After
a disappointing 2011 season, the Chicago Cubs look to rebuild from the
ground up, bringing Theo Epstein on board as President of Baseball
Operations. By: Andrew Muckell
AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast
|
After a baseball season highlighted by comebacks and underdogs, the
Chicago Cubs look to lead the pack this offseason in team restructuring.
The average baseball fan sees the Cubs as an unwavering staple to the
sport due to their traditional ivy-covered outfield walls and the aura
of Wrigley Field. The team, however, is ardently seeking a new
cornerstone to build upon and they may very well have done just that
with Theo Epstein.
Epstein, the former general manager of the Boston Red Sox, was hired as the Cubs team president on October 12th. His strong reputation in baseball circles as a well-educated and ambitious leader has preceded him and Chicago expects no less. His role in the organization is to formulate a team that can win championships and consistently dominate.
This is a Herculean task, especially considering the Cubs 103-year World Series drought, but not a foreign one to Epstein.
Epstein was with the Red Sox in 2004 when they shocked the New York Yankees in a historic ALCS and annihilated the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series. He became the youngest general manager to win a World Series and he added to his prestige in 2007 when the ball club dominated the sport again.
So what does he need?
Epstein needs to sign an effective on-field manager. Viable options as of right now are Phillies bench coach Pete Mackanin and recently fired Red Sox manager Terry Francona. Francona, despite a disappointing season with the Sox, is a smart manager and could benefit the Cubbies. Epstein also needs to make a big splash in the free-agent market. Landing a deal with 1B Prince Fielder, 1B Albert Pujols, P Jonathan Papelbon or any other big name player on the market is pivotal to success in 2012.
So after a century of bad luck and poor performances, things seem to be turning around in Chicago. Cub fans now have a reason to sing along to Journey songs and wear their blue caps. A new president is in office and this one has a history of reviving franchises. Hopefully Epstein can do it again.
Epstein, the former general manager of the Boston Red Sox, was hired as the Cubs team president on October 12th. His strong reputation in baseball circles as a well-educated and ambitious leader has preceded him and Chicago expects no less. His role in the organization is to formulate a team that can win championships and consistently dominate.
This is a Herculean task, especially considering the Cubs 103-year World Series drought, but not a foreign one to Epstein.
Epstein was with the Red Sox in 2004 when they shocked the New York Yankees in a historic ALCS and annihilated the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series. He became the youngest general manager to win a World Series and he added to his prestige in 2007 when the ball club dominated the sport again.
So what does he need?
Epstein needs to sign an effective on-field manager. Viable options as of right now are Phillies bench coach Pete Mackanin and recently fired Red Sox manager Terry Francona. Francona, despite a disappointing season with the Sox, is a smart manager and could benefit the Cubbies. Epstein also needs to make a big splash in the free-agent market. Landing a deal with 1B Prince Fielder, 1B Albert Pujols, P Jonathan Papelbon or any other big name player on the market is pivotal to success in 2012.
So after a century of bad luck and poor performances, things seem to be turning around in Chicago. Cub fans now have a reason to sing along to Journey songs and wear their blue caps. A new president is in office and this one has a history of reviving franchises. Hopefully Epstein can do it again.
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