Re: New GM/Cubs Future News Articles

[CubColtPacer]

Kevin Goldstein w/Baseball prospectus:

 

The Epstein holdup:

 

 

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=15316

 

Make no mistake, the Red Sox have the leverage here simply by holding the most desirable asset in the negotiation. That's business 101. Adding to the difficulty for the Cubs is that Ricketts has now wasted more than a week with the promise of a new savior of a general manager, yet in reality, he doesn't have him in the fold.

 

What Kevin Goldstein fails to understand is that while refusing to let Epstein go gives Boston the appearance of leverage, it is only real leverage if they truly want to keep him. Clearly, they don't. They let Theo interview, and they will be paying Theo 6.5 to 7 million dollars to be a lame duck GM for one more year all after effectively naming Cherington their new GM. Theo would then leave next season, and presumably take the generous offer from the Cubs, while Boston would be out the 6.5 to 7 mil. So long as Ricketts is willing to wait a year to get his man, the Sox hold none, NONE, of the cards at this poker table.

 

PR wise, it's an easy out for the Cubs. We have to wait a year for our "savior" because the Red Sox are being f*#@wads about this. Instead of mortgaging a decent part of the Cubs future, we'll call their bluff. However, this is a PR nightmare for Boston. They are already looking like an organization in disarray after a bad September collapse, firing their manager, leaks about what was going on in the clubhouse, apparently bad mouthing of Francona and Epstein, and then keeping Epstein around for one pointless season at the expense of 6.5 to 7 million bucks.

 

If Ricketts isn't willing to wait a year to begin rebuilding and for some reason feels the need to get this done, then he will cave, and then and only then, does Boston have any leverage. But if Ricketts is willing to call their bluff, Boston will fold like a piece of origami.

 

Boston's choice is clear. Accept something reasonable in exchange for Theo or pay him big bucks for a very uncomfortable year and then let him walk for nothing.

 

 

I could easily see Josh Byrnes being named GM this year, and next year having Theo be named President if this does happen. I wouldn't be surprised if this is what the plan is now, Theo being named President and hiring Byrnes to be "GM."

 

How many GM's around the league don't actually make the decisions? In most organizations the GM makes the decisions even if there is a president that is over them. Are there ones where the president is the one running things even when they don't also have the GM title?

 

Plus there's the issue in that scenario of asking Byrnes to run things for a year just to ask him to step back after that.

[imb]

Regardless of if we get Theo or not, this whole thing is making me incredible confident in Rickets.

[C.C.]

True CCP. Damn buzzkill.

[SouthSideRyan]

Assuming the deal "falls through" and we have to wait out a year for Theo, how can we be so sure we'll get him then? Right now we're the only ones in contention, but with the knowledge that one of the best GM's in the game wants out bad and is a FA himself after next season, I'm sure there will be other bidders and other opportunities that he may be interested in.

 

Unless the Yankee job opens up or Frank McCourt finally sells, there wouldn't be a better GM opp available.

[OleMissCub]

A transcript of the negotiations.

 

 

http://www.thesportsbank.net/core/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/tom_ricketts.jpg

Tom Ricketts: 'Sup Theo, do you like my brilliant plan for turning the Cubs into the NL's premiere franchise, beginning with doubling your salary?

 

http://bosoxinjection.com/files/2010/07/THEO.jpg

Theo Epstein: I'm not sure, lemme think.

 

http://www.thesportsbank.net/core/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/tom_ricketts.jpg

Tom: Have you considered my smile?

 

http://www.bleachernation.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/theo-epstein-smile-300x203.jpg

Theo: I'm in.

 

http://www.thesportsbank.net/core/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/tom_ricketts.jpg

Alright, lemme call your boss.

 

http://www.coolgadgetconcept.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/coolest-phones2.jpg

 

http://www.encouragedinheart.org/wp-content/uploads/hamb1.jpg

Larry Lucchino: *answers phone* Robble robble gimme?

 

http://www.thesportsbank.net/core/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/tom_ricketts.jpg

Tom: Larry, Theo wants to come work for us like we talked about. We'll throw you some cash to be cool. K?

 

http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20100410145138/uncyclopedia/images/0/07/Hamburglar.gif

Larry: Robble robble gimme Garza? Robble robble gimme Garza!

 

http://www.thesportsbank.net/core/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/tom_ricketts.jpg

Tom: That's ridiculous. I guess if you insist we could consider some low-level prospects, but realistically this is a non-lateral move that Theo has agreed to, and we have already offered you some cash.

 

http://edge.ebaumsworld.com/mediaFiles/picture/699509/80533077.jpg

Larry: Robble robble gimme McNutt and Szcur robble robble!

 

 

http://www.thesportsbank.net/core/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/tom_ricketts.jpg

Tom: That's absurd. What are you going to do if we don't agree?

 

http://saveud.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/money-burning-300x244.jpg

Larry: Robble robble leverage!

 

http://www.thesportsbank.net/core/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/tom_ricketts.jpg

Tom: I have a book that might help you out, Larry.

 

http://30.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l89e35IfuZ1qdzrdwo1_250.gif

Larry: Robble robble gimme! Gimme gimme gimme robble!

 

http://www.examiner.com/images/blog/replicate/EXID16041/images/Six_Steps_in_the_Negotiation_Process_Mini_Poster.jpg

 

http://paxholley.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/hamburglar_stripes2.jpg?w=200

Larry: Robble robble gimme McNutt!

 

http://www.thesportsbank.net/core/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/tom_ricketts.jpg

Tom: This is getting us nowhere. Mr. Commissioner, can you step in?

 

http://blogs.ajc.com/jeff-schultz-blog/files/2010/05/bud-selig.jpg

Bud: What?

 

http://www.thesportsbank.net/core/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/tom_ricketts.jpg

Tom: I said can you help us come to something reasonable here.

 

http://luminousroc.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Bud_Selig.jpg

Bud: Sure thing, Tom.

 

....

 

http://sadhillnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/mcdonalds-grimace-character-hamburglar-mayor-mccheese-happy-meal-toy-sad-hill-news001.jpg

 

http://www.thesportsbank.net/core/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/tom_ricketts.jpg

Tom: I don't see how that helps, bud.

 

http://blogs.ajc.com/jeff-schultz-blog/files/2010/05/bud-selig.jpg

Bud: What?

 

http://www.thesportsbank.net/core/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/tom_ricketts.jpg

Tom: Cubs fans, are you cool if I just go hire Rick Hahn and still spend a billion dollars a year in the draft and international free agency?

 

http://mlblogsvineline.files.wordpress.com/2008/09/rally11.jpg?w=432&h=288

Cubs fans: We love you, Tom!

 

 

http://www.thesportsbank.net/core/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/tom_ricketts.jpg

Tom: Suck it, Larry. *click*

 

Nice job!

[radarluv1]

Its gonna suck when we lose out on Epstein and have to take Hendry back.

[Shilzzz]

you're doing it wrong.

[Vinestal]

that was awesome Kyle, awesome...

[Exile on Waveland]

Kevin Goldstein w/Baseball prospectus:

 

The Epstein holdup:

 

 

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=15316

 

Make no mistake, the Red Sox have the leverage here simply by holding the most desirable asset in the negotiation. That's business 101. Adding to the difficulty for the Cubs is that Ricketts has now wasted more than a week with the promise of a new savior of a general manager, yet in reality, he doesn't have him in the fold.

 

 

I just stole the Hope Diamond. While I am a very good thief (see Hope Diamond, stolen), I'm not perfect and in a matter of days I'll almost certainly be caught. The exception is that, if I can sell the diamond, I can use the proceeds to "disappear." There is only one willing buyer rich enough to buy the diamond and capable of doing so without also being caught. I unquestionably have the most desirable asset in the negotiation with the buyer. However, the buyer is wily, and understands my predicament. Kevin Goldstein believes I have the leverage and will obtain fair market value for the diamond.

 

Kevin Goldstein is a moron. Ricketts doesn't seem to be, at all.

[EpsteinCubs]

A transcript of the negotiations.

 

 

http://www.thesportsbank.net/core/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/tom_ricketts.jpg

Tom Ricketts: 'Sup Theo, do you like my brilliant plan for turning the Cubs into the NL's premiere franchise, beginning with doubling your salary?

 

http://bosoxinjection.com/files/2010/07/THEO.jpg

Theo Epstein: I'm not sure, lemme think.

 

http://www.thesportsbank.net/core/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/tom_ricketts.jpg

Tom: Have you considered my smile?

 

http://www.bleachernation.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/theo-epstein-smile-300x203.jpg

Theo: I'm in.

 

http://www.thesportsbank.net/core/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/tom_ricketts.jpg

Alright, lemme call your boss.

 

http://www.coolgadgetconcept.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/coolest-phones2.jpg

 

http://www.encouragedinheart.org/wp-content/uploads/hamb1.jpg

Larry Lucchino: *answers phone* Robble robble gimme?

 

http://www.thesportsbank.net/core/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/tom_ricketts.jpg

Tom: Larry, Theo wants to come work for us like we talked about. We'll throw you some cash to be cool. K?

 

http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20100410145138/uncyclopedia/images/0/07/Hamburglar.gif

Larry: Robble robble gimme Garza? Robble robble gimme Garza!

 

http://www.thesportsbank.net/core/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/tom_ricketts.jpg

Tom: That's ridiculous. I guess if you insist we could consider some low-level prospects, but realistically this is a non-lateral move that Theo has agreed to, and we have already offered you some cash.

 

http://edge.ebaumsworld.com/mediaFiles/picture/699509/80533077.jpg

Larry: Robble robble gimme McNutt and Szcur robble robble!

 

 

http://www.thesportsbank.net/core/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/tom_ricketts.jpg

Tom: That's absurd. What are you going to do if we don't agree?

 

http://saveud.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/money-burning-300x244.jpg

Larry: Robble robble leverage!

 

http://www.thesportsbank.net/core/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/tom_ricketts.jpg

Tom: I have a book that might help you out, Larry.

 

http://30.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l89e35IfuZ1qdzrdwo1_250.gif

Larry: Robble robble gimme! Gimme gimme gimme robble!

 

http://www.examiner.com/images/blog/replicate/EXID16041/images/Six_Steps_in_the_Negotiation_Process_Mini_Poster.jpg

 

http://paxholley.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/hamburglar_stripes2.jpg?w=200

Larry: Robble robble gimme McNutt!

 

http://www.thesportsbank.net/core/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/tom_ricketts.jpg

Tom: This is getting us nowhere. Mr. Commissioner, can you step in?

 

http://blogs.ajc.com/jeff-schultz-blog/files/2010/05/bud-selig.jpg

Bud: What?

 

http://www.thesportsbank.net/core/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/tom_ricketts.jpg

Tom: I said can you help us come to something reasonable here.

 

http://luminousroc.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Bud_Selig.jpg

Bud: Sure thing, Tom.

 

....

 

http://sadhillnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/mcdonalds-grimace-character-hamburglar-mayor-mccheese-happy-meal-toy-sad-hill-news001.jpg

 

http://www.thesportsbank.net/core/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/tom_ricketts.jpg

Tom: I don't see how that helps, bud.

 

http://blogs.ajc.com/jeff-schultz-blog/files/2010/05/bud-selig.jpg

Bud: What?

 

http://www.thesportsbank.net/core/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/tom_ricketts.jpg

Tom: Cubs fans, are you cool if I just go hire Rick Hahn and still spend a billion dollars a year in the draft and international free agency?

 

http://mlblogsvineline.files.wordpress.com/2008/09/rally11.jpg?w=432&h=288

Cubs fans: We love you, Tom!

 

 

http://www.thesportsbank.net/core/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/tom_ricketts.jpg

Tom: Suck it, Larry. *click*

=D> =D>

[Shilzzz]

kevin goldstein is going to be on kaplan's show tonight. [expletive] is going to be everywhere, hovering in the ether of air borne audio waves

[treebird]

that is going to be a hell of a lot of ugly white bald headed dumbassery

[Shilzzz]

@thekapman is the easiest troll on the internets.

[Hollandsworths mug]

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/photos/headshots/119.jpg

 

http://www.csnchicago.com/sportsnetChicago/search/thumbnails/cached_media/0005/0005536/0005536416/images/thumb.jpg

[Theo]

Why do I get the feeling Kaplan is throwing as much poop as he can at the wall to see what sticks?

[EpsteinCubs]

http://twitter.com/#!/SI_JonHeyman/status/126095644510269440

can confirm #redsox sought garza for theo. cubs said no. i dont blame boston for trying. cubs obvs view epstein as savior.

[Hollandsworths mug]

http://www.csnchicago.com/sportsnetChicago/search/thumbnails/cached_media/0005/0005536/0005536416/images/thumb.jpg

"My sources tell me that the Red Sox and Cubs are in intense negotiations and that the Red Sox want Cubs prospects in return. Keep following me via twitter for all the latest".

[Theo]

It is fun to troll back @thekapman on twitter. I've provoked him into sending me some nasty messages.

[Guest]

oh look, heyman "confirming" other people's reports, aka repeating stuff that has already been reported

[Soul]

oh look, heyman "confirming" other people's reports, aka repeating stuff that has already been reported

 

I was going to say, google news has articles reporting this from hours ago. And it's probably twice-baked crap from way early in the negotiations.

[UMFan83]

SI_JonHeyman

Can confirm Cubs have interest in Theo and have asked Red Sox for permission to speak

[bcl412]

It is fun to troll back @thekapman on twitter. I've provoked him into sending me some nasty messages.

 

Any links or examples? That could be fun to read.

[Soul]

Hey everyone, did you know the Cubs and Theo have been talking? Just found out!

[Rob]

It is fun to troll back @thekapman on twitter. I've provoked him into sending me some nasty messages.

 

Any links or examples? That could be fun to read.

 

Yeah, I'd like to read that too.

[Theo]

One Sat, @thekapman was tweeting all day about Illlinois Wesleyen Football. So I tweeted him that I'm pretty sure nobody cares about Illinois Wes. Football. He messages me "guess what jackass my son plays for them"