Re: New GM/Cubs Future News Articles

[SouthSideRyan]

So between Epstein's comments about possibly putting more money into player development initially (which would be a good thing), his statement about players' primes and paying for future performance, I get the impression that the Cubs will not be big players in the Pujols or Fielder derby... and I'm fine with that.

 

IT'S NOT ONE OR THE OTHERIT'S NOT ONE OR THE OTHERIT'S NOT ONE OR THE OTHERIT'S NOT ONE OR THE OTHERIT'S NOT ONE OR THE OTHER

 

How is Prince Fielder not in his prime?

[BeerHere]

So between Epstein's comments about possibly putting more money into player development initially (which would be a good thing), his statement about players' primes and paying for future performance, I get the impression that the Cubs will not be big players in the Pujols or Fielder derby... and I'm fine with that.

I would tend to agree. I doubt he goes after Pujols but I wouldn't be surprised if he did make a run at Fielder though given the hole at 1B right now and the payroll flexibility he'll have.

[Guest]

I think those comments, in addition to the fact that Theo and Hoyer are new to the organization and didn't bring any of our players in, means that it could be an incredibly busy offseason, particularly in the trade market.

[MSG T]

So between Epstein's comments about possibly putting more money into player development initially (which would be a good thing), his statement about players' primes and paying for future performance, I get the impression that the Cubs will not be big players in the Pujols or Fielder derby... and I'm fine with that.

 

Considering Prince is either just entering or has just entered his prime, depending on how you define a players prime, I disagree. He could easily pay for Prince's best performance going forward.

[Irrelevant Dude]

So between Epstein's comments about possibly putting more money into player development initially (which would be a good thing), his statement about players' primes and paying for future performance, I get the impression that the Cubs will not be big players in the Pujols or Fielder derby... and I'm fine with that.

 

IT'S NOT ONE OR THE OTHERIT'S NOT ONE OR THE OTHERIT'S NOT ONE OR THE OTHERIT'S NOT ONE OR THE OTHERIT'S NOT ONE OR THE OTHER

 

How is Prince Fielder not in his prime?

You're right. His comments would rule out Pujols moreso than Fielder, but my initial impression is that Epstein will stay away from both of them. I always forget how young Fielder is.

[BeerHere]

I think those comments, in addition to the fact that Theo and Hoyer are new to the organization and didn't bring any of our players in, means that it could be an incredibly busy offseason, particularly in the trade market.

 

I wonder if that extends to the minor as well. I could see some of the big league team being sent along (Zambrano, others) but since the minors are loaded with guys that probably don't fit the new philosophy I wonder if guys like Vitters, JJackson etc are moved.

[Guest]

CHICAGO – The Chicago Cubs today named Theo Epstein as the club’s President of Baseball Operations, reporting to Chairman Tom Ricketts. Epstein and the Cubs have agreed to terms on a five-year contract. Further terms of the deal were not disclosed. Epstein will oversee all aspects of the club’s baseball operation. Crane Kenney, President of Business Operations, will continue to oversee all aspects of the club’s business operation and report to Ricketts.

 

“When we began our search a few months ago, I identified three traits our baseball leadership must possess,” said Ricketts. “I talked about finding an individual with a commitment to player development, someone with a strong analytical background and someone who has been in a winning culture with a track record of success.

 

“With two World Championships, six playoff appearances and nine winning seasons in nine years as Boston’s general manager, Theo Epstein has an established track record of winning thanks to a solid balance of analytical thinking and traditional scouting methods. And with a nucleus of homegrown players contributing to that annual success at the major league level, Theo has shown a strong commitment to player development.

 

“My family and I are extremely proud to welcome Theo and his family to the Chicago Cubs. We are eager to begin the next chapter in the storied history of this franchise and have every confidence that Theo will lead us to the championship our great fans so richly deserve.”

 

“It is truly an honor and a privilege to join such a special organization," said Epstein. "I would like to thank Tom Ricketts and the entire Ricketts family for putting their faith in me and for giving me this incredible opportunity. I wouldn't be here without their commitment to the fans and their long term vision for the organization.

 

"Building a foundation for sustained success starts with a commitment to scouting and player development and requires a team of people working passionately to support a common vision of what the Cubs can become. Together, we will work to define and implement a new vision for the Cubs, and I can't wait to help lead the way."

 

Epstein, 37, joins the Cubs after 10 seasons with the Boston Red Sox, the last nine as the club’s general manager. He built World Champion ballclubs in 2004 and 2007, including the organization’s first World Series title in 86 years, and saw four teams advance to the American League Championship Series (2003, 2004, 2007, 2008). Epstein, the youngest general manager in major league history to win a World Series, is one of only two individuals since World War II to win two World Championships in his first five years as a general manager, joining New York’s Brian Cashman, who won the World Series in each of his first three years from 1998-2000.

 

Overall, Epstein’s clubs combined to go 839-619 in the regular season, a .575 winning percentage that included a run that featured six seasons with 95 or more victories during his nine-year tenure as general manager. He became the youngest general manager in major league history when named to the post on November 25, 2002.

 

Epstein’s commitment to scouting and player development has been the centerpiece of Boston’s sustained success at the big league level during his time with the Red Sox. Boston’s first pick (second round) in the 2004 Draft, Dustin Pedroia, was named the 2007 A.L. Rookie of the Year and the 2008 A.L. MVP, and is part of a core of homegrown, developed talent such as Jon Lester, Jonathan Papelbon, Kevin Youkilis, Jacoby Ellsbury, Daniel Bard, Clay Buchholz and others who have helped the Red Sox to their run of success.

 

Additionally, the Red Sox were honored by Baseball America as the Best Drafting organization of the decade encompassing the 2000s.

 

Epstein, who last season marked 20 years working in the major leagues, began his baseball career as a summer intern for the Baltimore Orioles from 1992-94. He worked for the San Diego Padres for seven seasons from 1995-2001, advancing to the position of director of baseball operations, before joining the Red Sox in March of 2002 as the club’s assistant general manager. A native of Brookline, Mass., Epstein would be named general manager of his hometown team just eight months later.

 

A graduate of Yale University and the University of San Diego Law School, Epstein was named the 2008 Baseball America Executive of the Year. In 2009, Epstein was recognized by Sports Illustrated as baseball’s General Manager of the Decade, and he was also named Executive of the Decade by The Sporting News for the same period of time.

[Guest]

I think those comments, in addition to the fact that Theo and Hoyer are new to the organization and didn't bring any of our players in, means that it could be an incredibly busy offseason, particularly in the trade market.

 

King Felix!

 

Theo's tried to trade for him a few times but the Cubs don't quite have the farm systemto acquire him just yet.

[Guest]

. Edited October 25, 2011 by David

[Guest]

So between Epstein's comments about possibly putting more money into player development initially (which would be a good thing), his statement about players' primes and paying for future performance, I get the impression that the Cubs will not be big players in the Pujols or Fielder derby... and I'm fine with that.

I would tend to agree. I doubt he goes after Pujols but I wouldn't be surprised if he did make a run at Fielder though given the hole at 1B right now and the payroll flexibility he'll have.

 

Pujols past his prime (not that he is, yet) is better than Prince in his prime.

[mookie]

I think those comments, in addition to the fact that Theo and Hoyer are new to the organization and didn't bring any of our players in, means that it could be an incredibly busy offseason, particularly in the trade market.

 

 

Yes. I think they can Jedi some treats for us.

[Guest]

So between Epstein's comments about possibly putting more money into player development initially (which would be a good thing), his statement about players' primes and paying for future performance, I get the impression that the Cubs will not be big players in the Pujols or Fielder derby... and I'm fine with that.

 

IT'S NOT ONE OR THE OTHERIT'S NOT ONE OR THE OTHERIT'S NOT ONE OR THE OTHERIT'S NOT ONE OR THE OTHERIT'S NOT ONE OR THE OTHER

 

How is Prince Fielder not in his prime?

You're right. His comments would rule out Pujols moreso than Fielder, but my initial impression is that Epstein will stay away from both of them. I always forget how young Fielder is.

 

His comments regarding having the parallel fronts to work on lead me to believe he knows that it's not one or the other. There is absolutely NO reason not to invest the free money in free agency. They can't devote like $40-50M to scouting and player development or the draft.

[Irrelevant Dude]

So between Epstein's comments about possibly putting more money into player development initially (which would be a good thing), his statement about players' primes and paying for future performance, I get the impression that the Cubs will not be big players in the Pujols or Fielder derby... and I'm fine with that.

I would tend to agree. I doubt he goes after Pujols but I wouldn't be surprised if he did make a run at Fielder though given the hole at 1B right now and the payroll flexibility he'll have.

 

Pujols past his prime (not that he is, yet) is better than Prince in his prime.

So Pujols at 37 will be better than Prince at 32 or 33? How can you possibly know that? I'd take my chances with the latter.

[Guest]

Watched most of the PC, and heard the rest on my way back to work on the Score. Immediately after, Macneil says how he loved Theo's answers, but was disappointed that nobody asked more about the seperation of power between Theo and Crane...

 

Stop being obsessed with Crane Kenney!!! Good lord.

 

 

I thought he was saying he wanted to know more about Theo and Jed's separation of power.

[Guest]

So between Epstein's comments about possibly putting more money into player development initially (which would be a good thing), his statement about players' primes and paying for future performance, I get the impression that the Cubs will not be big players in the Pujols or Fielder derby... and I'm fine with that.

I would tend to agree. I doubt he goes after Pujols but I wouldn't be surprised if he did make a run at Fielder though given the hole at 1B right now and the payroll flexibility he'll have.

 

Pujols past his prime (not that he is, yet) is better than Prince in his prime.

So Pujols at 37 will be better than Prince at 32 or 33? How can you possibly know that? I'd take my chances with the latter.

 

 

I'd take my chances with the former. Pujols starts as a MUCH better player and is extremely well conditioned. Prince is a slob and has had one season as good as Pujols's worst.

 

EDIT - I'll admit that's just my opinion and it's debatable who will be better in years 6-7 or whatever of a contract. I don't think there's any debate as to who is better right now and for the majority of the contract. Nor do I think the difference in cost will justify going for the lesser option.

Edited October 25, 2011 by David

[Banedon]

Watched most of the PC, and heard the rest on my way back to work on the Score. Immediately after, Macneil says how he loved Theo's answers, but was disappointed that nobody asked more about the seperation of power between Theo and Crane...

 

Stop being obsessed with Crane Kenney!!! Good lord.

 

 

I thought he was saying he wanted to know more about Theo and Jed's separation of power.

 

Oh. Maybe I misunderstood. It was right as I was getting out of the car.

[KingCubsFan]

So between Epstein's comments about possibly putting more money into player development initially (which would be a good thing), his statement about players' primes and paying for future performance, I get the impression that the Cubs will not be big players in the Pujols or Fielder derby... and I'm fine with that.

I would tend to agree. I doubt he goes after Pujols but I wouldn't be surprised if he did make a run at Fielder though given the hole at 1B right now and the payroll flexibility he'll have.

 

Pujols past his prime (not that he is, yet) is better than Prince in his prime.

Maybe true, but Epstein's whole point was that he wants to pay for future performance, not past performance. That's why Pujols will cost more money.

[Guest]

So between Epstein's comments about possibly putting more money into player development initially (which would be a good thing), his statement about players' primes and paying for future performance, I get the impression that the Cubs will not be big players in the Pujols or Fielder derby... and I'm fine with that.

I would tend to agree. I doubt he goes after Pujols but I wouldn't be surprised if he did make a run at Fielder though given the hole at 1B right now and the payroll flexibility he'll have.

 

Pujols past his prime (not that he is, yet) is better than Prince in his prime.

Maybe true, but Epstein's whole point was that he wants to pay for future performance, not past performance. That's why Pujols will cost more money.

 

I don't think that the difference in Pujols/Prince will be enough to justify taking Prince when Pujols is as much better as he is. But, again, that's my opinion...and, admittedly, not really on topic here.

[Irrelevant Dude]

So between Epstein's comments about possibly putting more money into player development initially (which would be a good thing), his statement about players' primes and paying for future performance, I get the impression that the Cubs will not be big players in the Pujols or Fielder derby... and I'm fine with that.

I would tend to agree. I doubt he goes after Pujols but I wouldn't be surprised if he did make a run at Fielder though given the hole at 1B right now and the payroll flexibility he'll have.

 

Pujols past his prime (not that he is, yet) is better than Prince in his prime.

So Pujols at 37 will be better than Prince at 32 or 33? How can you possibly know that? I'd take my chances with the latter.

 

 

I'd take my chances with the former. Pujols starts as a MUCH better player and is extremely well conditioned. Prince is a slob and has had one season as good as Pujols's worst.

Pujols has more of an injury history and I think you have to at least consider the possibility of performance-enhancing drugs. Obviously he has never been linked to anything and he may very well be 100% clean, but what if he gets the huge deal and suddenly decides to stop doing something he was doing before? Anyway, I think I'm taking this thread way off topic, so I'll stop there!

[UMFan83]

So they just had one of the reporters on the score...sounded like Buster Olney or something but its probably not him, i think its a chicago guy.

 

anyways, he said he was in one of the Theo breakout sessions, adn the question of Theo/Jed seperation of power came up and he said something like:

 

Don't drive off the road Cubs fans, but its going to be like the MacPhail/Lynch dynamic where Andy was involved a lot in the first year or two but eventually let his GM guide the franchise while he managed the vision of the team or something from afar. Theo won't be heavily involved in the day to day other than to give Jed guidence on issues or whatever else comes up.

 

But the reporter cautioned that Theo's imprint will be on each and every team.

Edited October 25, 2011 by UMFan83

[Guest]

So they just had one of the reporters on the score...sounded like Rob Neyer or something but its probably not him, i think its a chicago guy.

 

anyways, he said he was in one of the Theo breakout sessions, adn the question of Theo/Jed seperation of power came up and he said something like:

 

Don't drive off the road Cubs fans, but its going to be like the MacPhail/Lynch dynamic where Andy was involved a lot in the first year or two but eventually let his GM guide the franchise while he managed the vision of the team or something from afar. Theo won't be heavily involved in the day to day other than to give Jed guidence on issues or whatever else comes up.

 

But the reporter cautioned that Theo's imprint will be on each and every team.

 

 

It was Barry Rozner. Rob Neyer just told you to [expletive] yourself.

[Guest]

I love that Theo gave purple Fanta shirt guy his due.

[SouthSideRyan]

I love that Theo gave purple Fanta shirt guy his due.

 

HE HAS A NAME

[Hollandsworths mug]

Listening to Epstein talk about Quade one would have to think he is gone. He did say nice things about him and said: "we'll talk", but I think the Quade era is over.

[Banedon]

I love that Theo gave purple Fanta shirt guy his due.

 

HE HAS A NAME

 

The dude posted here as "PurpleShirtGuy" or something. He's owning it.