Theo Epstein Leaves Boston to Heal the Chicago Cubs

Someone slipped a juicy rumor to the Associated Press Tuesday night: Boston Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein is definitely headed to the Windy City to take over the Chicago Cubs organization.

Turns out it's more than just a rumor, as WEEI Sports Radio reported Wednesday morning that Theo has signed a five-year deal worth roughly $15 million, which is expected to be finalized by the end of the week. Maybe he'll invite Terry Francona to join him, cause Mike Quade is not exactly getting the job done.

The Cubs fired general manager Jim Hendry back in August and managed to avoid a 100-loss season with a 71-91 record. While the Red Sox missed the postseason following the most embarrassing collapse in big league history in which they failed to win back-to-back games at any point in the month of September, the Cubs haven't won a World Series since 1908. Both sucky scenarios.

We can see how Chicago was tempted to give Epstein a shot after he and Curt Schilling's magical bloody sock erased an 86-year curse by bringing Boston its first Championship since 1918 and then another three years later in 2007. However, like Hendry, he has a history of wasting big contracts on free agents like John Lackey and Carl Crawford, who totally blew it this season. Besides, things haven't always been all unicorns and rainbows for Theo over on Yawkey Way. Remember that time he fled Fenway Park diguised in a gorilla costume and then quit the team for like five days because he and Henry weren't getting along? Yeah.

Epstein, who became the youngest ever GM in baseball back in 2002, had one more year left on his contract with the Red Sox after serving his ninth season with the team. His departure from Beantown is the latest in their apparent house-cleaning, as Francona's eight-year stint as manager ended on the last day of September. Goodbye baked beans, hello.. deep dish pizza?

[Boston.com] | [Chicago Sun-Times]