Epstein makes his first hire
October 27, 2011 18:14:28 UK
As expected Theo Epstein has made his first move in Chicago by naming Jed Hoyer as the new general manager of the Cubs.
Hoyer, who previously worked for Epstein while with the Boston Red Sox, moves over from the San Diego Padres where he had been the general manager.
Jason McLeod also leaves the Padres to move to Chicago as an assistant general manger to Hoyer. McLeod's expertise is amateur scouting, a desperate need for the Cubs who have one of the thinnest minor league systems in all of baseball.
The moves of Epstein, Hoyer and McLeod to Wrigley Field also lead to two internal promotions within the Padres and Red Sox.
Josh Byrnes, who was previously the general manager for the Arizona Diamondbacks under Padres owner Jeff Moorad and assistant to Hoyer in San Diego is elevated into the top spot for the Padres, while in Boston Ben Cherington assumes the mantle from Epstein.
Hoyer and Cherington were co-general managers of the Red Sox briefly in 2005 when Epstein left Boston in a brief contract dispute.
While there are changes at the Cubs, the baseball world's focus is on the delayed Game Six of the World Series, with the Texas Rangers one win away from glory.
Texas are 2.00 to win Game Six and clinch the World Series, with the St Louis Cardinals 1.76 to level the series at 3-3 and set up a decider.
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