Theo Epstein: Cubs Will Change Franchise's Course with New Executive

Major League Baseball needs the Chicago Cubs to be relevant again, and that's why the news that the Boston Red Sox and Cubbies are close to a deal for front office extraordinaire Theo Epstein is so exciting.

There is no doubting that Epstein knows what he is doing, as evidenced by his history with the Red Sox.

He became the youngest general manager in MLB history when Boston hired him on in 2002 at the bright young age of 28. He followed that up in 2004 by residing over the Red Sox just two years later when they won the World Series for the first time in 86 years. He was also an executive with the team in 2007 when they won it for the second time in the decade.

Epstein was known as a smart executive and he made some very shrewd moves. That's why the reports that the Red Sox and Cubs are close to a deal that will finalize Epstein's transition to Chicago is great news.

Bruce Levine of ESPNChicago.com writes more on the deal:

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The Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox are finalizing a deal that would make Theo Epstein the Cubs' president of baseball operations at some point Thursday, according to a Major League Baseball source.

A source with knowledge of the negotiations said: "The two sides are on the 5-yard line."

MLB already has told the Cubs that they can have a news conference on Friday, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.

The Red Sox initially asked for Cubs starting pitcher Matt Garza, and at one point proposed the Cubs take pitcher John Lackey's contract as part of the compensation, according to a major league source. Lackey has three seasons remaining on a five-year, $82.5 million contract. He was 12-12 with a 6.41 ERA in 28 starts for the Red Sox in 2011.

But the expected agreement will include Cubs minor leaguers, although not top prospects Brett Jackson, Trey McNutt and Matt Szczur, the source said. Cash will not be part of the compensation.

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I can only expect good things from Epstein with the Cubs.

They are obviously a franchise with a lot of needs, but if there is one executive that can make the appropriate moves happen to start filling those needs, it would be Epstein.

It's going to take some time, but with the proper backup and support from the rest of the organization and fans, I think Epstein can rebuild something great in Chicago.