2 replies to this topic

[Robbo]

There has been a lot of speculation about the prospects the Cubs will have to send to the Red Sox for Theo Epstein. Reports of Garza, B Jackson, McNutt, Flaherty, Carpenter among others have all been rumored and some say the Sox want a package of multiple Cubs top prospects.

I think the Cubs hold the cards here as they have other options to hire at GM and the BoSox will have a PR nightmare on their hands if they return from negotiations in a damaged relationship with a lame duck GM that doesn't want to be there, no prospects to show for it, and an additional $7mil that needs to be paid for salary and bonus to Mr. Epstein. Personally I don't think it's worth giving up anymore than a few low level prospects and I would walk away if the deal required anyone considered a top 15 prospect.

As a Cubs fan what compensation to the BoSox in exchange for Epstein would you consider a win for the Cubs?

[Brett]

Great question. I feel like the Red Sox have done a good job in reshaping expectations to their benefit, because, going into the process, I thought a couple good prospects would be the package, and it would sting, but be worth it.

Now, that feels like the bare minimum the Cubs would have to give up - and it would be a win. So, if the Cubs could give up a couple prospects not named B Jackson, McNutt, Vitters, or Szczur, I suppose you'd have to say it's a win.

But, then again, if the Cubs give up, for example, Marco Hernandez and DJ LeMahieu? If I'm the Sawx, I'm thrilled with that return.

[Shawn]

Keeping Jackson, McNutt, Flaherty, LeMahieu, Carpenter, Beliveau and Vitters would be a big win. There should be plenty of roster changes and spots for young players. These guys are in line for jobs at some point next season and losing any of them would be felt immediately. I would rather give up "A" ball players who may not see the big leagues for three more years. Its a short term view but losses at the lower levels can be replaced more quickly. Having said that, I imagine one or two of those guys is heading to Boston.