Theo Epstein to Cubs: 7 Key Moves That Helped Break the Curse for Red Sox Nation

It's official. Theo Epstein is no longer the general manager of the Boston Red Sox and has moved on to the Chicago Cubs organization.

Theo's tenure in Boston was fantastic as he brought Boston their first World Series victory in 86 years and then a second championship just a few years later. The Cubs have a World Series drought of their own and Epstein now has an opportunity to break another curse.

What was Theo's secret in Boston? Here is a list of seven moves that turned Boston around, gaining them a championship only two seasons after the arrival of Epstein.

Buying Kevin Millar's Contract

Kevin Millar was a member of the Florida Marlins in 2002 and as he was about to be sold to a Japanese team after the 2002 season, Epstein swooped in and bought Millar himself.

Millar was a pivotal piece of the Red Sox organization during their World Series run as he filled the hole at first base and kept the team loose. When he called the team the "idiots" in 2004, he kept the team relaxed as they took their first championship in 86 years.

This is just one example, but it is a perfect case of Epstein seeing the guy who fit into the organization and doing whatever he had to do to obtain him.

Bill Mueller Signing

The Red Sox were in need of a third basemen before the 2003 season, so Epstein went out and signed Bill Mueller.

I remember that I had never heard of the guy before that year, but I certainly will never forget him. Mueller won the AL batting title in 2003 when he hit for a .326 average. More importantly, Mueller was a machine when it came to getting on base as his OBP was .398 in 2003 and .365 in 2004. 

Mueller fit perfectly into Billy Beane's Moneyball style, and clearly it worked out for Boston when they took home the gold in 2004.

Mike Timlin Signing

Mike Timlin was also brought into the organization prior to the 2003 season. As a setup man for Keith Foulke, Timlin flourished in Boston.

Before Epstein was a part of the Red Sox organization, Boston did not have a bullpen. Every year, Boston would struggle with pitching once the starter was pulled from the game, and it was one major area that Theo needed to work on once he arrived.

Mike Timlin was the first step towards a reinvigorated bullpen, which flourished over the next few seasons. Timlin didn't let up a single run in the 2003 postseason, proving that this acquisition by Epstein definitely paid off.

David Ortiz Signing

David Ortiz was yet another player who flew under the radar in the MLB before Epstein brought him into the Red Sox organization in 2003. 

Now he is one of the greatest players in the history of the Boston Red Sox.

If Epstein hadn't acquired Big Papi, I highly doubt the Red Sox would have won the World Series in 2004. Papi's walk-off hits in Games 4 and 5 of the ALCS in 2004 are two of the most clutch hits in the history of baseball, and odds are that Boston would have lost those games if it wasn't for their ALCS MVP. 

Boston fans better always be thankful towards Theo for that one.

Curt Schilling Trade

After losing in the ALCS to the Yankees in 2003, Boston was in need of one more starting pitcher to complement Pedro Martinez, Derek Lowe and Tim Wakefield.

Curt Schilling was the answer.

After winning the World Series with Arizona in 2001, Schilling had the experience necessary to win a world championship. Knowing this, Epstein traded for Schilling prior to the 2004 season. The Red Sox made it back to the ALCS yet again against the Yankees, and I don't think anyone will ever forget the bloody sock.

Despite being injured, Schilling pitched a gem against the Yankees while blood was very clear coming through his sock during the game. Schilling became a hero for Boston and it never would have happened if it wasn't for Theo.

Dave Roberts Trade

Dave Roberts was acquired in a trade deadline deal in 2004 from the Dodgers for minor league player Henri Stanley.

Roberts was meant to be a defensive replacement and pinch-runner and despite the fact that he did very little during the regular season, his impact against the Yankees in the ALCS should be considered legendary.

Roberts came into pinch-run at first base in Game 4 when Boston was down by one run in the ninth inning. He needed to steal second base. So he did.

His stolen base might be the most important in Red Sox history and without it, Boston probably would have lost the series in that inning. But we know the actual history: He stole second, scored the tying run and helped the Red Sox to the World Series.

Nomar Garciaparra Trade

All of Red Sox nation was questioning their sophomore GM when he traded away their star shortstop for Orlando Cabrera and Doug Mientkiewicz. 

Nomar Garciaparra was the beloved player of the franchise and it was a shocker when he was traded for Cabrera and some guy whose name nobody could pronounce. It was a true do-or-die deal.

But it paid off. Cabrera excelled at shortstop and Mientkiewicz was the perfect defensive replacement at first base, and he was even on the receiving end of the final out of the World Series in 2004. It's this trade that will cement Epstein's legacy with the Red Sox, and it is for this reason that Cubs fans should be excited.

Theo did his time with the Red Sox, and those first few years were great as he made the moves which were best for the team and fit into their system the greatest. Chicago should expect him to do similar things for the Cubs and quite possibly lead them to their first World Series title in over 100 years.