5 reasons Theo Epstein’s the greatest GM in sports history
By Carly Regehr
2. Theo Epstein, M.D.: Redesigning Chicago’s roster
Epstein’s eye for talent is what sets him apart from other GMs. He showed that in Boston by introducing Dustin Pedroia and Jacoby Ellsbury, and he applied the same recruiting expertise to the Cubs.
Before Epstein set foot in Chicago, the Cubs were depleted and outdated. Veteran hitters like Alfonso Soriano and Derek Lee weren’t able to carry the team, and while they had some talented young players in Darwin Barney and Starlin Castro, the Cubs were still prone to self-destruction.
The cosmetic surgery Epstein had to perform would take many procedures to finalize. Soriano and Lee eventually called it quits, while both Castro (Yankees) and Barney (Blue Jays) found new homes. As for pitching, the Cubs were also in a death spiral. The bullpen of 2011 (Epstein’s first year) allowed more than two runs per 9 innings. Both wins leaders, Ryan Dempster (10) and Matt Garza (10), were fairly unimpressive that same year.
That said, Epstein figured it was time to seriously reinvent the team. He started his roster reconfiguration by bringing along Anthony Rizzo, who was selected by the Boston Red Sox in 2007. Epstein then traded Scott Feldman to the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for pitchers Pedro Strop and some guy named Jake Arrieta. Though his bullpen was full of MLB experience, Epstein continued sculpting his offense around young talent that hadn’t yet played in the majors. But that didn’t faze Epstein as he proceeded with his own itinerary. The most notable additions of the Epstein era are Kris Bryant, Kyle Schwarber, Jon Lester and Ben Zobrist.
It’s a mixed bag of goodies for Theo Epstein. And since he’s signed a five-year, $50 million extension in 2016, you can bet your next salary he’s not finished in Wrigleyville.