Theo Epstein is 42 years old and he's already built World Series champions for arguably the two longest-suffering (or at least loudest-suffering) fan bases in the United States.
He seems like an ambitious fellow, so if he is looking for another project there are plenty to choose from — particularly if he's willing to branch out to other sports.
For now, let's take a look at 10 franchises next in line to have their "curses" broken, following in the recent footsteps of the Cavaliers and Cubs:
1) Cleveland Indians: Maybe we're dealing with some recency bias here, but Cleveland is less than a day removed from being one hit away from winning a World Series. You have to think this team could have a Royals-esque season awaiting in 2017, going from near-miss to champion for the first time since 1964
2) Minnesota Vikings: Your purple would have been No. 1 a couple of weeks ago, but let's not let two (very) bad weeks make us forget the Vikings are 5-2 and would still have a first-round bye if the season ended right now. In a wide-open NFC, they are still a legit Super Bowl contender. You might be aware Minnesota has never won the Super Bowl.
3) Houston Astros: Just like Cleveland, Houston opened at 12-1 odds to win the 2017 World Series. The Astros could be the next version of the Cubs, albeit with *only* a half-century instead of a full century of championship drought.
4) Philadelphia Eagles: Philly won the NFL title in 1960. Carson Wentz has fans thinking that elusive Super Bowl could be within reach sometime soon.
5) Texas Rangers: Much like the Astros, the Rangers have never won a World Series. They've had their share of heartbreak, losing back-to-back World Series in 2010 and 2011 (the second of which being an excruciating defeat to the Cardinals).
