Theo Epstein: Chicago Cubs Vying for Red Sox General Manager

Boston Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein is just two months away from his ninth anniversary at Fenway Park, but the Chicago Cubs are looking to spoil the special date.

According to The Boston Globe, the Cubs have asked permission from the Red Sox to speak to Epstein after their second straight losing season.

Epstein, of course, is the 37-year-old who helped turn around a Red Sox franchise that hadn't won a World Series since 1918 before capturing the 2004 and 2007 championships. His name will go down in Red Sox folklore for lifting a franchise that was deemed cursed by many Red Sox die-hards.

It's only fitting that a team that hasn't won a championship since 1908 would seek out Epstein.

While the Red Sox have dealt with "The Curse of the Bambino," the Cubs have suffered under "The Curse of the Billy Goat" after a fan allegedly bought two seats in the 1945 World Series, one for him and one for his goat. When he was asked to leave, he replied, “You are going to lose this World Series and you are never going to win another World Series again."

Whether the Red Sox grant the Cubs permission may depend on if Epstein is itching to get out. After the latest collapse by the Red Sox this season, Epstein may be looking a different direction—perhaps to resurrect another ailing franchise?

Imagine resurrecting the two most starved franchises in baseball. You would be looked at as some kind of mythical creature.

There's also the chance that Epstein turns this into a situation in which he can gain leverage on management and demand more money to stay.

According to Globe colleague Dan Shaughnessy, there were meetings held today at Fenway Park to address the situation.

Will the Cubs swing a deal for Epstein?

Stay tuned for further developments.