Theo Epstein and the Chicago Cubs Stay Quiet During MLB Winter Meetings

The Chicago Cubs are one step closer ending their championship drought with the recent signing of—David DeJesus?

This year's winter meetings, in the first year as a Cub for Theo Epstein and his entourage, have been very quiet for the North Siders.

Theo Epstein has previously stated over and over the Cubs will need to rebuild from within to ensure a promising future.

Epstein has done an excellent job rebuilding the Cubs internally from a operational viewpoint.

He has hired his long-time colleague Jed Hoyer as his general manager, and he has brought Dale Sveum on board as the manager.

Both are great hires, and they should serve them well for the upcoming future.

However, in the city of Chicago where "patience is a virtue" is rarely heard of, Cubs fans were hoping for a big splash in this year's winters meetings.

The Cubs were projected to have around $40 million to spend in this offseason, but it appears the only improvements the Cubs have made is in their front office.

With the Miami Marlins unexpectedly spending over $190 million this offseason on Jose Reyes, Mark Buehrle and Heath Bell, some begin to wonder what the Cubs are doing.

How can a big-market team such as the Cubs be out-headlined by a small fish like the Marlins?

Assumptions can be made that in his first year as the team president, Epstein is trying to avoid any mistakes by signing a player to a long, lucrative contract which may place him under the hot seat immediately if the player does not live up to the expectations of the contract.

In conclusion, Epstein is ultimately looking to sign players to short-term deals to avoid an ongoing disaster.

With that being said, there have been rumors the Cubs may be dangling starting pitcher Matt Garza if they are "overwhelmed" with an offer, according to CBSSports.com's Jon Heyman.

Garza had his ups and downs last year in his first year in Chicago, but he was arguably their best and most consistent starter.

Removing Garza from their rotation entirely would open up more questions for a team that is still searching for answers at first base, third base, right field and another competent starting pitcher.  

It's going to be a long journey for Epstein to turn this franchise around.

Hopefully the "Welcome" in The Friendly Confines stays as long, too.

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