I read this: http://espn.go.com/chicago/mlb/story/_/id/7182270/chicago-cubs-release-manager-mike-quade
And inside it came this:
Epstein said. "We are looking for someone with whom and around whom we can build a foundation for sustained success. The next manager must have leadership and communication skills; he must place an emphasis on preparation and accountability; he must establish high standards and a winning culture; he must have integrity and an open mind; and he must have managerial or coaching experience at the major league level."
That means candidates would be....well, Bobby Cox and Joe Torre are done, right? Current voice of the Cubs, Bob Brenly? Or, gosh, are they getting the band back together? Terry Francona?
How about a smidgen of hope for my childhood leader? Nope. Also in was this:
"Theo called me 10 minutes after they issued the press release (on Quade) and told me that they have a list of guys and I'm not on it,'' Sandberg said, according to the Daily Herald. "He wished me good luck and said he hoped I got a chance somewhere soon."
Did Theo say that last part with a nudge and a wink, because ten minutes later came this news: http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/7182684/philadelphia-phillies-give-st-louis-cardinals-ok-talk-ryne-sandberg-source-says
Sandberg. Managing in the big leagues. As a St. Louis Cardinal. Whoa, whoa, whoa.
I think Theo handled the situation well, but, geeze, Sandberg as a Cardinal. That makes me feel all weird and conflicted. But at the same time I'd love to see it. For Ryno. And for baseball.
I'd like to see the Cubs manager in place soon. Not sure how many guys are out there with that resume.
Musings from a sports fan with an opinion on pretty much everything.
Showing posts with label Theo Epstein. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Theo Epstein. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
ESPN: Cubs introduce Theo Epstein
http://espn.go.com/chicago/mlb/story/_/id/7147573/chicago-cubs-introduce-theo-epstein-president-baseball-operations
Summary: Tuesday, October 25, 2011, Theo Epstein, former General Manager of the Boston Red Sox, is introduced as President of baseball operations for the Chicago Cubs.
Underlying theme: Cubs fans everywhere are filled with hope that Theo can deliver the Cubs their first World Series Championship in over 100 years, in the same way he shepherded the Red Sox, another sad-sack franchise for the better part of a century, to two titles in less than 10 years.
Knee-Jerk Reaction: Disclaimer, I have been a Cubs fan since I knew what baseball was. The last 25+ years have been a pretty consistent kick in the pants. Theo's introduction today gives me a lot of hope.
The mid-season exit of former GM Jim Hendry immediately started the rumor mill that Epstein would be intrigued by the possibility to turn-around another long-time losing organization. I got the feeling that millions of the Cubs' faithful felt the same way.
And it doesn't just appear to be a good fit. It sounds like a good fit, as well. At his introduction, Epstein hit on all the major points I wanted to hear: establishing a proper farm system, accepting the hard work that will be involved, making consistent appearances in October, setting the ultimate goal of bringing a Championship to the North Side, and, most key, in my opinion, changing the mentality and the culture surrounding the team.
The culture of the Cubs comes with 100+ years of baggage. That has to be the first to go. The players, the staff, and, especially, the fans have got to know that things are going to 1) change and 2) improve. Everyone has to pull for each other and in the same direction.
Things that I think should be somewhere on Epstein's priority list:
1) Steve Bartman "Bury The Hatchet Day": forgiveness not for Bartman, but from the entire City of Chicago (and the sorry sons-of-bitches that dare call themselves fans) to that poor man who has been so sorely mistreated by the public. ESPN's well-done documentary "Catching Hell" should make any self-respecting Cubs fan cringe in disbelief at the unacceptable treatment of a private citizen. Solution: Bartman throws out the first pitch on Opening Day 2012, with the Mayor of Chicago catching. The Mayor proceeds to put a price on the head of anyone caught bringing violence against Bartman.
2) Get Ryne Sandberg involved. Perhaps now isn't quite the time to place the Hall of Famer in the dugout driver's seat, but it will be one day. The man has done very good things managing in the minors and if he installs confidence in the fans think of what it would bring to the players. I loved him as a player; he was my favorite. It would be baseball poetry to see him finally make it to a World Series as a Chicago Cub.
I'm pretty damn excited about what future Octobers offer. I don't expect to be there next year or even in 2013, but I get the real feeling that 2014 isn't out of the question.
Summary: Tuesday, October 25, 2011, Theo Epstein, former General Manager of the Boston Red Sox, is introduced as President of baseball operations for the Chicago Cubs.
Underlying theme: Cubs fans everywhere are filled with hope that Theo can deliver the Cubs their first World Series Championship in over 100 years, in the same way he shepherded the Red Sox, another sad-sack franchise for the better part of a century, to two titles in less than 10 years.
Knee-Jerk Reaction: Disclaimer, I have been a Cubs fan since I knew what baseball was. The last 25+ years have been a pretty consistent kick in the pants. Theo's introduction today gives me a lot of hope.
The mid-season exit of former GM Jim Hendry immediately started the rumor mill that Epstein would be intrigued by the possibility to turn-around another long-time losing organization. I got the feeling that millions of the Cubs' faithful felt the same way.
And it doesn't just appear to be a good fit. It sounds like a good fit, as well. At his introduction, Epstein hit on all the major points I wanted to hear: establishing a proper farm system, accepting the hard work that will be involved, making consistent appearances in October, setting the ultimate goal of bringing a Championship to the North Side, and, most key, in my opinion, changing the mentality and the culture surrounding the team.
The culture of the Cubs comes with 100+ years of baggage. That has to be the first to go. The players, the staff, and, especially, the fans have got to know that things are going to 1) change and 2) improve. Everyone has to pull for each other and in the same direction.
Things that I think should be somewhere on Epstein's priority list:
1) Steve Bartman "Bury The Hatchet Day": forgiveness not for Bartman, but from the entire City of Chicago (and the sorry sons-of-bitches that dare call themselves fans) to that poor man who has been so sorely mistreated by the public. ESPN's well-done documentary "Catching Hell" should make any self-respecting Cubs fan cringe in disbelief at the unacceptable treatment of a private citizen. Solution: Bartman throws out the first pitch on Opening Day 2012, with the Mayor of Chicago catching. The Mayor proceeds to put a price on the head of anyone caught bringing violence against Bartman.
2) Get Ryne Sandberg involved. Perhaps now isn't quite the time to place the Hall of Famer in the dugout driver's seat, but it will be one day. The man has done very good things managing in the minors and if he installs confidence in the fans think of what it would bring to the players. I loved him as a player; he was my favorite. It would be baseball poetry to see him finally make it to a World Series as a Chicago Cub.
I'm pretty damn excited about what future Octobers offer. I don't expect to be there next year or even in 2013, but I get the real feeling that 2014 isn't out of the question.
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