Brian Damage
10-12-2011, 10:23 AM
http://aol.sportingnews.com/mlb/story/2011-10-12/report-theo-epstein-agrees-to-five-year-deal-with-cubs
Theo Epstein reportedly has chosen to leave his position as executive vice president and general manager of the Boston Red Sox to take a position in the Chicago Cubs' front office.
According to WEEI.com, Esptein has agreed to a five-year deal worth more than $15 million with the Cubs. It is unclear exactly was his position will be with Chicago, but his job title and responsibilities are expected to greater than they were with Boston. The Boston Globe speculates he will be named Cubs president.
Theo Epstein was hired as Red Sox general manager following the 2002 season.
News broke Tuesday evening that the Red Sox had given Epstein permission to speak with the Cubs and that a deal appeared likely. The Boston Herald first reported that a deal was expected "within the next 24 to 48 hours." The biggest stumbling block appeared to be the compensation the Red Sox would receive for Epstein, who is under contract with Boston through the 2012 season.
The deal still isn't complete, as compensation has yet to be agreed upon. However, WEEI.com reports a deal is expected to be finalized later this week.
Epstein, 38, was hired as Red Sox general manager following the 2002 season and was the architect of the 2004 and 2007 World Series championship teams. During his tenure, the team, which hadn't won the World Series since 1918, reached the postseason six times.
Things turned sour this season, however, as the Red Sox blew a nine-game lead in the wild-card race in September and failed to reach the playoffs. Soon after the season ended, manager Terry Francona and the team parted ways after eight seasons. At that time, there already was speculation that Epstein soon would follow Francona out the door.
The Cubs have had a vacancy at general manager after firing Jim Hendry on Aug. 19, and they reportedly have had Epstein in their sights since then. The hope is that he can turn around the slumping franchise and end a World Series drought in Chicago much like he did in Boston. The Cubs haven't won a World Series since 1908.
The Red Sox, picked by many as the World Series favorites when September began, apparently now are in the market for a general manager and a manager. And they also are dealing with reports of clubhouse disunity.
According to The Boston Globe, Red Sox senior vice president and assistant general manager Ben Cherington is the front-runner to replace Epstein.
Read more: http://aol.sportingnews.com/mlb/story/2011-10-12/report-theo-epstein-agrees-to-five-year-deal-with-cubs#ixzz1aZrkoAIx
Theo Epstein reportedly has chosen to leave his position as executive vice president and general manager of the Boston Red Sox to take a position in the Chicago Cubs' front office.
According to WEEI.com, Esptein has agreed to a five-year deal worth more than $15 million with the Cubs. It is unclear exactly was his position will be with Chicago, but his job title and responsibilities are expected to greater than they were with Boston. The Boston Globe speculates he will be named Cubs president.
Theo Epstein was hired as Red Sox general manager following the 2002 season.
News broke Tuesday evening that the Red Sox had given Epstein permission to speak with the Cubs and that a deal appeared likely. The Boston Herald first reported that a deal was expected "within the next 24 to 48 hours." The biggest stumbling block appeared to be the compensation the Red Sox would receive for Epstein, who is under contract with Boston through the 2012 season.
The deal still isn't complete, as compensation has yet to be agreed upon. However, WEEI.com reports a deal is expected to be finalized later this week.
Epstein, 38, was hired as Red Sox general manager following the 2002 season and was the architect of the 2004 and 2007 World Series championship teams. During his tenure, the team, which hadn't won the World Series since 1918, reached the postseason six times.
Things turned sour this season, however, as the Red Sox blew a nine-game lead in the wild-card race in September and failed to reach the playoffs. Soon after the season ended, manager Terry Francona and the team parted ways after eight seasons. At that time, there already was speculation that Epstein soon would follow Francona out the door.
The Cubs have had a vacancy at general manager after firing Jim Hendry on Aug. 19, and they reportedly have had Epstein in their sights since then. The hope is that he can turn around the slumping franchise and end a World Series drought in Chicago much like he did in Boston. The Cubs haven't won a World Series since 1908.
The Red Sox, picked by many as the World Series favorites when September began, apparently now are in the market for a general manager and a manager. And they also are dealing with reports of clubhouse disunity.
According to The Boston Globe, Red Sox senior vice president and assistant general manager Ben Cherington is the front-runner to replace Epstein.
Read more: http://aol.sportingnews.com/mlb/story/2011-10-12/report-theo-epstein-agrees-to-five-year-deal-with-cubs#ixzz1aZrkoAIx