Theo Epstein Speaks: The Fantasy of 2013, the Core, the Offseason, and More

Chicago Cubs President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein addressed the media yesterday as we approach the offseason, and offered thoughts on a variety of important subjects (quotes available, for example, here, here, and here).

His words, my thoughts, etc.:

  • On where things stand: “That’s the goal, to get there in a way that allows us to do it year in and year out. You can’t help but look at what the Cardinals are doing, and the Giants now, and teams that are able to be factors in October year in and year out …. There is urgency [to win], but that urgency will be paid back through hard work to get us there to stay. It won’t necessarily translate into a panic to get us there, or a shot at getting us there quicker, if it means a less healthy organization …. I do feel really energized by a lot of the things that are going on here. I also wake up every day and recognize that we lost 101 games and understand how painful that was for everybody, including me, and that provides further motivation to get out of this position that we’re in.” The message remains the same: there are no shortcuts, there won’t be a spending binge, and this might take a while.
  • On the upside of the 2012 season: “I think there were a lot of positives. That core, at least in my mind, went from one player to half a dozen, and if we can do that again in 2013, and we look up and we have close to a dozen players in our core, I’ll feel great about the overall health of the organization” Hmm … half dozen, eh? Castro, Samardzija, Rizzo … Soler, Almora, Baez? How about Garza? Jackson and Vitters? Castillo? I think you can probably take some guesses.
  • On his plans for/hopes for competitiveness in 2013: “As soon as you get to Spring Training, and Opening Day starts – you’re in it to win it until you’re not. Nothing would make me happier than to be in solid contention in June and July and adding pieces for next year. With the second wild card, it’s never a total fantasy. It’s just not. With a solid start, if we find ourselves in that position we’ll be thrilled and we’ll go for it …. If we’re not in that position, we’ll make the hard call we made this year and do it in the best interest of the Cubs and look to move shorter-term assets for longer-term assets, move veteran players for younger players.” Looking at the A’s, the O’s and the White Sox of 2012, it is indeed fair to say that it isn’t a “fantasy” to think it’s conceivable the Cubs could be in adding mode come midseason, but that will depend in large part upon what is done this offseason to the roster. Right now, it looks like a fantasy.
  • On observing Cubs prospects in the Instructional League this Fall: “That was a really nice feeling to be down there and see a lot of dedicated Cubs baseball [operations] personnel, some new, some old, all buying into the collective ‘Cubs way’ of doing things that they helped define, impacting a really talented group of young players.”
  • It all comes down to balls and strikes: “I believe 90 percent of the game revolves around controlling the strike zone when you combine what it means to do so from an offensive standpoint and also from a pitching standpoint. It’s something we weren’t really good at. We didn’t walk enough, our pitchers walked too many hitters, we didn’t manage counts as well as we should’ve.” This has been a known problem in the system for years, and wasn’t going to be solved in one season.
  • Epstein hopes that Arodys Vizcaino will be able to join the rotation at some point in 2013 (after a mid-season sell-off, for example?), but noted that Vizcaino would be on an innings limit of some sort.
  • Epstein said the Cubs are going to convert Alberto Cabrera back into a starter next year, which is surprising, given his perceived upside as a reliever (the thinking was that he had back-end of the bullpen stuff when he could let it all go – to wit, he was converted to the bullpen in 2012, and his K-rate, and K/BB ratio went through the roof in the minors). We’ll see how that plays out, as the staff has obviously identified something about him that could work as a starter.
  • As for 2013 needs, Epstein essentially said the Cubs need two starting pitchers, an outfielder (though he wouldn’t say whether that would be in center field or right field), and a third baseman. He said that the Cubs would consider Ian Stewart if he’s fully recovered from his wrist surgery, and noted that the market for third basemen is exceptionally thin.
  • A pat on the head for Tony Campana: “I think the bat will dictate his future role in the big leagues. He’s a good defender and an outstanding base runner, but, so far, there hasn’t been much impact coming off his bat as far as on-base skills. We’re all rooting for him.”
  • written by

    Brett Taylor is the Lead Cubs Writer at Bleacher Nation, and you can find him on Twitter at @BleacherNation and on LinkedIn here. Brett is also the founder of Bleacher Nation, which opened up shop in 2008 as an independent blog about the Chicago Cubs. Later growing to incorporate coverage of other Chicago sports, Bleacher Nation is now one of the largest regional sports blogs on the web.

    more cubs news

    REPORT: Cubs to Call Up Infield Prospect Luis Vazquez

    A surprising report tonight ahead of tomorrow's off-day for the Chicago Cubs. Another infielder is coming up, and he'd be making his big league debut in the process. It's defensive stud Luis Vazquez, a guy whom many had been calling...

    Enhanced Box Score: Pirates 3, Cubs 2 – May 19, 2024

    The brutal, brutal run for the Chicago Cubs' offense continued today. It's really hard to win that way, and even harder to watch. Jameson Taillon was a touch better than his line today, without a lot of defensive help behind...

    Pre-Gamin’: Pirates at Cubs (1:20 CT) – Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

    CUBS LINEUP — Well, the good news is that the Cubs have an off-day tomorrow and Dansby Swanson is targeting a Tuesday return from the IL. So no matter what, this SHOULD be the last day the Cubs middle infield...

    Enjoying the Actual Walk-Off, Morel History, Leiter and Neris, Holy Brennen Davis, and Other Cubs Bullets

    Despite everything, the Cubs are still three games up for the second Wild Card spot at the moment (and two games back in the NL Central). That's not a going-forward projection, it's just some context. The drama around the call...

    The Pirates Can Be As Mad As They Like, But That Call Was Correct

    If I were a catcher and wanted to record an out, I would simply not drop the ball. It's a jokey line, sure, but it's also correct in relation to yesterday's controversial conclusion. I think after seeing the replays of...

    Wake Up and Watch Shota Imanaga Dominate and the Cubs Walk It Off

    The Cubs pulled out a win in the bottom of the 9th yesterday, when Christopher Morel drove in Cody Bellinger to walk it off. The Pirates were undoubtedly displeased about the controversial ending, as it looked like Bellinger had been...

    The Cubs Walk It Off on a Weird Play at the Plate!

    Whew. That game was kinda dumb, but I tell you, the ending sure was fun. And also weird! So, to set the stage, the Pirates and Cubs' offenses could do nothing all day long. The game was still 0-0 in...

    Brennen Davis FREAKING DID IT AGAIN! AND THEN HE DID IT AGAIN AFTER THAT!

    This guy. What do I even say? I was already kinda buzzy when Brennen Davis homered again - a grand slam - for the fifth time in six games, and sixth time in eight games. THAT IS RIDICULOUS. https://twitter.com/IowaCubs/status/1791967453888598441 Truly...

    Enhanced Box Score: Cubs 1, Pirates 0 – May 18, 2024

    What matters most is that the Cubs won the game. And it was a fun ending, too. So I'm happy. But I also do feel a little frustrated - or concerned might be the better word - as I'm sure...

    Pre-Gamin’: Pirates at Cubs (1:20 CT) – Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

    CUBS LINEUP — Losing to the Braves (and then Jared Jones and Paul Skenes), when you have 10 people on the IL, including your entire middle infield, is not really that concerning to me. It sucks and banking losses is...

    Latest News

    How to Watch Astros vs. Angels: Live Stream or on TV

    In a series opener on Monday, Framber Valdez will start for the Houston Astros (21-26) against Reid Detmers and the Los Angeles Angels (18-29), with first pitch scheduled for 8:10 PM ET at Minute Maid Park.Keep scrolling to find out...

    Braves vs. Padres: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

    On Monday, Marcell Ozuna and the Atlanta Braves (26-15) face Jurickson Profar and the San Diego Padres (23-24), with first pitch scheduled for 12:20 PM ET at Truist Park.If you're trying to watch this game, keep reading for streaming and...

    How to Watch Cardinals vs. Orioles: Live Stream or on TV

    The St. Louis Cardinals (20-26), led by Brendan Donovan, host Gunnar Henderson and the Baltimore Orioles (29-15) at 7:45 PM ET on Monday.Find out how to watch the St. Louis-Baltimore matchup below.When is Cardinals vs. Orioles and when does it...

    How to Watch Twins vs. Nationals: Live Stream or on TV

    Ryan Jeffers and the Minnesota Twins (24-22) visit C.J. Abrams and the Washington Nationals (20-25) on Monday in a series opener, with first pitch at 6:45 PM ET.Keep scrolling to find out all the details on how to watch Minnesota...

    Brewers vs. Marlins: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    On Monday at 6:40 PM ET, William Contreras and the Milwaukee Brewers (27-19) play Jazz Chisholm and the Miami Marlins (15-33) at LoanDepot park.See how to watch the Milwaukee-Miami matchup below.When is Brewers vs. Marlins and when does it start?This...

    How to Watch Red Sox vs. Rays: Live Stream or on TV

    The Boston Red Sox (23-24), led by Jarren Duran, visit Isaac Paredes and the Tampa Bay Rays (25-23) at 6:50 PM ET on Monday.Keep reading to find out all the details on how to watch Boston play Tampa Bay live.When...

    Guardians vs. Mets: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    On Monday, Jose Ramirez and the Cleveland Guardians (30-17) begin a series against Brandon Nimmo and the New York Mets (21-25) at Progressive Field, with first pitch scheduled for 6:10 PM ET.Keep scrolling to find out all the details on...

    Yankees vs. Mariners: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

    Marcus Stroman will take the mound for the New York Yankees (33-15) when they host starting pitcher Logan Gilbert and the Seattle Mariners (25-22) in a series opener on Monday, with first pitch at 7:05 PM ET.See how to watch...

    Blue Jays vs. White Sox: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    The Toronto Blue Jays (20-25), who will give the start to Jose Berrios, host the Chicago White Sox (14-33) with Erick Fedde on the mound, Monday at 3:07 PM ET.Keep scrolling to find out all the details on how to...

    Cleveland Guardians vs. New York Mets Series May 20-22: Odds, Starting Pitchers & Predictions

    A three-game series featuring the Cleveland Guardians and the visiting New York Mets will start on Monday, May 20 at 6:10 PM ET.Guardians vs. Mets Series Info Mets @ Guardians Time: Monday, May 20 at 6:10 PM ET Guardians Starting...

    more cubs news