Re: New GM/Cubs Future News Articles

[treebird]

that sulay guy is right. f beantown boston is pooptown.

 

denis leary is the poopiest guy who ever pooped. i don't know if he is really from your stupid town but he sure loves to claim your town and if a jerk like that claims your town and nobody beats the poop out of him until he stops, you guys must be full of poop yourselves.

 

also the boston pops suck. i can't think of any zinger for this one, but please know they are excrementy.

[Hairyducked Idiot]

The ratio of intelligent posters to meatheads over at SoSH is pretty weak for a forum that is invite-only based on intelligent posting in some stupid sub-forum. It's pretty tilt-inducing.

 

In summary: Everything that can possibly be interpreted in a way that benefits Boston must be interpreted that way, regardless of how absurd it sounds.

 

Longer summary:

 

Apparently, the Cubs fired Hendry with the sole intention of hiring Epstein, and probably tampered. They offered Epstein the GMs job, and in no way does the greater responsibility in baseball ops make this a non-lateral move. Then they foolishly announced his signing themselves (the leaks obviously came from their end, right?), painting themselves into an irrevocable corner where they stand to look incredibly foolish and lose tons of face with their fans if they walk away. The Red Sox have an infinite pipeline of awesome executives and losing Epstein is not going to hurt them in the slightest, but Epstein is also super awesome and significantly better than any other option out there so the Cubs should pay whatever Boston wants. The Red Sox would have no problem keeping him under wraps for a year, there's no chance that there'd be any contractual issues with that, and not one person in the baseball world would think ill of the Red Sox for doing so. Meanwhile, their front office are all hard-boiled supernegotiators and the Cubs are going to crumble under their icy gaze any day now.

 

[Illini Iceman]

I like how the Red Sox guy points out that we said we'd be willing to wait a year and just stick with an interim GM this year... when he was the one to suggest that.

 

Red Sox guy is obviously a homer, piecing together the bits ans pieces he liked. Such as pointing out Henry saying he'd like Theo to be his GM for 20 years, and leaving out the rest of what he said, where he acknowledged it had become impossible for that to happen. And how virtually every source close to the situation will tell you Epstein's relationship with the rest of the FO, particularly Lucchino, is broken. And that Theo told them he was leaving after next year anyway, and allowing this to happen will save them 6.5 million dollars and a whole lot of headaches.

 

And yes, Epstein is Ricketts' guy and it would indeed be a big disappointment and slight to moderate setback, but he fails to see that there are Friedman, Hahn, Coppolella, Byrnes, and even Cherington all waiting around to be hired. None of those are Epstein (though Friedman might actually be better), but they represent plans B, C, D, E, etc.

 

I get your point but I don't think Friedman could be fairly characterized as "waiting around to be hired". It probably would be harder to convince him to leave the Rays than it was to convince Epstein to leave the Red Sox.

[BosRedSox5]

I think it would be fair to say that Red Sox fans overestimate Theo's value to the Cubs. (He's the savior of the franchise! Chicago streets will run red with blood if the Theo deal isn't completed!) It's just as fair to say Cubs wans are underestimating Theo's value (There's a ton of other acceptable candidates to choose from! Why should we give up anything of value for him?)

 

Theo Epstein is both the best candidate and Rickett's top choice. That should be exciting for people concerned about the direction of the team. Theo hasn't been great in free agency (since '03 and '04 when he signed Bill Mueller, David Ortiz, Kevin Millar, Mark Bellhorn,et. al.) but his skills absolutely fit Rickett's proposed plan to invest heavily in Latin America and the draft. Epstein's absolute best asset is using financial muscle to work the draft in his favor. I would argue that now the Red Sox have an elite core of homegrown players he's probably worth more to Chicago than Boston.

 

I think both teams realized that they've both gone past the point of no return. The Cubs know they need to part with something of value, and the Sox know it's not going to be a huge haul. Maybe that's why the latest reports are saying the negotiations are cordial and civil.

[ScrubMD]

I like how the Red Sox guy points out that we said we'd be willing to wait a year and just stick with an interim GM this year... when he was the one to suggest that.

 

We should infiltrate their board, suggest that Boston would make Theo their SS if he stays, and then come back and report it as what Boston fans are saying.

 

And also call their moms whores.

[gflore34]

For one I don't believe Bret Jackson, Josh Vitters along with other prospects is too high a price. Save for Castro, I'd give up any combination of players and prospects, in Epstein were looking at someone who's going to change the direction of Cub baseball. A GM who values and understands how OBP correlates to runs which leads to wins - it's worth the price.

[Sammys Boombox]

Muskat is well-respected?

 

She is much better than some. Pathetic that she still has to put up with comments like this.

 

I don't mind her at all. And she's the beat writer for the official team website so it's difficult for her to give us much extra news/analysis on the website or Twitter. She has to just report the news and it's difficult to seem like anything more than a robot when you do that. I wish Sullivan and Wittenmyer would do that more instead of adding in asshatted comments.

 

I'm not a Muskat fan at all, but I personally know the mlb.com beat writer of another team and they are very handcuffed in what they can and cannot write. Makes it kind of hard to judge them. HOWEVER, I'm often dumbfounded by her (Muskat's) comments in the mail bag, so I don't have much respect for her as a sports analyst.

[Backtobanks]

For one I don't believe Bret Jackson, Josh Vitters along with other prospects is too high a price. Save for Castro, I'd give up any combination of players and prospects, in Epstein were looking at someone who's going to change the direction of Cub baseball. A GM who values and understands how OBP correlates to runs which leads to wins - it's worth the price.

 

We can all be thankful that you're not doing the negotiations on the Cub side. There are probably 20 candidates who fit your definition of a GM worth the price.

[Hairyducked Idiot]

For one I don't believe Bret Jackson, Josh Vitters along with other prospects is too high a price. Save for Castro, I'd give up any combination of players and prospects, in Epstein were looking at someone who's going to change the direction of Cub baseball. A GM who values and understands how OBP correlates to runs which leads to wins - it's worth the price.

 

Something's value isn't determined that way. You have to look at scarcity. Epstein's marginal value is how much he brings over the next best candidate, not how much better he is than Jim Hendry.

[mookie]

I can't see the Cardinals beating the Rangers. So, I guess I wouldn't be terribly upset to see the series end tonight. That way, come tomorrow afternoon/evening, all of this should be resolved. It will be nice to move on.

[UMFan83]

I can't see the Cardinals beating the Rangers. So, I guess I wouldn't be terribly upset to see the series end tonight. That way, come tomorrow afternoon/evening, all of this should be resolved. It will be nice to move on.

 

I bet you couldn't see them beating the Phillies either.

[Clem Fandango]

John Henry looks like Bill Nighy. That is all

[mookie]

I can't see the Cardinals beating the Rangers. So, I guess I wouldn't be terribly upset to see the series end tonight. That way, come tomorrow afternoon/evening, all of this should be resolved. It will be nice to move on.

 

I bet you couldn't see them beating the Phillies either.

 

Naw, I saw that one plain as day. Suffice it to say, I undervalued the Rangers this season. I think the Brewers can give them a run for their money, but they will probably feed heavily upon the red birds.

[C.C.]

How did Theo become the GM or the Sox? Did he work his way up the Sox org chart or something?

[C.C.]

MLB doesn't want this to step on the LCS, so Tuesday is the day for an announcement. They have the luxury of dragging this out until then.

Didn't the White Sox announce the Robin Ventura hiring during the playoffs? I honestly don't think MLB cares when it's announced.

 

Nothing can be announced during the World Series. The rest of the playoffs it doesn't matter. The MLB was livid when ARod's extension was announced during the WS and since then I believe its a rule that nothing can get announced.

 

That's different because it's a player. I don't really think MLB would care if Theo is announced during the WS. It's GM hire that nobody outside of Boston and Chicago really care about.

[Guest]

I think both teams realized that they've both gone past the point of no return. The Cubs know they need to part with something of value, and the Sox know it's not going to be a huge haul. Maybe that's why the latest reports are saying the negotiations are cordial and civil.

 

Which is basically what we were explaining to you when you first arrived at NSBB. Sure, they may get some compensation, but it won't be what you were expecting. Why would Epstein want to start his new job with an empty cupboard for the lame reasoning of escaping from his contract a year early. Epstein gave Boston a lot of glory in his time there. The relationship of Boston/Epstein is over. Let him move on. No reason to make ridiculous demands that aren't the slightest bit realistic.

 

Unreasonable is giving a guy permission to talk to other teams and then holding him hostage for a trophy haul of prospects. It's not just unreasonable, it's ridiculous.

[gflore34]

For one I don't believe Bret Jackson, Josh Vitters along with other prospects is too high a price. Save for Castro, I'd give up any combination of players and prospects, in Epstein were looking at someone who's going to change the direction of Cub baseball. A GM who values and understands how OBP correlates to runs which leads to wins - it's worth the price.

our

We can all be thankful that you're not doing the negotiations on the Cub side. There are probably 20 candidates who fit your definition of a GM worth the price.

 

According to the Score' Matt A. an announcement will come Tuesday, between a possible NLCS game 7 - Monday and WS game 1 - Wednesday. Furthermore, he mentioned Bret Jackson will not be a part of the compensation package hence, I guess it is a good thing I'm not part of the negotiations. Maybe you should be a part of them, who knows, with your input they'd been done yesterday.

[Guest]

I can't see the Cardinals beating the Rangers. So, I guess I wouldn't be terribly upset to see the series end tonight. That way, come tomorrow afternoon/evening, all of this should be resolved. It will be nice to move on.

 

I bet you couldn't see them beating the Phillies either.

 

Naw, I saw that one plain as day. Suffice it to say, I undervalued the Rangers this season. I think the Brewers can give them a run for their money, but they will probably feed heavily upon the red birds.

 

His point was whatever you see doesn't really matter. Anyone can beat anyone and it wouldn't be a stunning upset either way. It's the playoffs.

[Guest]

How did Theo become the GM or the Sox? Did he work his way up the Sox org chart or something?

 

 

Lucchino brought him over from SD to work under him. When Beane took and then turned the Red Sox job down after the 02 season, Beane recommended they promote him. They did.

[Guest]

For one I don't believe Bret Jackson, Josh Vitters along with other prospects is too high a price. Save for Castro, I'd give up any combination of players and prospects, in Epstein were looking at someone who's going to change the direction of Cub baseball. A GM who values and understands how OBP correlates to runs which leads to wins - it's worth the price.

our

We can all be thankful that you're not doing the negotiations on the Cub side. There are probably 20 candidates who fit your definition of a GM worth the price.

 

According to the Score' Matt A. an announcement will come Tuesday, between a possible NLCS game 7 - Monday and WS game 1 - Wednesday. Furthermore, he mentioned Bret Jackson will not be a part of the compensation package hence, I guess it is a good thing I'm not part of the negotiations. Maybe you should be a part of them, who knows, with your input they'd been done yesterday.

 

That clown is just going off the same reports we have already read. The Jackson bit is probably from the Mustkat tweet yesterday (and simple common sense). Many have been speculating the announcement would be Tuesday, too. Abbatacola isn't scooping anything. Just letting you know.

[Laura]

http://www.weei.com/sports/boston/this-just-in/21147901/some-sox-coaches-allowed-explore-jobs

 

According to multiple sources, some of the Red Sox coaches have been granted permission to explore other opportunities while awaiting their fate. The remaining Sox coaches -- bench coach DeMarlo Hale, hitting coach Dave Magadan, pitching coach Curt Young, third base coach Tim Bogar and bullpen coach Gary Tuck -- all have at least one year remaining on their current contracts.

 

Some of the coaches have been told that while the organization was pleased with their performance, the decision to retain their services will be contingent on the approval of the Red Sox' new manager.

 

WEEI.com previously reported that the team's managerial search most likely won't be fully put into motion until the negotiations involving general manager Theo Epstein going to the Cubs are completed.

[WilcoFan]

http://www.bleachernation.com/2011/10/16/rumor-cubs-and-red-soxs-talks-nearing-conclusion-theo-epstein-and-josh-byrnes-to-join-cubs-front-office/

 

Bleacher Nation's source has things coming to a conclusion by the start of the World Series (not new info), and the names he's hearing are Jay Jackson, Matt Szczur and Ryan Flaherty--but not all three.

 

A little more information to add to the growing list...looking like a consensus now.

[Guest]

Somebody give me Byrnes stuff to read to get excited about.

[UMFan83]

MLB doesn't want this to step on the LCS, so Tuesday is the day for an announcement. They have the luxury of dragging this out until then.

Didn't the White Sox announce the Robin Ventura hiring during the playoffs? I honestly don't think MLB cares when it's announced.

 

Nothing can be announced during the World Series. The rest of the playoffs it doesn't matter. The MLB was livid when ARod's extension was announced during the WS and since then I believe its a rule that nothing can get announced.

 

That's different because it's a player. I don't really think MLB would care if Theo is announced during the WS. It's GM hire that nobody outside of Boston and Chicago really care about.

 

I don't think you understand. There is an official policy prohibiting teams from making announcements of any sort during the world series.

[Magnetic Curses]

http://www.bleachernation.com/2011/10/16/rumor-cubs-and-red-soxs-talks-nearing-conclusion-theo-epstein-and-josh-byrnes-to-join-cubs-front-office/

 

Bleacher Nation's source has things coming to a conclusion by the start of the World Series (not new info), and the names he's hearing are Jay Jackson, Matt Szczur and Ryan Flaherty--but not all three.

 

A little more information to add to the growing list...looking like a consensus now.

 

what did mojo say? jackson, szczur and flaherty and a hearty handshake.