Boston Red Sox: 4 Reasons It's Time to Part Ways With Theo Epstein

Boston Red Sox General Manager Theo Epstein could be talking to the Chicago Cubs soon, and if that happens, it is more than likely he will joining the Cubs. The Cubs reportedly asked permission to talk with Epstein about his services.

The Red Sox would need to figure out if they would want to give up Epstein and what they would want in return for him.

Owner John Henry has not said anything either way about Epstein, and once he does, that will tell if the Red Sox are going to keep Theo Epstein, trade him away or give him an extension.

There are fans who would love to see Epstein stay with the Red Sox, but there are four main reasons that fans will be glad to hear that Epstein could be off the Red Sox staff before the 2012 season.

4. The Bad Signings of Theo Epstein

John Lackey is probably the worst signing Theo Epstein has made in his time with the Red Sox. The deal Lackey signed is a five-year deal worth an astonishing $82.5 million.

Lackey's pitching has not even been close to good, especially in 2011. In 2011, he was 12-12 with a 6.41 ERA, which is the highest ERA with at least 150 innings pitched in Red Sox history.

In 2010, he was just slightly better with a 14-11 record and a decent ERA of 4.40. He is not worth $16.5 million a year, and this deal tells the tale of the Red Sox these past two seasons.

Other deals that Epstein has made that have failed: Bobby Jenks who spent most of 2011 out with a back injury, JD Drew who did great his first two years but has not panned out these past two years and so far, Carl Crawford has not performed up to par with his seven-year deal he signed this past offseason.

3. Not Sticking Up for Terry Francona

Theo Epstein has always stuck by manager Terry Francona, but after the 2011 collapse of the Red Sox, he did not stick up for Francona to stay as the manager of his team.

Francona won two World Series in his tenure with the Red Sox, and his first one came in his first season with the team.

Theo said basically that he would not throw Tito under the bus and that no one blames him for the team's struggles. However, the next day Francona is out and now Epstein is searching for a new manager for the Sox.

Thanks to you Theo, the Red Sox have lost the best manager in team history, and you better hope that the next one wins a World Series soon or there will be hell to pay.

2. Did Not Help During Collapse in September 2011

Theo Epstein did not do anything to help the Sox during the last month of the 2011 season that improved their chances of winning. He tried to get deals done for Kansas City Royals starter Bruce Chen, but nothing happened with that. He should have talked to Terry Francona and figured out how to make the Sox look at themselves as winners.

The only trade deadline deal that really got any value was for Mike Aviles who served a major role when he filled in for injured third baseman, Kevin Youkilis.

He did acquire lefty Erik Bedard, but he was injured close to half the time and if he re-signs with the Sox that would help bolster their starting rotation in 2012.

1. There Needs to Be Change to the Red Sox Management Team

Theo Epstein has served his role completely, and it would be a good time for the Sox to find someone who is hungry for another World Series. I am not saying that Epstein is not hungry to win, but maybe he needs to go to a team, like the Cubs, who has not won in a long time to get the fire to return.

Plus, if he wins with the Cubs, then he will be a Hall of Fame GM.

Epstein has been a great GM, and if the Sox do lose him to the Cubs, it may sting for awhile, but the Sox need to find someone who won't just spend money on the first player who asks for it.

We need a more personal GM who cares that the team is starting to free fall and try to stop it before it is too late.