5 Reasons Theo Epstein Hire Earns Chicago Cubs Public Money

When the Chicago Cubs hired Theo Epstein as general manager, the Cubs helped themselves in numerous ways.  One major aspect in which the Cubs helped themselves by hiring Epstein is in their quest for public money to aid renovation of Wrigley Field.

For about a year, the Cubs organization has been seeking to obtain taxpayer money, either from the city of Chicago or from the state of Illinois, for renovations. 

Last November, Cubs owner Tom Ricketts made an unsuccessful plea for public money at both the municipal and state level.  Ricketts asked for $200 million from city amusement tax revenues for renovations. 

Both then-Mayor Richard Daley and Governor Pat Quinn rejected his proposal.  Daley said it would make it more difficult to close the city's budget deficit.  Quinn didn't like that Ricketts lobbied state lawmakers without consulting him.

The attempt made Ricketts look both ignorant of the deficit situation and politically foolish.

The quest for public money by the Cubs became even more difficult after the election of new Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel.  Emanuel has been hawkish on the deficit.  He has sought a stiff deal with the Chicago Teachers Union.  Also, he has pressed public works workers about fees and absenteeism.

While Emanuel is both cutting costs and looking for new revenue sources for the city, the Cubs may have a new shot at public money. 

In September, the Cubs hired Julian Green as vice president of communication and community affairs.  Green has pockets full of political connections.  Hiring Epstein also helps.

Following are a few reasons why the Epstein hire helps the Cubs in their bid for public money for renovations of Wrigley Field.

Julian Green Can Show City and State Politicians That Cubs Have Plan for Success

Epstein is a general manager who knows how to put together a winning team.

Green is sure to tell politicians this when he presents a case for public money. 

When he lobbies state legislators—and consults Quinn—he will be sure to talk about the Epstein hire.  He'll talk about Epstein's track record of winning.

Similarly, he'll bring up Epstein when talking to Emanuel and city aldermen. 

Green will talk about the two World Series that Epstein has won.  He'll talk about how Epstein helped put the Red Sox in position to pull the 86-year-old monkey off their back through the 2004 World Series title.

When Green talks about Epstein, politicians will listen.

Green Will Convince Politicians That Epstein Will Restrict Spending

While this may seem difficult to believe for some fans (of both the Cubs and Red Sox), Epstein will tighten the Cubs' budget a bit. 

Green will be sure to tell politicians at the city and state level that the Cubs will cut their payroll. 

Green must be able to give politicians this assuring message.

Green would be foolish otherwise.  At a time when cities, states and Congress are becoming aggressive about cutting deficits, the Cubs can't be made to look careless about spending. 

Quinn and Emanuel are particularly cautious about spending, since both are facing big budget deficits for their respective governments. 

Epstein will demonstrate that he will cut spending.  Epstein will focus more on building up the Cubs farm system.  He'll seek ways to produce home-grown talent rather than buying big-name free agents. 

Of course, this means that Epstein will have to mend his own ways.  In recent years, Epstein has given big contracts to players such as John Lackey and Carl Crawford. 

In Chicago, Epstein will show that those days are behind him.

Epstein Will Seek to Dump Big Contracts

In addition to restraining himself from chasing costly free agents, Epstein will deal with fat contracts on the Cubs. 

Epstein will seek a trade partner to take Alfonso Soriano.  Soriano has seen his good playing days pass.  Soriano might not do much better than his .289 on-base percentage and 88 RBI produced in 2011. 

This might be a tough deal to pull off.  However, Epstein should be able to find a trade partner.  Some team will be willing to take Soriano, believing that Soriano can produce.

Indeed, Epstein may need to arrange for the Cubs to pay some of Soriano's $18 million for each of the next three years.

Epstein will need to sit down with Carlos Zambrano.  Zambrano is due $35.88 million in the next two years. 

In their discussion, Epstein will need to ask how much longer Zambrano plans to play.  Also, Epstein will need to make clear the feasibility of Zambrano's tenure with the Cubs based on his behavior.

Zambrano has discussed retirement on occasion. 

In 2009, Zambrano stated after reaching his 100th win that he would retire at the end of his current contract.  On August 13, Zambrano announced retirement plans after being ejected from a game. 

Epstein needs to know when Zambrano plans to retire.  Whenever Zambrano retires, Epstein can dump his salary.

The Epstein Hire Brings Revenue Inside Wrigley Field

I mentioned in a previous piece that the Epstein hire will attract fans to return to Wrigley Field.

Epstein will inspire fans to go to Cubs games again. 

The thought of a winning team will inspire Cubs fans to attend games.  Cubs fans can dream of the great teams that Epstein will produce.

This will also help Green's case.  Green will be able to show politicians improved attendance figures. 

Through this presentation, Green will be able to show that the Cubs are bringing in more revenue inside the stadium. 

Thus, the Cubs would show that they are holding up their end.

Tom Ricketts Faces Less Pressure

Ricketts now faces less pressure in his quest for public money having hired a good, recognizable general manager. 

Epstein is very well-respected around the league. 

The historic collapse of the Red Sox in September was an anomaly to the perennial success gained by Epstein. 

Hiring Epstein takes one big worry off Ricketts' mind.  Ricketts has a very good man running the baseball side of the Cubs.  He can believe that Epstein will turn the Cubs into a winning team.

Winning teams produced by Epstein will win public money from the city and state.