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Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox Theo Epstein Deal Getting Ridiculous
October 18, 2011
It has been about a week now since the Chicago Cubs struck a deal with Boston Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein, but the compensation talks still drag on. And things look to be going into the wrong direction.
Reports came out that the Boston Red Sox asked the Chicago Cubs for starting pitcher Matt Garza in return for Epstein. I hope the Red Sox were kidding, and if they weren't, Cub fans should be afraid of the direction that this deal is going.
If the Red Sox truly believe they deserve a top tier player like Matt Garza, this deal just isn't going to happen. The Red Sox may just think that Tom Ricketts is stupid, and that he is willing to pull the trigger on the gun to get what he wants, but he was thankfully smart enough to shoot down this proposition right away.
The Cubs likely will, and only should, deal decent prospects and cash for Epstein's services. Epstein is a suit, not a player, so it makes no sense that he is actually worth any substantial value. He is a great general manager, but the Red Sox are not going to get any compensation if they are going to dig for players like Garza.
Then again, if they want Carlos Zambrano, be my guest.
Epstein is due $7 million this season, so with him obviously wanting to leave, whether it is this season or next, the Red Sox are not going to keep that much on payroll with their next GM Ben Cherington waiting in the wings.
It just seems like the Red Sox are playing the power card a little too strong. They have every right to ask for compensation, as they own Theo's rights, but they can't be ridiculous. You can get actual talent for Matt Garza. If the Cubs want Epstein ideology, they could just go for San Diego Padres Asst. GM Josh Byrnes who worked under Epstein for many years in Boston.
Regarding Garza, the Chicago Cubs literally traded the farm to get him. They are not going to move perhaps their best pitcher with no one else waiting in the wings since stand out prospect Chris Archer was dealt in the Garza deal.
I think the Red Sox are just being a pain because they can. They are bitter about what is happening. They had an epic collapse, they fired their manager, they have been embarrassed with news reports and now their two-time World Series GM wants out of town.
With the World Series starting, it looks like this won't be official until after the series concludes. Don't be afraid Cub fans, Epstein is still coming to Chicago. The Red Sox are just being the bullies at the playground and making this a painful process for their enjoyment.
More Cubs Articles by Jeff Chase:
Matt Kemp Should be Theo's First Move
10 Major League Players the Cubs Could Give to Boston
5 Managers Theo Should Go After
Why Theo Epstein Will Be a Good Fit in Chicago
