It appears, from most reports anyways, the Chicago Cubsthane obtained their savior, their killer of goats, black cats, Bartmans, and all other curses. From all reports Theo Epstein, according to WEEI has signed a 5 years deal with the Cubs for around $15 million to join the club in a high level executive position. It is also being reported that the Cubs will be on the hook for some bonuses as well as send Boston compensation for Epstein.
This move changes the baseball landscape in Wrigleyville. A longtime lovable loser, and a team riddled with bad luck, while fan expectations grew higher and higher, this move is the first real move of note for the Ricketts family. The Ricketts took over the team in a highly publicized sale and fans grew tired of their, "we're fans too" approach.
The fan base, which has remained extremely loyal over decades of losing baseball, stopped showing up to games in late 2010, and the ballclub had a hard time drawing in 2011. The lack of fans in the stands forced the Ricketts to do the unthinkable, create marketing around getting people in the stands. With the Cubs bleacher specials and specially priced seats the Cubs still managed over 3,000,000 fans.
So with Theo at the helm there will be a lot of change to come, and speculation to boot. Will the Cubs keep Mike Quade? Will we see the return of Ryne Sandberg? Will Theo bring former Red Sox manager Terry Francona?
All of these questions will be answered soon enough, let's just relish in the fact that the first offseason move of the 2011 season for the Cubs was a home run.
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