Theo Epstein Cubs GM: 5 Huge Splashes He Can Make To Compete NOW

The Cubs haven't won a World series since 1908, but with their new GM Theo Epstein, the future seems a bit more rosy.

This move has the potential to turn around a once storied franchise. But the signing of a new GM isn't enough to make the Cubs competitive.

The Cubs could be competitive in 2012 if Epstein makes these drastic moves.

Sign or Trade for Rafael Soriano

Carlos Marmol is a capable closer, but he is really more suited to set-up work.

Soriano is a set-up man who is more suited as a closer.

In fact Soriano is a closer who is stuck behind Mariano Rivera. Rivera had another great year and isn't likely to step aside soon.

Soriano has the option to opt out go elsewhere to pursue closing.

With these big moves, Soriano could be poised to step in as the closer of an NL contender.

Trade for BJ Upton

It's been said a number of times, but BJ Upton hasn't yet reached his full potential.

He's out of time in Tampa Bay, and a change of scenery will be his best option.

The Cubs would need to flip a few prospects for him, but to win in 2012, Upton is a solid bet.

Sign Jose Reyes

The Cubs love to throw money at players; they just aren't very smart about it.

It will take a few moves to make them competitive in 2012, and a dominant leadoff hitter like Reyes would do just that.

Starlin Castro is already at short, but he's nowhere close to Reyes yet. Castro is speedy and could be moved to center, and Reyes and Castro at the top of the lineup could be the top one-two punch in the league.

Sign CC Sabathia

If CC opts out, the Cubs need to be prepared to throw boatloads of cash his way to make sure he considers Chicago.

The might need to give CC upwards of $30 million per year to make it worth his while.

CC would give the Cubs the ace they've needed for a long time.

Sign Albert Pujols

This one sounds pretty obvious.

Carlos Pena isn't likely to return to the Cubs, and they need a first baseman of the future.

Plucking the rival Cardinals star player would be sweet, and not just for gloating,

Pujols in the middle of the Cubs lineup would be formidable.

Theo-retically, if he makes some or all of these moves, the Cubs could be a force in the 2012 season.