|
Sun-Times: RICK MORRISSEY
In my next life, I want to be Theo Epstein. Heck, in this life, I want to be Theo Epstein. And not for his money or his I.Q. or his elbow-rubbing with Eddie Vedder.
I want to be Theo Epstein for the unending victory parade he has been given since he arrived in Chicago in 2011.
Please don’t mistake: This is not the fault of the Cubs president of baseball operations. Bless him for being in such a comfortable position aboard his Michigan Avenue float. We all should be so lucky.
Somewhere along the way, most fans and media members handed in their critical-thinking cards when it came to the Cubs, of all franchises. I don’t know how that happened. It’s right out of a fairy tale, a twist on “The Emperor’s New Clothes.’’ A team that hasn’t won a World Series in more than a century rarely encounters criticism. Forget the Amazin’ Mets. In this age of galloping cynicism, nothing is more amazin’ than that.
Everything the Cubs do now is perceived not just as right but as unimpeachable — well, other than the signing of Edwin Jackson, but even that was explained away as an extravagance meant to prove to fans the organization wasn’t all about draft picks and delayed gratification.
And, no doubt, most of what Epstein has done to bring the Cubs out of a self-dug quarry of misery has been good. Young, spirited team with the arrow pointing up. Happier days are here.
But what about Dale Sveum and Rick Renteria, the two managers he handpicked before Joe Maddon became available? Or the trade of DJ LeMahieu to Colorado as part of a deal for Ian Stewart? LeMahieu is batting .296 this season after winning a Gold Glove last season. Or the $9.5 million Epstein wasted on pitcher Kyuji Fujikawa?
You didn’t hear much criticism of any of that, probably because of the roar of The Wave ever swirling around Theo.
If Epstein drained Lake Michigan, the narrative around town would be that water is so overrated.
Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman has received his share of criticism for trading Brandon Saad to Columbus for four players. Bowman is one of the architects of the Hawks’ past two Stanley Cups, including the one currently on tour. Although many people have given him the benefit of the doubt on the Saad trade because of that success, others have ripped him for allowing a talented, 22-year-old forward to get away.
Did I mention Bowman has two championship rings?
Of course he got criticized — not because he did anything wrong or stupid or rash, but because it comes with the job. Nobody is always right.
It’s why Epstein’s treatment borders on the stunning. He also has won two championships – in Boston. He has won nothing here except citywide admiration.
The Cubs were 8 ½ games out of first place in the National League Central Division going into Friday’s game against the Marlins, but you’d think they were 8 ½ games ahead of the Cardinals. Why? Because for the past six years, the Cubs have sold us on patience and prudence. And we, demanding, big-city toughs that we are, have said, “Of course we’ll wait for you!’’
The mantra I’ve heard during the long, long rebuilding process is that “this was the only way to go.’’ Well, no, it wasn’t. Organizations win in all different ways, from buying free agents to going the homegrown route to everything in between.
If I were a just-hired general manager, I would stand at my first news conference and inform everyone that the organization is about to embark on a five-year rebuilding program in which losing will set upon the city like a plague, draft picks will be treated like Hall of Famers and the team will make slow progress.
And no one will dare criticize me.
So, if you ask me which Chicago team executive I’d like to be, I’ll go with Epstein.
Not the Bulls’ brain trust of John Paxson and Gar Forman, who can’t beat LeBron James.
Not new Bears general manager Ryan Pace, though being Phil Emery’s replacement gives him a grace period of a year or two. Or until his sixth-round pick stinks.
And certainly not White Sox general manager Rick Hahn, who seemed to make all the right moves in the offseason until they didn’t work.
No, let me be Epstein. If he feels the pressure of the world on his shoulders, it’s of his own doing, not ours.
_________________
favrefan said:"Chris Coghlan isn't gonna pay your rent, Jimmy."
|
Login
Register
FAQ
Search
