Theo Could Be Gone Very Shortly (UPDATED - GONE)

Theo Epstein, the general manager of the Boston Red Sox for two championship teams in the last eight seasons, could be on his way to the Chicago Cubs in the next day or two if the Red Sox and Chicago can conclude negotiations, according to two sources. ESPN

I don't want Theo gone unless Starlin Castro comes back from the Cubs, it's hard to get a great GM and Theo is just that. So if we are to lose Theo we need something that would really improve our team. Castro is 21, is a shortstop, was an all star last year and is only going to get better. With Scutaro getting older, Lowrie injured every day and Jose Inglesis unable to hit, he would be a perfect long term option. I would send Inglesis with him if that's what needed to get it done as well.

Even though we all hate Lackey and I would love to see him go, I think sending Lackey with Theo isn't a good enough deal. I hope Theo is for Castro or we sign him longterm. Like I said a good GM is hard to find.


***UPDATE***

"WEEI's John Dennis reported Wednesday morning that Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein has agreed with the Cubs on a five-year deal worth more than $15 million. According to Dennis' sources, the Red Sox granted the Cubs permission to talk with Epstein late last week. The deal is expected to be finalized by the end of this week, following negotiations for compensation with the Red Sox, who have Epstein under contract for one more season. The Cubs apparently have not settled on a title for Epstein (WEEI)."

As the report says we don't have word on compensation, but this doesn't shock me at all. I (BMack) had a feeling he was gone the second the owners came on WEEI and said that there is "a time limit" on how long someone can be a GM in Boston. That was a dead giveaway that something was up. I am not the biggest Theo guy, but losing the manager and GM of the teams that got you 2 World Series rings is a hell of a loss. I am jut holding out hope the Red Sox get something out of this, whether it be a player, or the Cubs taking some of these bad contracts.