Fansided

5 reasons Theo Epstein’s the greatest GM in sports history

By Carly Regehr

June 15, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein before the game against the Boston Red Sox at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
June 15, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein before the game against the Boston Red Sox at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 2, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Carl Edwards (6) celebrates after defeating the Cleveland Indians in game seven of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 2, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Carl Edwards (6) celebrates after defeating the Cleveland Indians in game seven of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Theo “The Curse Breaker” Epstein

Theo Epstein is a magician.

He lit up the faces of two baseball cities, both of which were in their own Dark Ages. Boston hadn’t brought home a World Series title since 1918, so Theo Epstein remedied that in 2004 and again in 2007, since once wasn’t enough. He did the same favor for the Chicago Cubs. It might have taken him longer, but his adjustments over the past two seasons paid off. And after 108 years, the North Siders can celebrate a World Series title in 2016.

During the 2004 postseason, the Francona-led Red Sox would make the Yankees believe in karma. After sweeping the Anaheim Angels 3-0 in the ALDS, the BoSox played the Boys in Pinstripes in a rematch of the 2003 ALCS. Unlike in 2003, the Red Sox won, inching four games closer to a World Series that’d be played between Boston and St. Louis. The heroes of that 2004 World Series were Pedro Martinez, Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz. In just his first season as a GM, then-28-year-old Epstein became a household name. It took 86 years and one Yale graduate to finally turn things around.

If you’re not a believer or supporter of miracles, then Epstein’s 2016 campaign with the Chicago Cubs will change your mind.

Everyone alike — insiders and outsiders, fans and rivals — glared differently at the 2016 Chicago Cubs. There was a different swing to their bats. Their deep pool of rookies were firing on all cylinders. The bromance between Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo was the best in baseball. Unsung heroes, like Dexter Fowler and Ben Zobrist, were constant features this season for the Cubs. Whether you marveled at them or not, the 2016 Cubs owe their success to Epstein. In fact, winning the World Series for the Cubs was such a big deal some are saying Epstein has already earned his place in Cooperstown.

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