Theo Epstein: 5 Bold Predictions for His Tenure as Chicago Cubs GM

The biggest news of the postseason has nothing to do with the games that are being played, but rather with an off-the-field move. Theo Epstein has left the Boston Red Sox to become GM of the Chicago Cubs.

He will be looking to turn around the franchise that has failed to win the World Series for over 100 years. Epstein helped the Red Sox reverse their curse and he will now be looking to do the same in Chicago.

The Cubs Sign Prince Fielder or Albert Pujols

Theo Epstein will likely look to start his tenure with the Cubs with a big splash. There is no better way for him to do that then to sign a big-name free agent this offseason.

Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder will be the two names that are on Epstein's radar. He has had success signing big-name players. Making one of these moves would immediately turn the Cubs around and give the team a new face of the franchise.

Carlos Zambrano Will Pitch for the Cubs in 2012

After dealing with Manny Ramirez and his antics in Boston for a number of years, Theo Epstein should have an idea of how to handle Carlos Zambrano. While it appeared that he would be cut this offseason, Epstein's arrival could mean that he sticks around.

Zambrano may not be the pitcher that he was in the past, but he still has the potential to be a solid starter. It is possible that Epstein could give Zambrano one last chance to prove that he belongs on the team.

The Cubs Will Not Make the Playoffs in 2012

Rome was not built in a day, and the Chicago Cubs will not be built in a year. While the building blocks will begin to be put in place by Epstein in 2012, the Cubs will not make the playoffs next year.

The team simply has too many flaws to fix in one season. Even though they won't make the playoffs in 2012, it will be a turnaround year for the Cubs.

The Cubs Finish 2012 with a Winning Record

In 2011, the Chicago Cubs finished 20 games under .500 with their 71-91 record. They finished 25 games back in the NL Central. Both of these things will change under Epstein's leadership.

The Chicago Cubs will finish with a winning record in 2012. On top of that, the team will be in contention for a playoff spot heading into the final weeks of the season.

The Curse of the Billy Goat Is Broken

After helping construct a Red Sox team that broke the Curse of the Bambino, Epstein's new goal will be breaking the Curse of the Billy Goat.

The Cubs have seen over 100 years of failure and that is something that will change under Epstein. For the first time in more than a century, the Chicago Cubs will win the World Series. It may take a few years, but with Epstein's ability to build a team, the Cubs will be hoisting the World Series trophy.