Theo Epstein #1 Choice, but Should Not Be Only Choice

Is Theo Epstein coming to the Cubs? That is the question that all Cubs fans are asking themselves. Theo or someone resembling him was spotted in Chicago as reported by Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune. Was it really Epstein, well no one knows for sure. However, this shows how desperate Cubs fans and media want some news, any news on the search.

Tom Ricketts has been very good at keeping this search quiet and not letting it turn into a farce of a different name everyday. I applaud Ricketts for this. Even though the silence is nerve-racking.

I also applaud owner Tom Ricketts for going after what seems to be his first choice, but I would also caution him that even though Theo Epstein is a very good General Manager, he is not the only guy that can bring this team a championship.

This is an important hire and you do not have to break the bank or sell the farm on Theo Epstein. What you have to do is interview a few candidates. You have had two years to get a list together and there is no reason to worry if Epstein gets cold feet or gets that power that he really wants in Boston and stays there.

Ricketts should not be so naïve as to think he may not be being used for leverage. While waiting on an answer from the Red Sox on if they can speak to Epstein, Ricketts should do his due diligence and interview other candidates. He may find a candidate that may be a better fit for the Chicago Cubs than Epstein would be.

I have no problem with the Cubs going after Epstein, but remember Epstein only got his current job, because Billy Beane accepted and then turned it down. So it does not have to be your first choice to be your best choice.

Maybe Ricketts should make sure that Epstein fits more than just his past success suggest he will. Ricketts has to make sure he knows what he is getting into. Red Sox nation is one thing, but Cubs nation is unlike anything else out there and one has to really know that particular culture to have success in it.

The pressure will be on from day 1. Anyone remember ” In Dusty we trusty”. What about Fukudome fever? I remember when Lou was the savior, or even further back than that Andy McPhail with his two titles. They all failed because they did not know what it was all about in Cubs nation until it was too late.

Can Epstein succeed where many others have tried and failed. Who knows? I say most likely. I will also say this, he is not the only one that can succeed, so Cubs fans should not worry if he is not hired for some reason and Ricketts should not be afraid to pull the trigger on another candidate if he feels he should.


People also view

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *