Theo Epstein: I'll miss rivalry with Yankees

CHICAGO -- During his nine years atop the Red Sox's baseball operations, Theo Epstein always tried to make the distinction between his club and the Yankees in conversation.

Sure, the Red Sox spent plenty, Epstein would contend, but they could never quite match the Yankees when it came to revenue, resources and room for error. During one particularly frustrating stretch for Boston in 2006, he referred to the Yankees as an "uber-team."

Now that he needn't worry about the Yankees anymore -- at least, not until a potential World Series matchup -- Epstein addressed The Rivalry with a detached fondness.

"I'll definitely miss the challenge of the Yankees," said Epstein, who officially became the Cubs' president of baseball operations Tuesday. "That rivalry was a big part of what made the Red Sox job so special. But I'm really looking forward to the rivalry with the Cardinals. I can't wait to get in the trenches on that one, help push the Cubs forward.

"That rivalry, as well as the emerging rivalry with the Brewers. I think the NL Central quietly has some organizations with real bright futures. I'm looking forward to embracing the division."

With new rivals means new general managers to try to outwit, and Epstein acknowledged his respect for Yankees general manager Brian Cashman, who is close to signing an extension to stay in the Bronx for a 15th season and beyond on the job.

"You admire him for his ability to continue to do the job year after year," Epstein said of Cashman. "I think, just looking at it from afar, that he finds new ways to challenge himself on the landscape. He really didn't have full responsibility over there until [after the 2005 season]. He's still, I think, building the organization the way he wants it, whereas I had a longer time to set it up.

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"He's a great guy, a great GM. I wish him the best."