Epstein to Cubs rumour gathers steam

Theo Epstein may be leaving the Boston Red Sox to become the next general manager of the Chicago Cubs according to an online report.

On Saturday, New York Post columnist Joel Sherman tweeted: "I am shocked, but in last 36 hrs every exec talk to says believe #Redsox will give permssion and Theo will go to #Cubs to be GM".

After Boston's historic collapse Wednesday night, the club parted ways with field manager Terry Francona on Friday amidst rumours about issues in the clubhouse. Unconfirmed reports included starting pitchers drinking alcohol on their off-days in the team clubhouse.

Boston missed the playoffs despite its nine-game lead with 24 left on Sept. 4. It went 6-18 after that amid reports of conditioning and clubhouse problems. The Red Sox did not win consecutive games all month.

The 37-year-old Epstein has been the GM of the Red Sox since 2002 and guided the club to two World Series championships, including their first in 86 years in 2004.

Cubs owner Tom Ricketts has his sights set on a big name GM for the historic franchise, and Epstein certainly would fit the bill. After the firing of Jim Hendry in August, Randy Bush was named interim GM.

The Cubs finished the season with a record of 71-91, 25 games behind NL Central divison winner Milwaukee.