Theo Epstein shares few details in Cubs introduction

CHICAGO – Theo Epstein's introduction/coronation as president of baseball operations for the Chicago Cubs contained lots of philosophy and, true to his style, little definitive detail on the immediate future.

In a packed stadium club at Wrigley Field with more than a dozen cameras, national media who broke away from the World Series and a half-dozen satellite trucks outside, Epstein discussed building the foundation of an organization that would contend for years while also keeping the current major-league team competitive.

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On a few specific issues:

• He will meet in the next week or so with current manager Mike Quade to determine his future. Quade has a year remaining on his contract.
• He said he probably would not have left Boston this year if Tito Francona had not resigned as managed. But he said he never asked for a contract extension because he felt he needed a new challenge and didn't expect to remain in Boston long. So he felt a new GM should hire the next manager.
• The Cubs will be active in the free agent market this winter, but not necessarily in the sweepstakes for mega-stars Albert Pujols or Prince Fielder. It could be smaller signings.
• He didn't confirm the hiring of San Diego GM Jed Hoyer, nor would he comment on whether the Cubs' payroll would increase or decrease next year.
• Kidingly, he likened his last two weeks in Boston to the character with the beloved red stapler in the movie "Office Space" who keeps finding his desk moved. He kept showing up for work and no one told him he didn't have a job.
• He doesn't believe in curses but won't run from the fact the Cubs haven't won the world championship in more than a century.