Theo Epstein to Cubs: Will It Haunt Boston Red Sox for Years?

With all the turmoil going on with the Boston Red Sox these days, it makes sense that general manager Theo Epstein would take his talents to the Chicago Cubs. They are basically the National League version of the Red Sox pre-2003, when he took over the team.

The deal is not quite done. According to ESPN.com, the two teams are working on compensation for Epstein. But that is a small hurdle to clear, all that really remains is crossing some "t's" and dotting some "I's."

It was clear after the season ended that Red Sox president Larry Lucchino and owner John Henry wanted to make a change at general manager, because they did not stop Epstein from talking to the Cubs. If they really wanted to keep him, they could have just said no when another team called.

The biggest question is why did the Red Sox want to get rid of him?

He was the architect behind two World Series winning teams, led the resurrection of their farm system, acquired Josh Beckett, David Ortiz, Curt Schilling, Mike Lowell, Adrian Gonzalez, Jason Bay and Victor Martinez, among others. All of those players were key contributors to championship and/or playoff teams.

And because they had one bad month in 2011, the team has to blow up what has been working well for the last seven years.

The Red Sox are a smart organization, they will do their due diligence when choosing their next general manager, but Epstein did a lot more for the franchise than they realize.

Did he have some bad moves along the way? Absolutely. But name one general manager that hasn't had some things blow up in his face.

It happens to everyone.

Epstein is going to have free reign to do what he wants and bring in the manager and players that he wants. He is going to cultivate a new attitude in Chicago. It is going to take time because the Cubs major league roster is a disaster right now, but they have some good pieces in the minors coming.

The Red Sox are not going to get another general manager who had the kind of success that Epstein has had. They are making shortsighted decisions to try and appease the fan base that is still looking for answers.