Breaking: Epstein Out in Chicago, Unknown Hired in Place
by Evan Ritter, Cubs Correspondent, March 25, 2014
CHICAGO- Only three years after being hailed as the best young GM in baseball and the man who would bring success back to the Chicago Cubs, Theo Epstein has been fired by the organization.
In a statement released earlier today, the organization had this to say about Epstein: "The Chicago Cubs are saddened to announce the departure of president of baseball operations Theo Epstein. He has contributed three years to this organization and we wish him the best in the future. Our current general manager, Jed Hoyer, will take the vacant position."
This created a gap in the hierarchy that most thought would take a few days to fill. However, the next part of the statement was a surprise to many fans and analysts alike, as it turns out the Cubs would not wait to appoint their new GM: "We are also pleased to appoint Sam Wiseman as the new general manager of the Chicago Cubs. We hope he can continue the traditions of this franchise and make it an enjoyable experience for players, coaches, management, and fans alike."
Wiseman, a 26-year old Chicago native, is a member of a prominent banking family. He obtained his MBA at Princeton and has worked in the Cubs organization for two years. While he was considered one of the candidates for the vacant position, he was an outside pick as most feel like there were more senior members of the organization that deserved the spot. We'll see if Wiseman can repay the faith put in him by the Cubs or not live up to expectations. Either way, however, it proves to be a memorable season for the Chicago Cubs.
Evan Ritter is a Chicago-based sports columnist who writes for both MLB.com
and the Chicago Tribune
. Follow him on Twitter at @evan_ritter0286.