Chicago Cubs News: Epstein confident, Boras still being Boras

The Chicago Cubs and Theo Epstein came out of the GM meetings satisfied that they had laid the groundwork for a strong offseason. While Scott Boras did, well, as he always does. He talks. A lot.

Occasionally, a deal or two will get done at the GM meetings. But for the Chicago Cubs‘ Theo Epstein it’s about setting the stage for what he wants to do. Deals like the Wade Davis trade started with a conversation at last year’s GM meetings. Epstein came away all smiles but would give up any info on what the Cubs have planned the rest of this winter. Could it be something big, or are they content to have a quiet winter?

Scott Boras held court at the meetings with several reporters gathered around him. He talked about how teams “rebuilding” is bad for baseball (although it seemed to work for the Cubs and Astros), and his clients are “Playoffville” and should garner that type of money. And he didn’t fail to take a shot at the Cubs, saying they can do “whatever they want” this winter–it’s just up to them to do it.

The Cubs have a lot of winter shopping needs. But one they could go ahead and check off the list is a backup catcher. While Victor Caratini doesn’t fit the mold of your typical backup, all he may need is a shot. And the Cubs wouldn’t mind saving some of that free agent money to use elsewhere. Caratini doesn’t have the defensive prowess that most backups have behind the plate, but he can certainly hit. So will he get his opportunity out of camp?

These and other stories you might have missed:

‘Epstein confident in what was accomplished at GM meetings’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Boras believes Cubs can “do whatever they want” this winter’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Cubs could have the backup catcher role to Caratini’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Altuve wins MVP in landslide’ – Climbing Tal’s Hill

‘Stanton edges out Votto for NL MVP’ – MLB.com

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