Theo Epstein to Cubs: 10 Big Names He Can Sign to Reverse Cubs' Fortunes

Theo Epstein was signed by the Chicago Cubs to reverse the curse that has haunted this franchise.

This offseason will be pivotal in changing the direction and culture of the organization. Epstein is going to have to make some tough decisions, key trades, smart drafting and immediate impact free-agent signings.

The current Cubs roster has some players with contracts that can be moved to make space for some free-agent additions.

Any free-agent signings by Epstein will be looked at with close scrutiny. His big money signing of Carl Crawford last season and the cross-town signing of Adam Dunn will add a level of skepticism to any big names that are brought in.

With that said, big names have a way of energizing locker rooms and fans. There are some key offensive pieces that will be available to come in and contribute some exciting play. Also, there are some quality pitchers with postseason experience who can build this rotation as well as offer some leadership in the clubhouse.

Here is a look at 10 big names that Epstein can bring into the Cubs organization that would start to reverse the curse.

Rich Harden

Theo Epstein tried to get a trade at the deadline for Rich Harden last season while with the Boston Red Sox.

He may still see enough in the pitcher to bring him over to the Chicago Cubs.

Over his career, Harden is 59-38 with a 3.76 ERA. Although he may not be on the top of most teams' free-agent lists, he is a starter who can come in and contribute immediately to help turn the Cubs around.

Casey Blake

If Theo Epstein and the Chicago Cubs decide to part ways with Aramis Ramirez, there will be a gaping hole at third base that will need to be filled.

Enter Casey Blake.

While Blake can't be expected to completely replace a .306 batting average, 26 home runs and 93 RBI that Ramirez provided the Cubs, he may be enough of a replacement to not send the team going in the wrong direction if other pieces are added.

Blake would also come with a price tag that should allow room for other free agents who will demand top dollar contracts.

Terry Francona

Theo Epstein will probably hire a replacement for Mike Quade to manage the Chicago Cubs.

The replacement will have to be a manager who can work with the type of team that Epstein is trying to build. It also helps to have a manager who has built a winner and has postseason experience.

Terry Francona could be that man.

Epstein and Francona could reunite in Chicago and try to replicate the success that they shared in Boston. They are already familiar with how each other operates, and would create some consistency between the front office and the clubhouse.

However, this is assuming that the two of them enjoyed working together in Boston and that the recent leaks of Francona's personal issues during the season don't affect how he is perceived to other teams.

Ryne Sandberg

Ryne Sandberg may make the most sense for a name to bring in as a new manager for the Chicago Cubs. There was a feeling that Sandberg should have been the manager to replace Lou Pinella in Chicago after Pinella retired.

It makes sense on multiple levels for him to return to the Cubs and work for Theo Epstein.

Sandberg played his entire Hall of Fame career in Chicago. Epstein offered him the manager position with the Red Sox AAA affiliate. However, he accepted the job to manage the AAA affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies instead.

It would be a home run for public relations and fan approval. If it also equates to postseason success it would be a perfect move.

Mark Buehrle

Signing Mark Buehrle would be a big move for the Chicago Cubs.

Not only would he add talent to the roster, but it would also take away from the cross-town Chicago White Sox.

Buehrle has been very consistent over his career. He has had 11 consecutive seasons of at least 30 starts, 200 innings and 10 wins. Last season he had a 3.59 ERA, 13 wins and 109 strikeouts.

It may be very tempting to Buehrle to be able to continue playing in Chicago for the Cubs.

Jonathan Papelbon

Theo Epstein is likely going to want to bring over some players from the Boston Red Sox to the Chicago Cubs.

Jonathan Papelbon could be one of those players.

Carlos Marmol is the current closer for the Cubs, but the position could be upgraded with the addition of Papelbon to the bullpen.

Papelbon had 31 saves and a 2.94 ERA in 2011 with the Boston Red Sox.

CC Sabathia

CC Sabathia could be available on the free-agent market if he chooses to opt-out of the final four years of his seven-year, $161 million contract he signed with the New York Yankees.

If that happens, teams are going to be foaming at the mouth at the opportunity to sign Sabathia.

In 2011, Sabathia had a 3.00 ERA while winning 19 games and striking out 230 batters.

The Chicago Cubs could use that type of shut-down ability at the top of their rotation. Ryan Dempster and Matt Garza were tied for the team lead with 10 wins in 2011.

In order for this team to go to the next level and return to the postseason, they will need a dominant ace to lead the rotation.

C.J. Wilson

Theo Epstein has to find a way to sign C.J. Wilson.

The 30-year-old lefty is coming off a great season as the ace of the Texas Rangers rotation. He had a 2.94 ERA, 16 wins and 206 strikeouts. The Rangers will be trying their best to re-sign him, but he will likely test the free-agent waters.

He got the opportunity to see first hand how the free-agent market worked in Cliff Lee's favor. Then he overcame the challenge of replacing Lee at the top of the Rangers rotation. Now, he is leading the Rangers rotation as they are still battling in the ALCS.

His experience and work ethic are just what the Cubs need, and what will lead Epstein to trying whatever he can to lure Wilson to the Cubs.

Prince Fielder

Theo Epstein needs a power-hitting first baseman with a big name to bring some energy to the Chicago Cubs.

Prince Fielder may be the most likely option to fit that criteria.

Fielder put together a great season with the Milwaukee Brewers with a .299 average, 38 home runs and 120 RBI. To put that into perspective, the Cubs didn't have a single player last season hit more than 28 home runs or more than 93 RBI.

Fielder's negotiations will be very competitive as it is expected that he will not return to Milwaukee after this season.

Albert Pujols

Albert Pujols is the single biggest name Theo Epstein could add to the Chicago Cubs. In one signing, the Cubs would add talent, leadership, a power bat, and take away a prized piece from a division rival.

This season Pujols was batting .299 with 37 home runs and 99 RBI. Epstein has to make this happen.

Cubs fans have been hoping and waiting for the chance to get Pujols since the beginning of the season, if not earlier. Especially that one brave Cubs fan who showed up to the Cardinals game in a Pujols Cubs jersey.

If Epstein is unable to sign Pujols, he better win a championship or this move will be looked at as the biggest player who got away.