a bigger move (in terms of moves the public cares about) such as signing one of Pujols/Fielder, or bringing in Ryno as manager.

 

Conclusion:

 

Yeah, I don't even know why I had to bother typing that all out to see it. NSBB wins. Cubs have the leverage. There's a legit argument that the Cubs are better off if the deal falls through and they use the money on Rick Hahn and prospects. But the Red Sox take a hit if the deal falls through and there's no debating it. The inner Cubs fan in me that was freaking out about this is now much more calm.

 

Anything more than a couple token minor league prospects or cash should only be available if Theo can bring guys over with him.

[Fast Freddie Bynum]

Theo for Quade?? Fair??

[ScrubMD]

The idea that Boston would suffer any backlash from the lack of a deal is fiction. Sure, both sides have something to lose but I can't see how Chicago just walks away and looks good.

 

In Boston Theo is well liked, and his top assistant, Ben Cherington, is poised to take over. If Epstein comes back, he stays in his home and near his family. This was reportedly a major concern for him in accepting work with the Cubs. Sure, he'll probably be a little upset at not being able to take an opportunity he wanted, but he's a grown man, not a baby. Is he going to hold it against the Red Sox that they held back because the Cubs wouldn't agree to fair compensation. Given his success in Boston people have discussed making him team president here. Their current CEO, Larry Lucchino's contract is up, and Theo could assume that role, or of a new one such as "President of Baseball Operations" while Cherington takes over.

 

Theo has been all but anointed savior of the Cubs. The team already has a contract in place for him. He was Rickett's first choice for the job and losing on him makes the organization look incompetent and cheap. Say Theo comes back to Boston and finishes his contract, who's to say he doesn't mend fences and feel thankful that he didn't make the jump? Who's to say, if he was available next season the Cubs would be holding a torch for him? Do you really think any self respecting baseball executive would come to Chicago, with the understanding he's only keeping the chair warm for Epstein? Give me a break!

 

Trust me, absolutely no one in Boston is worried about this not going through. I'd argue most hope it doesn't. Boston has nothing to lose whatsoever from walking away.

 

It doesn't matter if stupid Boston fans aren't mad, the Red Sox will look horrible to anyone who would consider working for them in the future. They'll also pay 6.5m for a pissed off special assistant.

 

The Cubs will have an equally or near equally awesome GM that costs less and doesn't require prospects.

 

Cubs win

[pccubfan]

This will probably be unpopular, but I agree with everything Boston guy is saying.

 

After a few days to think about it, I'd give up Brett Jackson for Theo. I'd appreciate if the Sox wouldn't try to be unfair and ask for a whole lot more.

 

There are lots of other general managers to pick from, true, but Theo is being brought in here to change everything about this franchise. I put my full trust in him that he's going to be able to do that. Maybe some of the other GM hires can, maybe they can't. I believe 100 percent that Theo will. To me, that's worth a good prospect because we are going to be paid back with 10 good ones thanks to Theo.

 

I can't stop thinking about that interview someone posted here where Theo is talking about J.D. Drew. That was simply amazing stuff, not only what he said but the way he articulated himself. The dude totally inspired me, and one stupid interview made me realize that I'd give up a prospect for Theo. Most prospects bust. Theo won't.

 

You seriously don't believe that there is any problems with Boston bringing Theo back? The Red Sox gave Theo permission to talk with the Cubs. He liked what he heard and what the Cubs offered and made a decision to accept their offer. The Cubs are going to pay him almost double his current salary and promote him but the Red Sox are going to hold that up because they want more than $3.1 million of compensation for Theo. In addition, the Red Sox owner calls Theo out for signing Carl Crawford, even though he wasn't in favor of the signing. And still more, word comes from the Cubs camp that the negotiating being done by Lucchino is vindictive and overly difficult for the sole purpose of sticking it to Theo. Yeah, I can see where there would be no hard feelings from Theo. I'm sure he can't wait to get back to work in Boston's front office.

 

If I were Theo and getting it stuck to me like that, I'd do all in my power to stick them too. You don't think that Henry has thought of that angle? You really think that Henry is going to trust Theo's decision making going forward?

 

Look at your other candidates and start making arrangements to hire one of them. And Ricketts needs to make it his mission in life to screw over the Red Sox any chance he can get.

Edited October 15, 2011 by pccubsfan

[RammyFanny]

Source: Right now no other Sox personnel going to Cubs with Theo

Nick Cafardo (Boston Globe).

And from a PSD poster (not the slamdunk insider who knows all...but a well respected poster):

Hear that (maybe Marlin can varify) the Cubs are not willing to go over a Castillo, Jay Jackson and some cash deal as compensation ...

http://www.prosportsdaily.com/forums/showthread.php?t=659906&page=83

[BosRedSox5]

The relationship between Epstein and Luccino/Henry is irreparably damaged.

 

That's just not at all accurate. Lucchino is his mentor and the one who actually brought him to Boston in the first place. John Henry gave him his first GM job for his hometown team. Not only that, but he's been given complete control over Boston's baseball operations.

 

Also, I still fail to see how the Cubs going with an interim general manager makes any sense. Here's this from SOSH:

 

People have talked about how silly the Red Sox situation would be if they had to have Theo stick around another year.

 

But how ridiculous would the Cubs' situation be?

 

Sorry, Mr. Fielder. We can't make any big commitment this year. Our GM is just a place holder till next year.

Sorry, Mr. Pujols. We can't make any big decisions this year.

 

June 2012 amateur draft? Has to go on auto pilot.

 

Amateur signings in the Caribbean and elsewwhere around the world? Um, whatever we were doing last year.

 

Hey, Cubs fans, turn out for our 2012 season while we mark time till we get serious! And don't forget to tune in to WGN to watch your Cubs in purgatory broadcast!

 

Teams often have rebuilding seasons and seasons that you strongly suspect aren't going anywhere but the Cubs would be taking that to a whole new level with a season where there's effectively no one at the tiller.

 

The White Sox got 2 of the Marlins' top 10 prospects for letting Ozzie Guillen go to Florida. Why would the Red Sox accept anything less?

 

That's what awaits if the Cubs don't play ball. It's like the part in Moneyball where Beane is trying to convince Omar Minaya to add Youkilis into the Cliff Floyd trade. He tells him something to the effect of: "I can see the Boston papers now: 'Larry Lucchino misses out on Cliff Floyd to keep fat third baseman in Double A'"

 

The Cubs knew that Theo would come at a price, that he'd require a fair amount of compensation and now they're getting sticker shock. You can't just have one of the elite general managers in all of baseball when he's under contract. A price has to be paid. Holding out hope that the Red Sox will "blink first" is amateurish. Missing out on getting him would be a disaster.

[Clem Fandango]

Source: Right now no other Sox personnel going to Cubs with Theo

Nick Cafardo (Boston Globe).

And from a PSD poster (not the slamdunk insider who knows all...but a well respected poster):

Hear that (maybe Marlin can varify) the Cubs are not willing to go over a Castillo, Jay Jackson and some cash deal as compensation ...

http://www.prosportsdaily.com/forums/showthread.php?t=659906&page=83

 

Good, that's about the max amount of talent in a prospect they should be willing to give up

[cubsclapp]

Source: Right now no other Sox personnel going to Cubs with Theo

Nick Cafardo (Boston Globe).

And from a PSD poster (not the slamdunk insider who knows all...but a well respected poster):

Hear that (maybe Marlin can varify) the Cubs are not willing to go over a Castillo, Jay Jackson and some cash deal as compensation ...

http://www.prosportsdaily.com/forums/showthread.php?t=659906&page=83

He lost me at "varify".

[Andy]

The Cubs could get plenty of GMs comparable to Theo without paying the absurd price Boston is demanding. There's a guy named Cherington that would probably be receptive to the Cubs' offer to name just one, especially after watching this train wreck unfold in front of him. Although I'm sure the Red Sox would determine him to be worth eleventy gazillion dollars plus our whole farm system as well.

 

The implication that we'd be stuck with an interim GM if we don't get Theo is a ridiculous one.

[Guest]

Theo is not staying with the Red Sox. Whether he goes to the Cubs may be a different matter, but I think he will. Theo not staying with the Sox was set when they let go of Francona. It wasn't hard to tell that both Theo and Francona weren't too happy at the press conference. Then they tramped on Francona's face by implying he had a drug problem. On Friday Henry insinuated that he wanted nothing to do with Crawford, implying it was Theo.

 

The Red Sox may say they love Theo, but I'm betting they don't. This is a messy divorce. They are making it messier by squeezing the Cubs.

 

Ricketts has a lot to lose here, though.

[cubsclapp]

The Cubs could get plenty of GMs comparable to Theo without paying the absurd price Boston is demanding. There's a guy named Cherington that would probably be receptive to the Cubs' offer to name just one, especially after watching this train wreck unfold in front of him. Although I'm sure the Red Sox would determine him to be worth eleventy gazillion dollars plus our whole farm system as well.

 

The implication that we'd be stuck with an interim GM if we don't get Theo is a ridiculous one.

There's no chance in hell we'd go after Cherington if this Theo situation somehow fell through. Just saying.

[MSG T]

The relationship between Epstein and Luccino/Henry is irreparably damaged.

 

That's just not at all accurate. Lucchino is his mentor and the one who actually brought him to Boston in the first place. John Henry gave him his first GM job for his hometown team. Not only that, but he's been given complete control over Boston's baseball operations.

 

Also, I still fail to see how the Cubs going with an interim general manager makes any sense. Here's this from SOSH:

 

People have talked about how silly the Red Sox situation would be if they had to have Theo stick around another year.

 

But how ridiculous would the Cubs' situation be?

 

Sorry, Mr. Fielder. We can't make any big commitment this year. Our GM is just a place holder till next year.

Sorry, Mr. Pujols. We can't make any big decisions this year.

 

June 2012 amateur draft? Has to go on auto pilot.

 

Amateur signings in the Caribbean and elsewwhere around the world? Um, whatever we were doing last year.

 

Hey, Cubs fans, turn out for our 2012 season while we mark time till we get serious! And don't forget to tune in to WGN to watch your Cubs in purgatory broadcast!

 

Teams often have rebuilding seasons and seasons that you strongly suspect aren't going anywhere but the Cubs would be taking that to a whole new level with a season where there's effectively no one at the tiller.

 

The White Sox got 2 of the Marlins' top 10 prospects for letting Ozzie Guillen go to Florida. Why would the Red Sox accept anything less?

 

That's what awaits if the Cubs don't play ball. It's like the part in Moneyball where Beane is trying to convince Omar Minaya to add Youkilis into the Cliff Floyd trade. He tells him something to the effect of: "I can see the Boston papers now: 'Larry Lucchino misses out on Cliff Floyd to keep fat third baseman in Double A'"

 

The Cubs knew that Theo would come at a price, that he'd require a fair amount of compensation and now they're getting sticker shock. You can't just have one of the elite general managers in all of baseball when he's under contract. A price has to be paid. Holding out hope that the Red Sox will "blink first" is amateurish. Missing out on getting him would be a disaster.

 

If you think going with Randy Bush (worst case scenario, continuing as interim for a year) or much more likely going with Hahn, Byrnes or somebody like that instead of Theo will prevent the Cubs from being serious player for CJ Wilson, Pujols, Fielder or CC (if he's available) then you and your sources are insane. They may very well not be players for those guys, but that will have nothing to do with having or not having Theo as GM. Having or not having him will not be what prevents the Cubs from going after any FA.

[Andy]

The Cubs could get plenty of GMs comparable to Theo without paying the absurd price Boston is demanding. There's a guy named Cherington that would probably be receptive to the Cubs' offer to name just one, especially after watching this train wreck unfold in front of him. Although I'm sure the Red Sox would determine him to be worth eleventy gazillion dollars plus our whole farm system as well.

 

The implication that we'd be stuck with an interim GM if we don't get Theo is a ridiculous one.

There's no chance in hell we'd go after Cherington if this Theo situation somehow fell through. Just saying.

I agree. Was just mentioning one of many people comparable to Theo that the Cubs could hire. RedSox is actually positing that the Cubs would sit and wait a year for Theo if it came down to it and that's simply insane.

[manbearcub]

If Boston forced us to wait a year to hire Theo (not gonna happen), presumably a significant amount of the rest of his staff would be available at the same time, no? Edited October 15, 2011 by manbearcub

[MSG T]

The Cubs could get plenty of GMs comparable to Theo without paying the absurd price Boston is demanding. There's a guy named Cherington that would probably be receptive to the Cubs' offer to name just one, especially after watching this train wreck unfold in front of him. Although I'm sure the Red Sox would determine him to be worth eleventy gazillion dollars plus our whole farm system as well.

 

The implication that we'd be stuck with an interim GM if we don't get Theo is a ridiculous one.

There's no chance in hell we'd go after Cherington if this Theo situation somehow fell through. Just saying.

I agree. Was just mentioning one of many people comparable to Theo that the Cubs could hire. RedSox is actually positing that the Cubs would sit and wait a year for Theo if it came down to it and that's simply insane.

 

 

Might as well just cancel next season if we don't get Theo, he's obviously the only person qualified to put a team on the field for the Cubs.

[MSG T]

If Boston forced us to wait a year to hire Theo (not gonna happen), presumably a significant amount of the rest of his staff would be available at the same time, no?

 

In theory, yes, but that ain't gonna happen.

[Guest]

The relationship between Epstein and Luccino/Henry is irreparably damaged.

 

That's just not at all accurate. Lucchino is his mentor and the one who actually brought him to Boston in the first place. John Henry gave him his first GM job for his hometown team. Not only that, but he's been given complete control over Boston's baseball operations.

 

Also, I still fail to see how the Cubs going with an interim general manager makes any sense. Here's this from SOSH:

 

People have talked about how silly the Red Sox situation would be if they had to have Theo stick around another year.

 

But how ridiculous would the Cubs' situation be?

 

Sorry, Mr. Fielder. We can't make any big commitment this year. Our GM is just a place holder till next year.

Sorry, Mr. Pujols. We can't make any big decisions this year.

 

June 2012 amateur draft? Has to go on auto pilot.

 

Amateur signings in the Caribbean and elsewwhere around the world? Um, whatever we were doing last year.

 

Hey, Cubs fans, turn out for our 2012 season while we mark time till we get serious! And don't forget to tune in to WGN to watch your Cubs in purgatory broadcast!

 

Teams often have rebuilding seasons and seasons that you strongly suspect aren't going anywhere but the Cubs would be taking that to a whole new level with a season where there's effectively no one at the tiller.

 

The White Sox got 2 of the Marlins' top 10 prospects for letting Ozzie Guillen go to Florida. Why would the Red Sox accept anything less?

 

That's what awaits if the Cubs don't play ball. It's like the part in Moneyball where Beane is trying to convince Omar Minaya to add Youkilis into the Cliff Floyd trade. He tells him something to the effect of: "I can see the Boston papers now: 'Larry Lucchino misses out on Cliff Floyd to keep fat third baseman in Double A'"

 

The Cubs knew that Theo would come at a price, that he'd require a fair amount of compensation and now they're getting sticker shock. You can't just have one of the elite general managers in all of baseball when he's under contract. A price has to be paid. Holding out hope that the Red Sox will "blink first" is amateurish. Missing out on getting him would be a disaster.

Your scenario is hilariously bad.

 

1) If the Cubs miss out on Theo, they'll likely hire someone else. None of what you talked about comes to pass.

 

2) If the Cubs did let Randy Bush run things for a year to wait for Theo:

- Ricketts would still be able to approve the signing of big name free agents

- Our scouting staff under Wilken would still be able to execute in the draft just fine, thanks. The team had an outstanding draft in 2012 with this staff.

- Our international staff would still be able to sign guys just fine. The team had a very strong signing period this year.

 

In short, the Cubs could move on without Theo. Besides, if Ricketts was good enough at sales to convince Theo to make the move in spite of what you say was a real desire to stay in Boston, he has a real chance to convince Friedman to make the move, too. Friedman would actually be my #1 choice over Theo.

[cubsclapp]

Quote from a Cubs exec via Kaplan:

 

"Larry Lucchino is one of the most unreasonable people I have ever dealt with and because of his frayed relationship with Theo Epstein he is looking to make a point at the expense of Theo's happiness and his desire to go to Chicago. I didn't believe that ownership group for one second when they said that they wouldn't stand in Theo's way if he wanted out of Boston. They are furious that he wants out and they are trying to make a point. Theo helped bring them two World Series titles and they have no loyalty to him and his happiness. They messed with Terry Francona and that was just an incredibly pathetic move and now they are trying to make life very tough for Theo," he said.

 

http://www.csnchicago.com/baseball-chicago-cubs/news/Red-Sox-playing-hardball-with-Cubs?blockID=577760&feedID=661

 

This is exactly what I heard yesterday from somebody who knows somebody.