Theo Epstein to Cubs: Why He Has What It Takes to Break Another MLB Curse

Theo Epstein has what it takes to reverse another curse as the new General Manager of the Chicago Cubs. The Cubs franchise is looking to create a winning tradition and bring home the World Series championship that has eluded them since 1908.

It won’t be an easy task as the Cubs have very passionate fans, operate in a major media market, and have some expensive contracts on the roster with a depleted farm system.  It will take someone with very special talents to build the type of team and organization that can compete regularly.

The teams is coming off of two consecutive losing seasons and are likely to be on their third manager in as many seasons. This creates a lack of consistency in the clubhouse that will also need to be addressed before the organization can effectively turn around.

Epstein can not only handle but he can overcome those obstacles and take this team in the direction they are trying to go.

Here are some examples of why Epstein has the knowledge, skills, and abilities to get the job done and bring a championship to Chicago

Major Media Market Experience

One of the challenges for a Cubs GM is operating in a major market with a passionate fan base and high demands. Theo Epstein brings his experiences from the Boston Red Sox, where he had had to deal with what can be argued as the most passionate fanbase in baseball.  

While the atmosphere in Chicago will still be demanding, it will not be the same grind that is was in Boston. The Boston media is a different beast, and Epstein may be able to make some personnel decisions with the Cubs that he couldn’t with the Red Sox due to the fan and media scrutiny.

Working in a Competitive Division

When you’re battling with the New York Yankees in Boston it turns into a race for talent with the potential result of overinflated contracts for top-tier talent. That scenario played itself out in the past offseason with the signing of Carl Crawford in Boston. The Yankees front office has stated that they only appeared interested to drive up the price for him to the Red Sox.

Theo Epstein won't have that problem in the NL Central.

He should be able to build the Cubs without worrying about keeping up with the spending of division rivals such as the St. Louis Cardinals and the Milwaukee Brewers.

In fact, in his first offseason he could add talent and cripple on of the two teams by signing away either Albert Pujols or Prince Fielder in free agency.

Free Agents and Trades

Theo Epstein isn't afraid to bring in talent through free agency and trades. Some of the acquisitions worked, some didn't but he was always searching for the missing piece to the championship puzzle.

The only difference with the Cubs might be a smaller budget but the same emphasis can be applied.

Starting with this offseason expect the Cubs to be active in trades and free agency, especially for a power hitting first baseman. Also, there are a number of starting pitchers that can be brought in like C.J. Wilson that can help bring this team to a contender in his first season.

Building Through the Draft

Dustin Pedroia, Jonathon Papelbon, Jacoby Ellsbury, and Clay Bucholz are among the players that Theo Epstein drafted as the GM of the Boston Red Sox.

His ability to find talent in the draft and have them come up the ranks is pivotal to an organization's success. Free Agents can't be counted on to turn a team into a contender. Some of the talent has to come from within the farm system to develop the base of talent for the team.

That is going to be the largest challenge for Epstein in Chicago because drafting and developing players takes time and the organization and fans will have to be patient in the first few years for the plan to take form.

Championship Experience

The most important thing Theo Epstein has that can make him successful with the Chicago Cubs is his championship experience.

He ended the Boston Red Sox 86-year World Series drought and can end the Cubs 103-year World Series drought in the same manner. He will ensure the best available personnel is brought into the organization until they achieve the ultimate goal of winning a World Series in Chicago.

The Cubs have had some playoff runs that fell short. Epstein will look for the missing pieces to etch his name in history as the man who reversed baseball's two cursed franchises.