MLB: Epstein: "It's Great to Be a Cub Today

[cigaretteman]

"I've waited a few weeks to say this, but it truly feels great to be a Cub today," Epstein said when he took the podium.

Epstein, 37, thanked all those involved with his move, both with Boston and the Cubs, and acknowledged the rich tradition of the franchise and Wrigley Field, adding that, "Baseball is better when it's played during the day."

He spoke of building a strong farm system and changing the culture of the franchise, saying, "We will define and implement a 'Cubs way.' "

Epstein said the "Cubs way" would include such things as distributing manuals for how all defensive positions should be played.

Asked about the future of Cubs manager Mike Quade, Epstein said, "I've already had a couple of nice conversations with Mike, and we plan to sit down and talk in the next week. I'd like to share my vision of the organization and hear his vision."

In explaining the meaning of "culture change," Epstein said it started in the front office, working hard and getting everyone to buy into a common vision. "Working so hard that it creates of culture of achievement, a culture of high standards," he said.

Asked what made him think he could reverse the Cubs' history of losing, Epstein pointed out that it wouldn't just be him tackling the challenge, and that it would be similar to what occurred in Boston.

"We decided the best way to attack it was to build the best baseball organization we could," he said. "We're going to build a foundation for sustained success."

As for the current state of the Cubs, Epstein said, "There's a gap between where we are and where want to be," but said there are plenty of examples of teams turning things around in one season.

Epstein begins new challenge with Cubs - chicagotribune.com

 

[Bobber]

Like a lot of Cubs fan, I'm excited about this hire. He's got his work cut out for him, but I'm impressed with some of the early noise he and the new staff are making. It looks to me like the Cubs are going to be a lot younger team moving forward.

 

[Farnsworth]

Excited for the future for the first time in a few years, things really needed to be shaken up and they finally have.

 

[Farnsworth]

Not sure what to make on his comments on Quade. Could either be I really want to hear his vision, or let's let him make his pitch, and then hire a manager that fits into this new culture.

 

[CyJack13]

Not sure what to make on his comments on Quade. Could either be I really want to hear his vision, or let's let him make his pitch, and then hire a manager that fits into this new culture.

Quade is more into advanced metrics than a lot of managers out there, he's no Joe Maddon but he's much closer to that way of thinking than the Dusty Baker school of thought. I wouldn't be totally shocked for him to get another year.