The day after the season ends is when Theo Epstein is typically his most comfortable and open on the record with the media. There he was Wednesday afternoon in the bowels of Wrigley Field in a half-constructed, soon-to-be exclusive club of some sort, likely running on little, if any, sleep while as casually dressed as you’ll see him in a public setting.



During the season, Epstein is a bit more guarded with his opinions on the team because he doesn’t want to seem impatient or critical as they work through issues while also trying to win games. By the GM meetings, he’s started the hard work that comes with reshaping or rebuilding his roster, likely looking at specific names and probably already in contact with agents. Once again, his guard is up.



But on days like this, when it comes to addressing his team’s play and how he evaluates certain performances, Epstein is insightful and detailed about what worked and what didn’t. Wednesday, he was...