Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer Hire A Familiar Face

When Theo Epstein took control of the Chicago Cubs baseball department as the President of Baseball Operations, there was an understanding that Epstein would not be allowed to hire many front office officials that were still at work with the Boston Red Sox organization. From there, Epstein shifted his attention to the San Diego Padres organization. Epstein hired Jed Hoyer as the Cubs’ general manager, and Jason McLeod followed Hoyer to Chicago from San Diego and is serving under the role of Vice President of Scouting and Player Development. Unlike with the Red Sox, there was no restriction that was placed on the Cubs’ new regime from hiring officials that are currently working with the Padres’ front office.

Though, McLeod’s arrival did create a temporary conflict with the role of Tim Wilken. Wilken was the Scouting Director under the Jim Hendry regime, and team Chairman Tom Ricketts had also taken a liking to Wilken. Ricketts ensured Wilken that he would remain with the Cubs throughout the 2012 season, and during this season, Epstein and Hoyer have developed a strong relationship with Wilken. So much so that Wilken was promoted to being a special assistant to the President and General Manager. Essentially working the the same position that Greg Maddux did under Hendry. This was a deserving promotion for Wilken. Wilken is responsible for the top prospects that the Cubs have in their system right now–Brett Jackson, Josh Vitters, Matt Sczcur, Junior Lake, and Javier Baez–and also played a vital role in the scouting of Starlin Castro.

Wilken’s promotion created a vacancy at the Scouting Director’s position in the Cubs’ front office. That position will be filled by Jaron Madison. The Cubs announced the hiring of Madison on Friday, who held the same position with San Diego Padres. Madison was also a part of the Hoyer regime when the Cubs’ current general manager had the same position with the Padres. Madison was another great hire for the Cubs’ front office. Madison is highly regarded around the baseball industry and has received praise for turning the Padres’ farm system into one of the top systems in the game.

This move comes as a surprise to just about everyone. The Cubs already had an All-Star staff of front office officials with Epstein, Hoyer, McLeod, Wilken, and a plethora of intelligent advanced scouts. With Madison in the mix now, the Cubs are ensuring that any amatuer talent or professional talent that are available will not go unseen by the organization.