Theo Epstein would change everything

Maybe Theo Epstein is crazy enough to take on the massive challenge that is rebuilding the Cubs organization.

Last month, I wrote how Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein was too smart (or not dumb enough) to leave the plush gig he has with the Red Sox and take over the Cubs. The pie in the sky rumors had been out there since Jim Hendry’s whacking, but this was long before the Bo-Sox turned the clock back to 1978. On September 6th (the day I wrote that post), there was no conceivable way that Boston would miss the playoffs. At least, that’s what the numbers told us. And then, the choke happened. Terry Francona is out, and the entitled Boston organization is overreacting to the failure like a bunch of coked up George Steinbrenner’s. Theo Epstein is in play, and the Cubs seemed poised to make a play on the guy who helped Boston overcome their own “cursed” history.

The Red Sox collapse could end up being the best thing that has happened to the Cubs since the division series win vs the Braves in ’03. At the Francona funeral, Boston President/CEO Larry Lucchino had this to say about Epstein’s future with the Red Sox…

“We’re not prepared to answer that question here. This is a press conference about the contributions that Tito (Francona) has made to this franchise. Besides, Theo is under contract with us, so it is an issue that has not been addressed or discussed.”

That certainly wasn’t as convincing as saying “Theo is and will be a part of this organization moving forward.” You know, anything along those lines to let it be known to Tom Ricketts or any other prospective organization, that Theo isn’t available. That was never said.

Theo could be tired of his bosses in Boston. He clearly had Francona’s back, but the suits above him didn’t. He could be looking at the Carl Crawford contract as enough of a reason to get out of dodge. If not that solely, maybe it’s the lack of arms in the Red Sox system that has him anxious for a change of scenery.

The best news I heard on 670 The Score on Monday wasn’t meatball Bears callers, it was that Cubs “President’ Clown Kenney isn’t being consulted in any of the off-season decisions. Thank God. To make you even giddier, it’s believed that Kenney would be shoved down the ladder (or pushed out entirely) should Epstein come to the north side. Why wouldn’t that be the case? Kenney is a joke, and has done nothing but embarrass the Cubs the past several years (the Greek priest incident in the ’08 playoffs to having his own uniform). Plus, Epstein would need to be given more than just the GM title to make the move.

I don’t want to get Cubs fans too hyped up because there is the possibility that they’ll be used as leverage (which is a Chicago theme far too often), and Epstein will return to Boston with a different title. Everything is in play here, but I believe Epstein is serious about making the jump. If he wasn’t, the rumors would be squashed by now.

The biggest reason for excitement about the Epstein possibility is this list of players…Pedroia, Buchholz, Ellsbury, Lester, Papelbon, & Bard. Those are the homegrown players Epstein brought to the Red Sox. How refreshing would it be if the Cubs had guys like that coming through the pipeline in 3-4 years? It wouldn’t suck, I’ll tell you that. Oh, and don’t forget that Hanley Ramirez guy that Boston turned into Josh Beckett. This is potentially the most important week the Cubs have had in years. One of the brightest minds in the game is interested in making Chicago his home, and it’s a guy who would change the entire culture of the biggest farce in sports. Let’s just hope Tommy Boy Ricketts doesn’t screw it up.