The Cubs held a press conference today to formally introduce Jed Hoyer as general manager and Jason McLeod as player development director. Both Hoyer and McLeod worked with Cubs president Theo Epstein in Boston.
Hoyer, who turns 38 in December, leaves the Padres after two years as the general manager to become the Cubs’ 14th GM, replacing Jim Hendry, who was dismissed in August.
The Cubs offered Hoyer a five-year contract, which the Padres declined to match.
McLeod worked for the Red Sox and Epstein for six years, joining Boston in 2003. His first Draft with the Red Sox produced ’07 AL Rookie of the Year and ’08 AL MVP Dustin Pedroia.
To be determined is compensation for both the Padres and Red Sox. The Cubs are expected to send a Minor League player to San Diego for Hoyer. The Cubs had until Tuesday to settle compensation for Epstein. MLB commissioner Bud Selig said he would intervene if the two teams could not resolve the matter by Nov. 1.
In regard to the managerial situation, Cubs fan might not have to wait much longer to learn about the future of Mike Quade. “A resolution will come by next week,” said Epstein in Tuesday’s press conference. Quade has a 95-104 record since taking over the team from the retired Lou Piniella on Aug. 22, 2010.
The new front office staff will be faced with many difficult decisions and challenges as free agency begins. Pitcher Ryan Dempster decided to pick up his $14 million option for 2012 on Saturday. The Cubs picked up the option on third baseman Aramis Ramirez, who declined his player option, making him a free agent.
Another issue the Cubs will have to deal with is troubled pitcher, Carlos Zambrano. Regarding the situation Theo said that ” It’s a matter of processing information, following up with Carlos, and deciding what’s best for the Cubs.”
The Cubs have not reached any compensation agreement with either the Red Sox or the Padres. MLB commissioner, Bud Selig, will review the situation in the next few days.