Opening Day is one week away and Chicago Cubs GM Jed Hoyer took some time Thursday morning to answer some questions from fans on Twitter.
To start off, Hoyer addressed the @JedHoyer_ Twitter account that is most definitely not Theo Epstein. Everyone’s always wondered who’s behind it mostly because of the two tweets that are found in the account.
spanking it
— Jed Hoyer (@JedHoyer_) April 14, 2009
And after the Cubs won the 2016 World Series, this lovely gem.
Subscribe to the Pinwheels and Ivy Show, a White Sox vs. Cubs podcast made for Chicago fans.
Aaahhhhh! Anyone have a hand towel?
— Jed Hoyer (@JedHoyer_) November 3, 2016
But no one wants to say who’s responsible because again, it most definitely IS NOT Theo Epstein.
The real Jed Hoyer. pic.twitter.com/EyOMrvy0vU
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) March 22, 2018
All right. So, just another incentive to the Cubs winning the World Series again, we get find out who runs that account.
Now, on to some of the best questions and answers.
As we all know by now, the Cubs have had one of the best rebuilds in sports history and Hoyer was part of that. The front office did a great job early on in the rebuild acquiring talent from other teams, but for Hoyer his favorite trade is the one with the Baltimore Orioles in 2013.
It would be hard to beat acquiring Arrieta and Strop at exactly the right time in our rebuild. Both guys played such a key role for us and both are terrific people.
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) March 22, 2018
We know how great Jake Arrieta was during his time with the Cubs, but let’s also give Pedro Strop some love, as he’s been one of the most reliable relievers since coming over to the North Side.
Hoyer also got into the evaluation of players using good old fashioned scouting and analytics.
The size of analytics departments has grown so much. That said, the balance between old fashioned scouting, analytics, and makeup/personality information has not changed that much. We want ALL forms of good information to make decisions.
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) March 22, 2018
Pretty simple there, need it all to be the well-oiled machine the Cubs have turned into. That being said, the Cubs do make it look easier than it is.
This gray hair undermines your point about making it look easy!
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) March 22, 2018
One of the aspects that makes the Cubs so good is that the front office is always having conversations about players. No yes men around Epstein and that’s completely fine.
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) March 22, 2018
And of course, you have love this mentality from Hoyer.
I feel so fortunate to have been with two organizations that broke long droughts. The mental images that I have from the parade and the interactions with fans afterward are things I’ll always carry with me. But now, it’s about winning again …
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) March 22, 2018
Jed’s also got some advice for those of you who want to pursue a career in baseball.
Play for as long as you can. There’s no substitute for playing… and it’s way more fun than sitting behind a desk. Once you’re done. Stay involved in baseball however you can… coaching college baseball while I worked has been invaluable for me.
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) March 22, 2018
Now, to the questions we all wanted answers to.
He’s the President… I’m sure he’d demand first billing … so we’ll say Thed. Though we have 5 sons between us. I think we’d adopt a girl. What would that name be??
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) March 22, 2018
In 2019, Theda will be trending as the most popular girl’s name in Chicago.
A hot dog is not a sandwich
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) March 22, 2018
Anthony Rizzo has something to say about that.
Need a spot to go to in San Diego?
I can’t do that but make sure you hit 222 for brunch and Basic Pizza after the game… thin crust
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) March 22, 2018
Hmmm, San Diego pizza?
Last, but certainly not least.
Not sure. 40 inches or so. Maybe 38 in jeans. pic.twitter.com/NWnpD8xw39
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) March 22, 2018
Thank you Jed Hoyer, for what will be a great meme to use throughout the 2018 season.
Thanks, fans! It’s been real. pic.twitter.com/XPYuG8Owkl
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) March 22, 2018
Hold on, still waiting for an answer to this question.
How do you trade Jason Heyward to make space for Bryce Harper?
— Andrew Labib (@Andrew_Labib) March 22, 2018