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Epstein: "It Feels Great to Be A Cub Today"

By Chuck Sudo in News on Oct 25, 2011 7:20PM

To us the Theo Epstein Era of the Chicago National League Ballclub already is off to a wonderful start. The Cubs new president of baseball operations spoke for 45 minutes about the challenge ahead and not once referred to his new team as "the Cubbies." Owner Tom Ricketts didn't give Epstein a hat or a jersey to don. There was no talk about billy goats or other curses. No references to "Cubs nation." Cubs fans should be proud of this hire.

Epstein charmed the assembled media with talk about how he was eager for the challenge to rebuild the Cubs into a perennial contender. “I consider myself very, very lucky to be a Cub,” Epstein said. Epstein thanked both the Cubs for bringing him in and the Boston Red Sox for giving him his first chance a decade ago. The press conference, from a public relations perspective, couldn't have scripted more perfect.

Owner Tom Ricketts was equally excited and said Epstein's hiring was a major step toward winning a World Series. “As a fan, I’m truly excited about the future of this team.” While Ricketts can be forgiven today to react as a fan, Epstein did his best to temper the immediate expectations of his new boss and Cubs fans. Epstein talked about how he wants to build what he called "a foundation for sustained success," using the combination of stats analysis and scouting that made the Red Sox Evil Empire 1A.

Next up for Epstein: Actually getting to work. San Diego Padres GM comes to Clark and Addison as the new general manager here. Then there's the subject of manager Mike Quade, who is likely the only man in town who thinks he'll be managing the Cubs next season. Epstein said he's already had a couple of phone conversations with Quade and will meet with him face to face soon.

"Mike seems like a great guy and he has developed a great reputation over many decades in this game. I look forward to sitting down with him in person as a first step, sharing with him my vision for the organization. I'd like to hear his vision for the organization."