Schuster: The Cubs Front Office Sure Looks And Sounds Impressive
By David Schuster-
(CBS) One lesson my dad taught me at a young age was not to get over impressed by looks, but it's hard not to be impressed by the Cubs new front office.
Nothing against Jim Hendry, but Theo Epstein is one slick dude who exudes confidence and seems to have a handle on all that is in front of him.
Epstein is now joined by Jed Hoyer and Jason McLeod, two of his proteges from the Red Sox, who all contributed to win two world championships in a span of four years. The trio accomplished that feat back when they were only in their 20's. Fast forward to today, and the trio is almost over the hill in their 30's (that's a joke, son).
Each one of these guys is more polished and sharp then the other. Combined, they look like a New York law firm in how they dress and how they act, but most importantly, they know their stuff.
Epstein is the master cylinder brain, while Hoyer is his steady right-hand man who will handle the day-to-day duties of the ball club. McLeod will be in change of the farm system and player development. Their track records were not only good in Boston, but Hoyer and Mcleod also continued their success in a small market in San Diego.
Yes, Randy Bush, Tim Wilken and Oneri Fleita will all be retained to continue in their capacities, but make no mistake, Epstein, Hoyer and Mcleod are the new sheriffs and deputies in town, and the buck stops with them
Ther first order of business will be to figure out the managerial direction of the club. Nothing against Mike Quade, but I'll be shocked if he's retained.
Quade is a good baseball man and a better person but he just doesnt seem to fit in with these guys. My guess is that if Epstein truly has the power he supposedly has, I wouldn't be surprised if Terry Francona ends up being the Cubs Manager. Epstein loves Francona, but lets see if Tom Ricketts will love paying a manager $4-5 million a year.
