Theo Epstein: The Phillies Missing Piece
Only a couple of weeks ago, it looked like the Phillies were going to avoid making any big changes to the front office this offseason.
Team President Andy MacPhail pretty much said as much. Then Jayson Stark told us the Phillies are getting ready to start the interview process for their front office roles.
And then it was announced that Chicago Cubs president of baseball operation, Theo Epstein, was stepping down from his role.
Epstein not only helped the Cubs break their curse, winning the World Series in 2016, but he also led the Boston Red Sox to World Series titles in 2004 and 2007, breaking their curse as well.
If there’s anyone you want leading the charge for the Phillies, it’s Epstein. Will he come to Philadelphia?
Well, according to a letter he sent, it doesn’t appear so.
That could certainly be Epstein’s intent with this move. But Daryl Morey said virtually the same thing before he was hired as president of basketball operations for the 76ers. Just like the Sixers did with Morey, the Phillies need to throw a lot of money at Epstein and make him an offer he can’t refuse.
Epstein said, based on his track record with Boston and Chicago, that, “I think I’m great at and really enjoy building and transformation and triumphing. Maybe I’m not as good and not as motivated by maintenance.”
That suits Philadelphia perfectly well.
The Phillies are not in maintenance mode. They are completely in building and transformation mode. They need a baseball mind like Epstein to help finish that transformation.
With Chicago, Epstein helped orchestrate a trade for Anthony Rizzo. He drafted Kris Bryant. He traded for Jake Arrieta, a bust for the Phillies but a superstar for the Cubs. He signed Joe Maddon as a manager, Jon Lester, David Ross, Ben Zobrist, and traded for Aroldis Chapman. Through 2016, he made 56 transactions to build their team, with the players having a combined WAR of 130.2.
In 2004, while with the Red Sox, Epstein traded Boston-favorite Nomar Garciaparra. He acquired Doug Mientkiewicz and Dave Roberts, two players instrumental in the Sox winning it all that year.
It’s clear Epstein knows how to build a winning club. With both Boston and Chicago, his success is staggering. There is zero excuse for the Phillies to waste this opportunity.
Right now, the Phillies need a firm hand and a sound mind to lead them into the promised land. The organization – and really the entire sport – is in a tumultuous spot. The coronavirus pandemic is going to handcuff teams financially. Many players are going to be forced out of the game for the simple fact that they won’t be offered contracts due to their perceived price.
The point is, there is going to be a lot of talent available, and it could be available at a good price. Then there’s the topic of free agent J.T. Realmuto, the best catcher in baseball. It’s said he liked his time in Philly. But with a lame-duck president and GM and with no clear direction for the team, will he want to re-sign here? With Epstein, that becomes a different story. He could shrewdly make this reunion happen.
Right now, I don’t trust the Phillies to make good decisions.
With Epstein at the helm, that’s an entirely different story.
Featured Image: Dylan Buell/Getty Images
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Categorized:Phillies