Theo Epstein to Cubs: 10 Key Goals for His First Year as Chicago Cubs GM

If somehow you've been under a rock for the past day, Theo Epstein is the new general manager of the Chicago Cubs.

Yep, those very same Cubs that haven't won a World Series since 1908. Never fear, Epstein is here. Theo brought the Boston Red Sox their first two championships since 1918 so logic would dictate he could do the same for the Cubs.

While it probably won't happen in his first season, here are Epstein's 10 biggest goals in his first season in Chicago.

Begin the Youth Movement

The Cubs roster is loaded with old dead weight but their are a number bright up-and-comers in the Cubs system.

Epstein needs to make the appropriate moves to allow for youth to blossom in the 2012 season. The last time the Cubs were competitive was when they were led by a number of young pitchers and promising hitters.

That was seven years ago and in this cyclical world that is baseball, youth is of the utmost importance.

Darwin Barney is just one of many young Cubs players that should see a boost in numbers under proper guidance.

Cut the Dead Weight

Possibly the most important goal for Epstein to achieve is to get rid of the bloated salaries that are currently on the books for the Cubs.

It won't be easy, and it will probably involve taking on some less-than-desirable players. But when a team already has over $70 million committed to only six players in 2012 it's obvious that there are issues with payroll.

Finding a trade partner for both Alfonso Soriano and Carlos Zambrano would certainly boost Epstein's immediate appeal.

Find a Long-Term Solution at First Base

Carlos Pena was signed to a one-year contract for a reason. The 2011 offseason is flush with a number of prominent first basemen.

Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder are potential first basemen of the future for the Cubs.

Landing either one for a five-year deal or more would give the Cubs a staple in the middle of their lineup.

Find an Ace Starter

No one in their wildest dreams should expect Carlos Zambrano to ever pitch again in a Cubs uniform. At least not after last season's debacle.

The Cubs need an ace to replace or supplant Zambrano.

The biggest potential name on the market is CC Sabathia—landing him would be huge. If he's not available, trading a few prospects for a quality starter is the next best option.

Find a Less Heart-Wrenching Closer

Carlos Marmol has electric stuff but he's caused a few too many heart attacks.

Epstein should look inside the Cubs organization for a new closer. Perhaps Jeff Samardzija should get a look. He's very talented, but he's been wasting away in middle relief for a while now.

Find a Centerfielder

The Cubs need a lot of things to improve their fortunes, and a speedy five-tool center fielder is something they don't currently have in their organization.

Marlon Byrd is serviceable at best, but the youth movement is essential in Chicago.

Grady Sizemore is one such player who could be got on the cheap, and could have big production.

Keep Aramis Ramirez

While the Cubs have a lot of old, apparently useless players, Aramis Ramirez is not one of them. He had another strong season in 2011 and Epstein needs to retain him.

They will need a strong veteran presence in the clubhouse and Ramirez can provide that while being a powerful third baseman.

Finish Above .500

This one will be tough in the now ultra-competitive NL Central.

However, both the Cardinals and Brewers look to take a step back in the offseason and a few appropriate moves by the Cubs could vault them into contention.

Probably not in 2012 but potentially in 2013.

Finishing third in the division with 82-84 wins would give fans and the team alike hope about their future.

Be a Figurehead

The Cubs have been a laughingstock for the last 100 years.

Epstein needs to be the figurehead of this once-proud franchise. He needs to inform fans through his words and actions that he is in Chicago for one reason—to win a ring.

Anything less should be considered a failure.

Inspire Hope

Theo Epstein has a five-year contract, but that doesn't mean he can't succeed from his first day in the office.

From day one Epstein needs to provide a new energy and inspire hope amongst the entire franchise. If by the end of his first season, the team outlook is just a bit less dire and the sunrise of hope appears on the horizon, Theo will have done his job.