Theo Epstein Responds To Scott Boras About Kris Bryant

On Wednesday, Theo Epstein responded in full depth to Scott Boras’ criticism of the Chicago Cubs’ handling of the Kris Bryant situation. Boras claimed that there is no good baseball reason for Bryant to start the season in the minors. Epstein counters that there is, and in his career as an executive, no player has made his major league baseball debut on Opening Day(other than a Rule 5 player who is required to). He says no matter what Boras says, this year is no different.

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Last week, Scott Boras went in on the Chicago Cubs for their handling of his client, Kris Bryant. He bashed the Cubs, saying there is no good baseball reason for not having Bryant on the Opening Day roster. He also said if he isn’t on the roster, the Cubs are prioritizing money over winning.

Well, Theo Epstein responded to that criticism. In an interview with CSN Chicago, he questioned Boras’ professionalism, and he reaped praise on Bryant.

“I have a lot of respect for Scott and he by and large does a great job for his clients,” Epstein said. “The only part about it that bothers me is that he certainly could have picked up the phone before going to the national media about this. He never once called me and asked me if Kris would make the team or anything about his situation. So just from a personal level and professional respect, that would have been something that I would have done if I was in his shoes.

Chicago Cubs

“Beyond that, Scott has a forum and obviously people are publishing what he says. He has a job to do and he has a great client who is a fantastic kid. The person who is handling this with the most professionalism and maturity is Kris Bryant. I couldn’t be more proud of how he is handling a very difficult situation. He is getting asked about it every day. He doesn’t get to just go focus on playing the game; he is asked about this from all corners and he is handling himself in a way that makes the Cubs proud.”

In thirteen years running a club, Epstein has never had a rookie (other than a Rule 5 player) make his debut on Opening Day. That does not look like it will change in 2015.

“I can say this: This is my 13th time putting a team together at the end of spring training and I have never once put a young prospect on an Opening Day roster when he had to make his major league debut (with the exception of a Rule 5 player).

“We’ve broken in some pretty good young players over the years from Kevin Youkilis to Hanley Ramirez to Dustin Pedroia to Jacoby Ellsbury to Jon Lester to Jonathan Papelbon and we have always given them the benefit of getting into the season in the minor leagues and getting into a good rhythm whether that is on the mound or offensively or defensively and playing in games that count rather than just spring training.”

Epstein deserves credit for staying with the plan, even in the face of criticism from agents, the players’ union and even some fans. The plan has turned the Cubs from a laughingstock to one on the cusp of creating something special. There is no need to deviate from that plan now. Keep pushing forward!

I’d rather put my trust in Epstein than Boras anyhow. While questioning whether the Cubs only care about the money, we know that is exactly what Boras is about.

Next: Mike Olt Having An Impressive Spring For The Chicago Cubs