Epstein was introduced Tuesday in Chicago as the new president of baseball operations for the Cubs, who hope he can work the same magic he did for the Boston Red Sox for a team that hasn’t won a World Series since 1908.
“To me, baseball is better with tradition, baseball is better with history, baseball is better with fans who care, baseball is better in ballparks like this, baseball is better during the day. And baseball is, best of all, when you win,” Epstein said during a packed Wrigley Field news conference.
Epstein, 37, left the Red Sox with a year left on his contract as general manager. The Cubs finally made the announcement Friday night but held off on the news conference until Tuesday, a travel day for the World Series.
Still to be determined is compensation from the Cubs to the Red Sox for plucking Epstein away, and whether Epstein will stick with manager Mike Quade, who has a year left on his two-year deal.
SURGERY FOR LACKEY
John Lackey will undergo reconstructive elbow surgery – Tommy John surgery – and miss the 2012 season.
General manager Ben Cherington made the announcement during a news conference at which he was introduced as the successor to Theo Epstein.
Lackey, a right-hander, was 12-12 with a 6.41 ERA in the second year of a five-year, $82.5 million contract. The surgery will be performed by noted orthopedist Dr. Lewis Yocum in Los Angeles.
SHORT HOPS
Season ticket holders were given an official voice in the Los Angeles Dodgers bankruptcy case in Dover, Del., winning two seats on the team’s official committee of unsecured creditors. … Right-hander Joe Nathan will get a $2 million buyout after the Twins declined the club option on the closer for the 2012 season. … Brewers left-hander Chris Narveson had surgery on his left hip and is expected to be ready for spring training. … The Royals hired Dave Eiland as their new pitching coach.
