Cubs, Theo Epstein gear up for big offseason

Chicago Cubs' president of baseball operations Theo Epstein is taking the long view this offseason, looking to improve organizational depth with an eye toward the future rather than going all-in this free-agency period, according to CSN Chicago's Patrick Mooney.

The Cubs do not figure to be involved in any talks to sign Josh Hamilton or Zack Greinke or trade for Justin Upton, preferring instead to re-sign its own young talent, like fireballer Jeff Samardzija, and target lower-cost pitchers such as Shaun Marcum, Brandon McCarthy and Francisco Liriano.

General manager Jed Hoyer opted to hang onto closer Carlos Marmol rather than trade him to the Los Angeles Angels for Dan Haren, but has also expressed interest in fortifying his bullpen with another reliever who has closing experience.

The Cubs have also hired P.J. Mainville away from the Arizona Diamondbacks to be their head athletic trainer and promoted Mark O'Neal to director of medical administration.