CHICAGO, Oct. 25 (UPI) -- Promising "sustained success," the Chicago Cubs officially introduced former Boston Red Sox General Manager Theo Epstein as the team's new baseball chief.
The architect of the World Series-winning 2004 and 2007 Bosox teams told reporters that while it will take some time to rehabilitate the Cubs' losing ways, a long-sought championship is possible, the Chicago Tribune reported.
"That does not happen overnight, and it certainly does not happen because of any one person," Epstein said. "Over time and together, we will build a solid foundation that delivers sustained success for the Cubs."
He vowed to beef up the team's long-dormant player development pipeline and teach "a Cubs' way" of playing baseball to its minor-leaguers, stressing fundamentals.
Team owner Tom Ricketts said Epstein was clearly the best candidate to replace departed General Manager Jim Hendry, the Tribune reported.
"I have every confidence Theo will lead us to the championship ... fans deserve," he said.
Epstein's title is president of baseball operations. He will soon hire a new general manager, the team has said, with speculation centering on current San Diego GM Jed Hoyer.
