Chicago Cubs: Top three holiday gifts on Theo Epstein’s wish list
Theo Epstein has made some drastic changes with the team already. What is the Chicago Cubs leader asking for on his wish list this holiday season?
‘Tis the season to remember all the good and bad times, great heroic plays and unmotivated performances. Chicago Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein took no break from his job as the 2019 season concluded.
Epstein decided to part ways with manager Joe Maddon, hiring former fan favorite and backup catcher David Ross to replace him and conducting player meetings with Cubs first baseman, Anthony Rizzo, shortstop Javier Baez and other players on the team, as well.
As we enter the holiday season, what are the top three gifts Epstein is asking for this holiday season?
3. Lock in perfect pitching
If there’s one thing that Epstein prides himself on, it’s his ability to field a dominating if not super competent pitching squad. Whether talking about bullpen arms or starters, Epstein approaches his acquisitions like a scientist searching for the cure for a deadly disease.
Reviewing stats, film and talking to other organizations, Epstein builds his case for pitchers that will work for the whole club while his scouts have marching orders on finding the next Yu Darvish.
Epstein already watched veteran starting pitcher Cole Hamels head to the Atlanta Braves this past Wednesday in a one-year $18 million dollar deal. Hamels was considered one the Cubs’ most reliable starters the last two years before injuries plagued the 35-year-old left hander last summer.
There is no stopping the suggestions coming from every sports writing hole in the country. In just the last few weeks we’ve seen suggestions of former Houston Astros pitchers Dallas Keuchel or Collin McHugh joining the Cubs ranks. We’ve seen names thrown out like former Brewers pitcher Junior Guerra and San Francisco Giants ace Madison Bumgarner.
One thing is an absolute truth: perfect pitching is still a major focus for Epstein and undoubtedly holds a spot near the top of his wish list this holiday season.
2: Chicago Cubs: Sign a big name free agent
My eyes were really opened recently about free agency, after listening to an interview given by Chicago Cubs owner Tom Ricketts. While many of the fans complain, “The Cubs aren’t spending enough,” the exact opposite is actually closer to the truth.
The Chicago Cubs were the second-highest spending club last season and actually enjoy acquiring great talent via free agency to help the team. To me, they’re almost like kids in a candy store looking at all the goodies through the window and then checking their funds to see if they can take home that candy.
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Which leads me to believe, that although the Cubs are watching their budget, they will pull the trigger on one good free agent next season. So now the fun starts, who exactly should they try and get?
A lot of that will have to do with how the rest of the team shakes out. Will third baseman Kris Bryant be a free agent or not? Will he be traded? What about Cubs catcher Willson Contreras?
His name has been thrown around since the season ended. Based on what happens with the rest of the team will certainly affect who, what and when Epstein might pull the trigger on one great free agent.
Similar to last season’s acquisition of Chicago Cubs closer, Craig Kimbrel, when fans were screaming most of last season for Epstein and company to pull the trigger and spend the money, they did. Writers were laying hints in articles, fans were blogging and posting to social media and finally, when the Chicago Cubs were really in need, they pulled the trigger and picked up the “Wilding” pitcher.
Ricketts even indicated that there aren’t really any “good” free agents. Ricketts believes all free agents have issues and come with some kind of baggage. What owners and managers must decide is basically who is worth the baggage? Then they’ve got to get a good price or deal.
Since Ricketts obviously believes all free agents have baggage, he’s mainly concerned about the deal. This means Epstein has the green light and ability to go out and get that star. Expect a near repeat performance this season, as Epstein trades and deals for another hitter like Nicholas Castellanos and then slowly evaluates the talent pool before making his decision and pulling the trigger for a needed free agent.
Who knows? If Epstein wasn’t naughty, maybe Santa will actually bring Castellanos back.
1: Chicago Cubs: Another championship?
Let’s be clear. Epstein didn’t leave Boston for Chicago to accept mediocrity. Of course he proved that by bringing Chicago a World Series championship in 2016. However, it hasn’t been easy to get back on the horse and the Red Sox, of course, won another title in 2018. Will the 2020 season bring Epstein his next Cubs championship?
Let’s be honest, it hasn’t been easy for the Cubs to get back into championship mode after 2016. The 2017 season was like watching guys that were still hung over from the 2016 season but as the Cubs got their act together late in 2017 they still made their most significant run at the postseason since 2016.
The reasons for not winning were not insurmountable over the last few years. The team had issues with offensive production and pitching and most times both of these shortcomings were at odds with each other. The Cubs could garner a bunch of runs only to see a several run lead deteriorate by pitching shortcomings.
The opposite is also true when the Cubs pitchers were throwing historical games but because of lack of offensive production, one run from the other team turned those magical pitching days into losses. Chicago Cubs pitchers like Yu Darvish, Jose Quintana and Kyle Hendricks all racked up a loss that could have been a win with some offensive production.
Epstein isn’t looking backward this season. He’s got a new skipper for the team that will bring energy and enthusiasm back to the field. Epstein’s come to accept that he will have to part ways with one or more of the Cubs main horseman to keep the team competitive and he’s ready to do it aggressively. This next season could be Epstein’s to lose.
Even without perfect pitching and one great free agent, Epstein would still take a championship gift from Santa. Perhaps with a little help from that red-suited, white-bearded North sider, Epstein may just get his wish.