Chicago Cubs Ask for Permission to Talk to Theo Epstein

I realize that I recently wrote that the big names, such as Theo Epstein, won't be coming to Chicago, but things have changed and it is now a possibility.

Nevertheless, I still believe that Epstein is not going to take the GM job with the Cubs.

In fact, the only chance they have is if they offer him a king's ransom, and if they give him the title of President.

I don't know why Tom Ricketts wouldn't offer Epstein a bundle of cash. The position is critical and look, even utility infielders make over a million dollars in some cases.

However, the second thing is debatable.

Ricketts seems to be the type of owner who wants control. Even though he knows little about baseball, he decided that he knows enough to lock up Oneri Fleita to an extension.

That type of meddling certainly would not appeal to a guy like Epstein.

Even if they did offer him the title of "President" it is still no better than a 50-50 chance of happening.

I feel that the chances of Epstein leaving the Sox would have been better if the Red Sox hadn't collapsed this season.

Given the state of the Boston team, a guy like Epstein would be under a lot of negative scrutiny if he chose to leave the team in such a bad position.

The Sox don't have a manager and they just blew a huge lead, so Theo would be a pariah if he left now.

Sure, his top lieutenant, Ben Cherington, looks like someone who is ready to assume the GM title, but there is definitely a feeling in bean town that Epstein would be abandoning a sinking ship.

You see, Epstein was born and raised in Boston, so his ties run deep to the Boston area. I doubt he would want to be considered a persona non gratis in his own city.

So, it remains a long shot at best, but the fact that Ricketts has formally asked to talk to him is a good sign, as I would love to see the Cubs bring Epstein here.

The lure of being able to continue with a team that has deep pockets, while knowing he would own the town if he ever could turn around this sad franchise must be appealing to Epstein.  

The other wild card in all of this is that, since Epstein is under contract, the Sox brass could refuse the request to speak to him.

Or, they could demand some compensation from the Cubs.

But Epstein certainly seems up to the challenge.

Keep in mind that, like the Cubs and their goat, the Sox have their own "Curse of the Bambino" and hasn't won since 1918 until Epstein led them to the title. 

Epstein has a very good reputation but he is not without his flaws.

He fired Terry Francona, who is considered a good manager, and he signed Carl Crawford, JD Drew, Daisuke Matsuzaka and John Lackey to disappointing long-term contracts.

He does embraces statistical analysis and has won World Series titles, so he would certainly be an upgrade for the Cubs.  

I've got my fingers crossed. And some toes.