Chris Carpenter to the Red Sox

No, not that Chris Carpenter.

This Chris Carpenter.

In exchange for nabbing Theo Epstein, the Cubs are sending over a26-year-old righthanded relief pitcher.  Last year was his first year in the majors; he appeared in 10 games and did 9-2/3 innings of work.  During those innings, he struck out 8 batters, walked 7 batters, and gave up 3 earned runs.  

I'm glad to see us get another young arm in the pen, even if those walks are a little worrisome. 

The deal also calls for the Cubs to give Boston a player to be named later, and for Boston to give the Cubs a player to be named later.

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Et Tu, Theo?

Et tu, Theo?

WEEI, ESPN and many other sources are all reporting that Theo Epstein has agreed to a $15+ million, 5-year deal with the Cubs.  The only open question is, what compensation will the Red Sox will require. 

Todd has suggested that they should require the Cubs to take Lackey.  I love the idea.

I'll say this, Theo loves a challenge.  If he can help the Cubs break their curse, he will be at the top of baseball royalty. 

During his tenure with the Red Sox, he has been great at player scouting and development (Papelbon, Ellsbury, Pedroia), but less so at blockbuster trades and free agent signings (Lackey, Crawford).  Theo's predecessor, Dan Duqette, seemed to be just the opposite, having brought aboard players like Pedro Martinez, Manny Ramirez and Jason Varitek.

In the end both skills are necessary, and much of Theo's success was built upon the trades that Duquette successfully executed.  So, once Theo leaves, should the Red Sox just elevate Ben Cherington, Theo's right-hand man, into the GM position?  Or try to go after someone like the Yankees' Brian Cashman, whose contract is up on October 31?