The Latest on the Rumor Train!!!

The rumor train is at full speed as well as some detail on the manager search so here is the latest-

- Terry Francona is a fit for the Cubs if he and Theo determine it is a fit. Does that make sense?
- The Cubs interviewed Pete Mackanin (the Phillies bench coach) today for their manager job.
- The interview process is really a window into how Theo Epstein looks into things. The interview starts with a conventional sit-down meeting, after that a long process where a candidate gets a simulated game situation with rosters, statistics, player usage, and other factors used in an actual game situation to come up with their response. Theo and Jed will vary on how they want an answer as in they may want it immediately or want a thoughtful analysis or even create a somewhat hostile environment for the person interviewing. The next step in the process is they get to sit down with the media and let them ask questions. This is a dramatically better process Theo is bringing to the Chicago Cubs. Just one of the many reasons why Ricketts had a high regard for him.
- The final step in the interview process is Theo and Jed coming up with one candidate then presenting it to Rickets and his Board of Directors for final approval.
- Mike Maddux will interview next week for the Cubs managerial job because he is battling laryngitis.
- Brewers’ hitting coach Dale Sveum will interview next week as well but according Tom Haudricourt the Cubs has not asked permission.
- The Cubs are also linked to Indians’ bench coach Sandy Alomar Jr., Red Sox bench Coach DeMarlo Hale, and Rays’ bench Coach Dave Martinez.
- The Cubs have a very similar list to the Red Sox because Theo and Ben have a similar interviewing process and criteria.
- Rumors are circling that if Terry Francona is named manager then Ryne Sandberg will be named his bench coach. Why is this significant? Because Terry would likely just be managing for the next 3 years or less (which he has said before) and having Sandberg as a bench coach learning the “Theo Way” from Mr. Boston himself Terry Francona is the best way to learn on the job to be Francona’s successor.
- Greg Maddux maybe reconsidering taking a full-time job in the ML again. There is talk out there that Greg would consider becoming a coach for Mike Maddux if he is named the Chicago Cubs manager. Someone close to the Maddux brothers said it has been Greg’s dream to be on a coaching staff with his brother. What better place than the Chicago Cubs?
- MLBTR states Joel Pinero and David DeJesus as fits for the Cubs. I just don’t see it when you can get Grady Sizemore and Erik Bedard for a similar price.
- A tidbit in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel list the Cubs along with the Rangers and Angels as players for Prince Fielder. Fielder is reportedly looking for 8 years at 20 million a year. The Cubs would refuse to pay that price tag and will not get in a bidding war. I think the Cubs could pull what the Phillies did with Halladay and Lee, offer less years and more money a year. 125 million over 5 years sounds good to me.
- Wood is going to sit down with Epstein and Company very soon to discuss his future. He is expected to be with the team in one capacity or another.
- There is a rumor out there that the Blue Jays have check on Matt Garza’s availability.
- Levine adds to the rumor mill stating CJ Wilson and Roy Oswalt are not options for the Cubs and Nick Markakis is an interesting trade target. I agree with his assessment.
- The Cubs could have interest in Braves pitcher Jair Jurrjens but he does not fit the mold of a Saber guy Epstein will look for.
- The A’s will listen to offers on any of their players. I think the Cubs would be foolish not to look at Brett Anderson, Trevor Cahill, or Gio Gonzales especially.
- The Cubs have been scouting Yu Darvish for the past year and have also been scouting lefty Tsuyoshi Wada as a left handed starter.
- A great story for Cubs’ fans that needs a good ending in December. Ron Santo is 1 of 10 “Golden Era” candidates for the induction to the Hall of Fame. The committee consists of 16 members and 12 of those members need to cast a yes for Santo to be inducted. The vote will take place on December 5th and we will be hoping and praying Santo will be finally inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
- Talks have been slow on the compensation front for Theo Epstein.

Until Next Time…

Cubs Manager Search Starts...

With Mike Quade down and out lets look at the newest rumors involving the Cubs managerial search.

- Here is what Theo Epstein and company are looking for according to the press release-
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.
- Terry Francona will not be a candidate for the Cubs job according to Ken Rosenthal.
- Unfortunately Ryne Sandberg will not be the manager next season for the Chicago Cubs. Theo did a really classy thing by calling up Sandberg to tell him he is not in the running for the job. Sandberg in turn responded by saying very kind things about the Cubs and the direction Theo is taking them. You can read his comments in the Daily Herald here.
- If Ryne Sandberg does not get a managers job in the majors he could wind up with the Cubs as a bench or base coach.
- Yes the Cards have asked permission to interview Sandberg and it has been granted. I have also heard whispers he will interview with Boston as well. Media outlets from both Boston and St. Louis say Ryne is a long shot because of the other established candidates.
- The Cubs will likely pass on current managers in MLB. That means no Joe Maddon, Bud Black, or Joe Girardi.
- Here are some names out there right now: Bob Brenly, Bobby Valentine, Mike Maddux, Dale Sveum, Dave Martinez, Tim Bogar, DeMarlo Hale, Sandy Alomar Jr., Pete Mackanin, and Don Wakamatsu.
- There has been talk that the Cubs are not allowed to raid the Padres and Red Sox anymore so you could see Tim Bogar and DeMarlo Hale taken off that list unless the Red Sox conclude their managerial search before the Cubs or allow the Cubs to interview them.
- Out of the list above I like Mike Maddux, Dale Sveum, Bob Brenly, Pete Mackanin, and Dave Martinez the best but would be OK with all of them except Bobby Valentine and Don Wakamatsu.
- If Dave Martinez is named the manager don't expect him to name Ryno as a coach. The two have a not so good past as players on the Cubs.

Until Nex Time

My 2012 Top 50 Free Agent Predictions

I am going to do something more mainstream today by listing the top 50 free agents (according to MLBTR.com) and predicting their landing spot. This by no means is what I want to happen it is my predictions based on information, rumors, and needs by all 30 Major League teams. So here we go!

Albert Pujols – Cards
Prince Fielder – Blue Jays
Jose Reyes – Nationals
C.J. Wilson – Rangers
Yu Darvish – Blue Jays
Edwin Jackson – Royals
Jimmy Rollins – Phillies
Aramis Ramirez – Angels
Carlos Beltran – Red Sox
Jonathan Papelbon – Red Sox
Michael Cuddyer – Cubs
Mark Buehrle – Cards
David Ortiz – Mariners
Ryan Madson – Reds
Hiroki Kuroda – Dodgers
Carlos Pena - Pirates
Francisco Rodriguez – Marlins
Roy Oswalt – Rangers
Javier Vazquez – Retirement
Heath Bell- Padres
Coco Crisp – Brewers
Hisashi Iwakuma – Twins
Kelly Johnson – Dodgers
Josh Willingham – Reds
Paul Maholm – Royals
Grady Sizemore – Cubs
Bartolo Colon – Blue Jays
Erik Bedard- Cubs
David DeJesus – Braves
Jason Kubel – Marlins
Ramon Hernandez – Pirates
Jeff Francis – Orioles
Chris Capuano- Mets
Tsuyoshi Wada – Cubs
Clint Barmes – Tigers
Casey Kotchman – Rays
Freddy Garcia – Yankees
Aaron Hill – Diamondbacks
Johnny Damon – Indians
Aaron Harang – Padres
Jamey Carroll – Twins
Rafael Furcal – Cards
Juan Pierre – Astros
Frank Francisco – White Sox
Jason Marquis – Mets
Joel Pineiro – Pirates
Jonathan Broxton – Giants
Joe Nathan – Twins
Kerry Wood – Cubs
Bruce Chen - Padres

So the in my top 50 the Cubs will be receiving Kerry Wood, Tsuyoshi Wada, Erik Bedard, and Michael Cuddyer. After hearing Theo's press conference I am 75% certain that big names Pujols and Fielder will not be on the north-side. I think Theo will build a nice young team and add big named free agents once he evaluates the team. I do not think he will make moves to jeopardize the Cubs financially to win next season and hurt them down the road.

Which is why they add a guy like Erik Bedard and Grady Sizemore to a one or two year deal. Both are high risk/high reward players and fall under Theo ball. Bedard brings balance to the starting rotation and Sizemore adds veteran depth to the outfield and could start in RF for the Cubs. Bringing Kerry Wood back on a one-year deal at a discount is a no-brainer. The two multi-year deals I see Theo handing out is Tsuyoshi Wada and Michael Cuddyer. Cuddyer could seek a three year deal worth around 30 million and play at least 5 of the 9 positions on the diamond although he could be the starting 3rd baseman or 1st baseman for the Cubs; tremendous value there. Wada's value is reportedly around a 2 year deal worth 8 to 10 million which is a really good value for a left-handed starter with his funky delivery and a 1.80 ERA last season.

The rest of the holes on the Cubs roster will be filled by players not on the top 50 list, trades, and the minor leagues. Expect to see a lot of movement by Team Theo this winter to bring in his guys.

What does your top 50 predictions look like? Any predictions you think I am right on or far off? On this list who do you think the Cubs will add? Feel free to comment.

Until Next Time...

Quick Hits- Manager, Coaching, Free Agency, and Trades

- With Tony LaRussa retiring; there has been several lists that include potential candidates to replace Tony put out there by the media and all of them include Ryne Sandberg. Talked to one of my sources that says he “will definitely get an interview from the Cardinals” if he does not find a manager job before them.

- Dave Duncan may or may not retire. I am wishing upon a star but please come to the Cubs Dave!

- Another guy the new manager (if there is one) should bring in from the Cardinals coaching staff is Jose Oquendo as a base coach. He is high regarded in the baseball community as a good baseball mind and a great base coach. He would be a great addition to the staff.

- The Cubs exercised Aramis Ramirez 2012 $16M option but then he declined the option saving the Cubs the $2M dollar buyout. Aramis is looking for a 3-4 year deal worth 15 million a year. The Angels are likely to pay up big for Ramirez.

- The Cubs also declined Jeff Samardzija’s $3M option for 2012 but he is still under team control so they will bring him back for a lower rate.

- Josh Vitters is going to play 3rd base in the minor’s full time next year. Some think he may make the jump to AAA next season.

- Carlos Pena, Kerry Wood, Reed Johnson, John Grabow, Rodrigo Lopez, and Ramon Ortiz all filed for free agency yesterday. Wood stated he will only come back next season is if it is with the Cubs. If he does not get a contract with him he will retire. Carlos Pena is looking for a multi-year deal which could be a hang up for the Cubs.

- Carlos Zambrano to Kansas City??? There is interest from KC but only if the Cubs pay the majority of his contract. Anything can happen because the Braves just sent 38 year old Derek Lowe to the Indians for a low A minor leaguer. The Braves are paying 10 of the 15 million left on Lowe’s contract. The Cubs could do something very similar with the Royals or any other team for that matter.

- We could find out Quade’s fate as early as tomorrow and no later than Friday according to my sources.

- Bud Selig will likely decide compensation for Epstein which will favor the Cubs.



Until Next Time…

The Theo Epstein Era Has Started!

The press conference quick hits and other notes-

- That was Theo Epstein at Starbucks a couple weeks ago.

- I liked the Theo Epstein “Office Space” comment in referring to himself as Milton they guy that came to work but did not actually have a job.

- Theo is looking to build the team from the ground up.

- He is looking for the same unity and coaching from the Winter League to AA ball to MLB to the Front Office.

- I best describe Theo’s vision as family oriented where you start from a foundational ground and build from within and expand from there.

- Theo says he will have plenty of resources to be successful but expressed that means toward the draft and other avenues.

- He says this change is not an immediate but that does not mean a one year turn around is not possible.

- He values both traditional scouting and new age, describes using both in one scope to clearly and completely evaluate a player.

- He says the Cubs and Red Sox have a good relationship and will continue to work towards a compensation agreement.

- Hoyer and McLeod will likely be announced the day after the WS concludes.

- Quade and Epstein will have a sit down conversation about their visions and what happened last year. If you listen to the press conference it sounds like he is saying positive things about Quade right before he cans him.

- It is possible Hoyer could let Quade go even though it will likely be the President of Baseball Operations decision.

- John Ferrell will not be the Cubs new manager if Quade is let go because the Blue Jays will not allow him to make a lateral move.

- One source told me it is likely that Ryne Sandberg will be with the Chicago Cubs ML in some capacity in 2012.

- Another source close to Ricketts said the Cubs will have a ceiling of $160M for the Baseball Operations side of things.

- Theo left the door open on high profiled free agents such as Pujols and Fielder by saying if the “market allows them to be players”

- Theo Epstein was the Cubs pie in the sky guy. It was hard to imagine landing him.

- A strong draft class really helped Theo in making a decision on the job,

- At no time did Theo ask for more money or an extension from the Red Sox.

- Epstein’s good trait is he is really competitive.

- Main focus is player development and scouting.

- Best tradition is winning according to Theo.

- Theo plans on bring in the best and baseball and leaving those instrumental to the Cubs in place.

This should be a great and busy offseason for the Chicago Cubs as they usher in a new era. As always tune into Hot Stove Cubbies for your Cubs rumors and news. Don’t forget to follow me on twitter for up to the minute news and rumors as it breaks.


Until Next Time…

Cubs Get Their Man and Quick Hits...

- The Cubs finally got their man and it took Selig stepping in.
- Players involved will be settled at a later date.
- Theo Epstein actually resigned from his position with the Red Sox to take the GM job with the Cubs.
- Theo will negotiate compensation with the Red Sox.
- The next two moves is hiring Jed Hoyer as GM and his Assistant Jason McLeod from the Padres.
- The Cubs have received permission to "interview" both Hoyer and McLeod. Both are expected to join the Cubs soon.
- There will be a press conference Tuesday at Wrigley announcing Theo Epstein as the Cubs new President of Baseball Operations. It is also rumored they will announce the hiring of Hoyer and McLeod.
- One rival GM said the Cubs have the "brightest minds in baseball in their front office and if they cannot win with them then they should mail it in."
- There is a rumor out there that Ricketts will raise payroll to around 150-160 million next season which includes players salary and player development.
- After this front office is assembled the next moves for the "baseball minds" is to determine "who will stay and who will go on the current staff" and speaking to players about options and extensions.
- Many feel the front office team will let several coaches and staff go from all levels in the organization including coaches like Mike Quade, Mark Riggins, and several coaches in the minors.
- Theo and his team would like to put their stamp on Chicago Cubs baseball and create a new mentality so a large change over is needed.
- Like most of you I have heard the Ryne Sandberg rumors and I believe there is some truth to them. Sandberg is essentially being passed over again in the Phillies system when a report came out stating that the coaching staff will remain in place unless a coach leave for another position. The Phillies believe Sandberg will find a manager or coaching position somewhere in MLB.
- One source I have talked to said that Ricketts and Epstein have both wanted to put a family atmosphere in the Cubs organization by bring back some individuals that have impacted the Cubs in the past. This source said he would not be surprised to see the front office hire Ryne Sandberg as manager and then he in turn name Larry Bowa as his bench coach and possibly add Mark Grace somewhere on the staff. What a buzz that would create.
- There is a very slim chance that Greg Maddux will be with the Cubs in a professional capacity next season but anything is possible. If I were Theo I would beg and plead and give him a blank check to become my next pitching coach.
- Does anyone think the Cubs can get Dave Duncan from the Cards? I don't but man I would try! That guy is a genius when it comes to pitchers.
- Jason McLeod is pretty good at what he does! He is responsible for adding Dustin Pedroia, Clay Buchholz, Jacoby Ellsbury, Daniel Bard, and Justin Masterson just to name a few.

Until Next Time..

Theo and the Funky Bunch

If you follow twitter you know all day today there has been conflicting reports in regards to the Theo Epstein talk but finally it seems like the Boston media is getting on board. No word on what players have been sent packing to Boston or when a press conference maybe but here is the latest.

- Theo Epstein will have complete control of the Baseball Operations side of the Chicago Cubs.

- Jed Hoyer will become the next GM of the Chicago Cubs.

- Hoyer will not cost the Cubs player compensation because of the good relationship between the Padres owner and Ricketts.

- Theo originally wanted Josh Byrnes but the declined and Jed Hoyer asked for an extension from the Padres before eventually accepting the job offered as the Cubs GM.

- Players included as compensation for Theo are not on the ML roster and do not include prospects Matt Szczur, Brett Jackson, or McNutt according to Bruce Levine.

- I keep hearing the names Jay Jackson and Josh Vitters from "people in the know."

- The Cubs have not asked MLB to make an announcement tomorrow as of 3:30 PM CST today.

- Assistant Jason McLeod is expected to join the Cubs front office. McLeod is Jed Hoyer assistant in San Diego.

- The Cubs new front office is considered by the media, baseball officials, rival GMs, players, and others around baseball as one of the best and brightest front offices in baseball. One official said the Cubs as an organization and their fans should be ecstatic as the changes made by Tom Ricketts. While a rival GM says "Tom Ricketts has paved a new road in baseball with the front office he just assembled.. Pretty high praises!



Here is some more information on the new Cubs GM Jed Hoyer-

- Former Assistant GM to Red Sox under Theo Epstein.

- Persuaded Curt Schilling to accept a trade from Arizona to Boston. A move that would be a big part of winning a World Series.

- Was among the group that landed Josh Beckett, Mike Lowell, Mark Loretta, and Andy Marte via trade. All moves that helped the Red Sox win the World Series.

- Hoyer had interviewed with the Pirates and Nationals before landing in San Diego in which his first year they won 90 games.

- Hoyer was also responsible for the trade of Adrian Gonzales to the Red Sox when he determined Adrian was going to leave free agency the following year. Hoyer was able to obtain the Red Sox #1 prospect Casey Kelly, #3 prospect Anthony Rizzo, and #6 prospect Reymond Fuentes. All of which are doing well in the Padres system.

Until Next Time...

D-Day: No Epstein Announcement But Rumors Likely

Many say the announcement is unlikely today but some say it is still possible. I am leaning toward the former.

- Nick Cafardo is one that is optimistic saying most deals get done once they reach the imposed deadline so a deal is still possible.

- It should be noted that Theo Epstein right now is in Boston and no announcement will be made without his presence in Chicago.

- Reports came out last night that the Red Sox asked for Matt Garza as compensation for Theo Epstein. The Cubs of course balked at that and then they moved onto Starlin Castro in which Randy Bush and Tom Ricketts laughed. They are now onto minor league prospects.

- Sean McAdam of CSNNE says the two sides are too far apart to get a deal done today. WEEI and the Sun-Times both agree with Sean McAdams.

- Sources say the Red Sox have now drawn their attention to top prospect Trey McNutt and Chris Carpenter. Most sources in relation to the Cubs label McNutt, Carpenter, Szczur, BJax, and Vitters are all untouchable. I think Epstein is worth a pitcher like Carpenter or McNutt but I do not think the Cubs should give in and give up one of those prospects.

- The thought around baseball is their is no way Epstein is in Boston next season because the Boston management has already promised Ben Cherington the GM job, said that they would not renew Epstein contract, and will not pay Theo 7 million for a lame duck season. Not to mention they criticizing Theo for the Crawford deal. I tell you what Boston brass I will take Epstein, Crawford, and Lackey if you take Soriano and Zambrano.

- Sources close to Tom Ricketts say he is willing to wait until he gets the right deal rather than jeopardising the Cubs farm system. Rumors have even gone as far as possibly putting a baseball operations team together until Theo comes along.

- Josh Byrnes may move before Theo according to sources. Theo Epstein has already told Ricketts some of his plans in the interview so Tom (if confident a deal could get done) could start hiring and firing and making moves that Theo would have done his first days and weeks on the job starting with hiring Josh Byrnes and possible firing Mike Quade.

- Many sources think the Cubs have a lot move leverage considering the Red Sox have went for asking for Garza down to minor league talent. Shows a lot of leverage the Cubs way and desperation from the Red Sox to get something of value.

- Many say a deal is incredibly unlikely to fall through. One of my sources say there is a better chance of a Babe Ruth resurrection and signing with the Cubs for 2012 than a deal falling through.

-Both clubs need to get a deal done because both need to start conducting a managerial search very soon!

- Bud Selig does a MLB announcement blackout during the World Series so an announcement could still be made before the game tomorrow evening. Although the Cubs could ask permission from Selig to do one on a off or travel day.

- Epstein wants to take three Boston employees with him to Chicago. The Herald has all three names Brian O'Halloran who is VP of Baseball Operations, Dave Finley is a Special Assistant to the GM, and Mike Reinhold who is the Head Athletic Director and Assistant Director of Medical Services.

- Another name that could be coming to Chicago is Jason McLeod who is the head of the amateur draft and Jed Hoyer's assistant for the Padres.

- MLB cannot interfere or arbitrate a resolution between the two clubs but will continue to monitor the situation.

- If Ryne Sandberg interviews for the Cubs manager position (if and when Quade is fired) then he will get the job. They will not turn him down twice.

Let's hope something gets done today and an announcement is made tomorrow so we can get the off season underway!

Until Next Time...

Epstein Talk: The Past 24 hours And New Rumors

Let’s run down some facts and rumors of the Theo Epstein to Chicago Talk in the past 24 hours-

- Congrats to the Boston Herald for first breaking the news by says Theo Epstein is on the “cusp of leaving his job as general manager of the Red Sox to accept a position with the Chicago Cubs that is believed to include powers greater than he has in Boston.” This set the blog and twitter world on fire and created the domino effect that we witness last night into today.

- Epstein did not originally agree to the complete deal as reported last night; just the parameters but the deal was signed this morning.

- Many reports stated it was a “done-deal” and to a certain extent they were right. Saying that is basically like asking the hottest girl to prom and getting shut down and taking her best friend. You are still going to the Prom with a date she is just the original hot girl you were going with.

- An announcement could be as early as Thursday but Friday seems like it is getting the most buzz.

- Crane Kenney got blasted by some baseball execs and the media was there to report them. Here is what they said-

*****Epstein's responsibilities and title would "assure that Epstein would have the authority to keep meddlesome Cubs' president Crane Kenney out of baseball business."

*****Multiple high-level execs from other organizations view Kenney "as an interfering, credit-seeking suit with little baseball acumen and an impediment to landing a top general manager."
- Despite the criticism from execs, Ricketts said Crane Kenney was involved in the process and applauded him for doing a good job.

- Mike Quade was not informed or in on any discussions regarding the GM search. Is anyone really surprised? Sometimes I wondered if Quade was ever informed he was a ML Manager throughout this season.

- The Cubs contacted several other GMs while trying to land Theo Epstein and they were Andrew Friedman, Rick Hahn, Dan Evans, Jerry Dipoto, and Kim Ng. But the Cubs got their first choice as GM.

- The Cubs will not give up Brett Jackson or Starlin Castro as compensation to the Red Sox. Several reports indicated last night and early this morning that the Cubs would pay cash and maybe give a minor league player not on the 40 man roster.

- It looked originally like the Cubs would sign Theo to a 3 or 4 year deal but Epstein expressed interest in building a team not purchasing one so the Cubs added a year.

- Theo and Tom have the same outlook/vision for the Cubs in the next 5 years. It was originally rumored that Ricketts would have to increase payroll to have Theo come aboard but that report was proven false.

- Theo Epstein will have to ask permission from the Boston Brass to take current Red Sox employees with him.

- Red Sox owner John Henry has an opportunity to stop the bleeding by signing Epstein to an extension and granting him a promotion but chose not to because he did not want to keep an employee that does not want to be there.

- Theo Epstein approved of the extension for Fleita and retaining Tim Wilken. He has high praise for both!

- Epstein met with the Cubs front office on two occasions that included Tom Ricketts, Crane Kenney, Tim Wilken, Oneri Fleita, Ari Kaplan, and others. Quade was not in any meetings.

- The Cubs signed Theo to a 5 year 20 million dollar contract which includes the Cubs picking up the conclusion bonus in Theo’s Red Sox deal.

- Theo Epstein will likely have the title of General Manager and President of Baseball Operations for the Chicago Cubs. Theo will only have one man above him in his field and that is owner Tom Ricketts. Crane Kenney will have no say in the Baseball Operations side of things and Theo Epstein will have no say in the Business Operations side of things. Crane Kenney will have his title adjusted from Team President to President of Business Operations for the Chicago Cubs.

- If Tom Ricketts hired a GM like Rick Hahn then he would have likely hired a separate President like a Pat Gillick.

- After the dust has settled and Theo is named the Cubs GM at his introductory press conference he along with other Cub officials will decide on Mike Quade’s fate with the Cubs.

- It should be noted that Theo Epstein was seeking Ryne Sandberg to come to Boston last season to manage their AAA affiliate. So it is likely; because of Sandberg’s connection to the city of Chicago, the Cubs, and the fan base, that Ryno is the favorite to be hired as manager once Quade is presumably dismissed.

- Rumors are out there that Theo Epstein will go level by level to determine who to keep and who should pack their bags. The entire coaching staff for the ML Cubs is likely to be dismissed even Rudy Jaramillo.

- Some reports are that Theo Epstein will change the dynamic throughout the Cubs system to make them a more of a complete team. Revamps include promoting and putting coaches in place that teach good plate discipline, better fundamentals, better defense, and a winning attitude.

- Theo is rumored to wanting to create a family feel much like what the Phillies model but would like to keep the Cubs “in the family” according to sources. This is one of the many things Tom and Theo agreed upon and got both very excited about. The premise is that the Cubs front office would like to put together a Cubs family throughout the entire minor league system starting at the top and going down to A ball. Which means the idea of having Ryne Sandberg as you manager, a former Cub like Mark Grace at hitting coach, and pitching Coach Rick Sutcliffe would not be out of the realm of possibility. It also could mean bringing back more former players for ST and to bring in former players and/or coaches in positions in the minor leagues. It should be interesting and exciting to see the changes coming up in the Cubs organization.

Until Next Time…

For those without twitter Theo Epstein is the next Cubs GM