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According to Joel Sherman, the word around baseball is that Red Sox GM Theo Epstein will leave the Sox to run the Cubs this winter. Would the Boston native even consider such a move? And if so, why?
Oct 1, 2011 - What do you think? Is this just a terribly irresponsible rumor? Or the precursor for a Beantown bombshell?
@Joelsherman1
Joel Sherman I am shocked, but in last 36 hrs every exec talk to says believe #Redsox will give permssion and Theo will go to #Cubs to be GM
FavoriteRetweet
This qualifies as a solid rumor, right? Granted, we don't know if "every exec talk to" means eight general managers, or two Assistants to the Traveling Secretaries and one Administrative Aide, Minor League Operations.
But in my mind, anyway, Sherman's not the rumor-mongerer some of his more nationally known colleagues are. I'm not saying this single tweet is the same as a press conference. But whereas yesterday I would have estimated the chance of Theo Epstein leaving the Red Sox as less than five percent, today I would estimate that chance as less than 50 percent but greater than 10 percent.
Why would Epstein leave?
Remember, he's almost left before. Six years ago, Epstein exited the Red Sox for roughly a month before returning to the fold. Perhaps that was merely a negotiating ploy -- he presumably did well, financially -- but the relationship between Epstein and his bosses has not always been 100-percent highly functional.
I don't know Theo Epstein anything like well enough to read his mind, but it's certainly possible that he's simply ready for a change. I've had two great jobs in my life -- before this one, I mean -- but at some point it's just time to try something different. And what else, really, is there left for Theo Epstein in Boston?
Win a World Series? He's done that.
Win another World Series? Done that, too.
Which isn't to suggest that winning a third World Series wouldn't be wonderful, too.
But what about winning a World Series in Chicago? Couldn't that be even more wonderful?
Which achievement would be more notable: Winning three World Series with the Red Sox, or ending eternal runs of failure in both Boston and Chicago? If Epstein were to win a World Series with the Cubs, he would become the second-most famous baseball executive in major-league history, behind only Branch Rickey, and without a doubt would wind up with a plaque in Cooperstown.
All of this is rank speculation, of course. But as John Henry once told me, "Life is too dynamic to remain static."
I don't expect Theo Epstein to work for the Boston Red Sox forever. And maybe the less-than-forever is coming a bit sooner than we figured.
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Comments
I hope so.
Sad, Drunk, And Poorly
My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we'll change the world. - JL
Twit Twat.
by Pikachu on Oct 1, 2011 3:45 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Irresponsible rumor. How do these other executives know, exactly, what John Henry is thinking about Theo Epstein?
So now in addition to baseless speculation by reporters, reporters are asking management to engage in it.
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by Al Yellon on Oct 1, 2011 3:55 PM EDT reply actions
You're just afraid of hoping
and then being horribly let down by the news the Cubs end up hiring Wade from Houston…
Brain: "Pinky, are you pondering what i'm pondering?"
Pinky: "Yes, ... wait, ... no, ... never mind"
by jbg2772 on Oct 1, 2011 3:59 PM EDT up reply actions
Nah, it won't be Ed Wade.
But the fact is, John Henry is in the hospital after a boating accident. How would he have come to any conclusions that all these executives would know?
I’m guessing they’re just guessing, like the rest of us.
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by Al Yellon on Oct 1, 2011 8:42 PM EDT up reply actions
I wouldn't believe Joel Sherman
Maybe I’m just not letting it go but I remember Sherman confidently announcing that Greg Maddux was signing with the Yankees back in 2004.
Predictions and forecasts are fun, if you don’t invest too much in them. This is why I don’t put much stock in “who will win the division series and league championships” picks – sports (especially baseball) are just too random.
by EalyEagle on Oct 2, 2011 11:51 AM EDT up reply actions
Does it matter
The Cubs are bigger than Epstein, and they’ll defeat him just like they’ve defeated those before him.
by J0SER on Oct 1, 2011 5:22 PM EDT reply actions
I voted yes...
… because I always vote my hopes and aspirations. That’s why I voted for Lyndon LaRouche in every election since 1988.
by Jason Brannon on Oct 1, 2011 6:01 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
So the Red Sox are letting him leave
not pushing him out, correct?
Check out my blog!
Follow me on Twitter! @AustinJanzen
by ajanzen on Oct 1, 2011 6:25 PM EDT reply actions
Assistant to the Traveling Secretary=
George Costanza
by Jesse Cohenargcar519 on Oct 3, 2011 1:45 AM EDT reply actions
Cubs & Epstein Rumors
Rumors are one thing…but wishes & hopes are another…U can wish for a Cubs World Series championship…We all do..unless your a Cardinals fan….I’m glad that there’s a least a 50% chance of getting Epstein…I really don’t know what’s so great about this guy..Yes he put two World Series champioships togetheir…but it’s WHAT HAVE U DONE 4 ME LATELY….well they blew it this year…I’m not a Red Sox fan…but I Respect the fan base and the line-up they have…the Pitching staff I is what I hate…some of them are has beens…and are old look…at Wakefield…bedard…Lackey…the only one"s I respect is Berkett & Lester & Bucholtz…I think Epstein would be a fool 2 leave Boston…for the Cubs I’m a BIG Cubs fan…and Epstein would be a big pick up…but I really doubt he would leave reguardless of how the big Boss’s above Espstein really feel about him…any way u slice it someone please get the Cubs a GM…IF IT’S EPSTEIN..GOOD…BUT GET THIS GM Soap opera over..Please.
by joker029 on Oct 10, 2011 1:37 AM EDT reply actions
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