The Cubs fired general manager Jim Hendry and have been pursuing Epstein, who just finished his ninth season with Boston. The Red Sox missed the playoffs following a record collapse, going 7-20 in September.
Epstein would be going to a Cubs franchise that hasn’t won the World Series since 1908. Boston hadn’t won a championship since 1918 until doing it in 2004, Epstein’s second year as general manager. The Red Sox also won it all in 2007.
The Boston Herald first reported that Epstein “is on the cusp” of leaving the Red Sox for a position with the Cubs. The Cubs declined to comment on the report.
Epstein has one year left on his contract. There was no word on whether the Red Sox were asking for compensation from the Cubs.
VENTURA’S TIME
Former White Sox star Robin Ventura was introduced as the team’s 39th manager, despite not having major league managerial or coaching experience.
General manager Ken Williams said the smarts and leadership Ventura showed in his 16 seasons in the majors – 10 with the White Sox – were enough for him.
“This hire is not dissimilar to the Ozzie Guillen hire, where he didn’t have any managerial experience,” Williams said, referring to Ventura’s predecessor. “We don’t need any other examples from any other organizations. This was right for us.”
Ventura replaces Guillen, his former teammate and friend, who was released from the final year of his contract and is now managing the Marlins.
The 44-year-old Ventura dabbled in TV work and was hired in June as an adviser to White Sox player personnel director Buddy Bell.
Ventura, the 1988 winner of the Golden Spikes Award as the top college player while at Oklahoma State, won six Gold Gloves at third base and hit 294 home runs, including 18 grand slams.
“Granted, I don’t have that coaching or managerial experience officially but I think later in my career that was something that was evident that I felt I could do it and I felt confident that I could do it,” Ventura said.
Williams confirmed a report that he considered Paul Konerko as player/manager, but wants Konerko to focus on his playing.
SHORT HOPS
Bryan Stow, the Giants fan who was severely beaten outside Dodger Stadium on opening day, was transferred to a rehabilitation facility after nearly seven months in hospitals. Stow’s move into rehab is a step forward in his recovery after he suffered serious brain injuries in the March attack that had left him barely clinging to life. … Former Yankees and Dodgers manager Joe Torre said he has not been contacted by the Red Sox and is not interested in their managerial opening, quashing any speculation that he would replace Terry Francona. … Phillies slugger Ryan Howard is consulting with specialists about his upcoming Achilles’ tendon surgery. He will need at least four months to rehabilitate, general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said, and the extent of the surgery will dictate how much longer. … Shortstop Jimmy Rollins, the 2007 National League MVP who is headed toward free agency for the first time, said he wants to return to the Phillies but admits he’s not sure it will happen. … Pirates pitcher Charlie Morton will be out about six months after having surgery to repair a torn labrum in his hip. He is not expected to be ready for the start of spring training.
