There’s good news and then there’s some bad news. Theo Epstein will be put in charge of baseball operations for the Chicago Cub for at least the next five seasons. That’s the good news. The bad news is that when Epstein inevitably leads the Cubs to their first World Series victory since 1908, the world very well may end.
Sports Illustrated reports that the Epstein deal should be completed in the next few days. The magazine expects Epstein to join the Cubs for five years for an estimated $18.5 million. The exact dollar amount isn’t know but the Washington Post reports that on top of the $15-$20 million, Epstein will also be given a special title. Something along the lines of “executive vice president/general manager.”
Epstein has been making the decisions for the Boston Red Sox for the last 9 years. Under Epstein’s control, the Red Sox broke ended an 86-year World Series drought. The club won two World Series under Epstein’s guidance.
But the curse is a little bit stronger in Chicago. The Chicago Cubs have had to deal with goats, black cats, and Bartmans over the years, but Epstein could be the one to break the curse.
Epstein’s first duty will be to choose a new Manager for the Cubs. According to SI, most signs point to former Cub great Ryne Sandberg taking the job.
What do you think about the Theo Epstein joining the Chicago Cubs? Are Cubs fans finally going to end their 100 years of suffering? Or is this just another glimmer of hope that will be extinguished by the Chicago Cubs curse?
