Theo Epstein Reflects On Journey, Credits Tom Ricketts For Making Cubs' Rebuild Possible

(CBS) About 33 hours after his Cubs clinched their first postseason berth during his time in Chicago, president of baseball operations Theo Epstein reflected on the journey to this point and had big props for owner Tom Ricketts for allowing ample time for the rebuilding plan to work.

"There was a lot of anxiety along the way – not about whether we'd get there but about how we could get there in enough time to keep the fans along with us and show progress," Epstein said during an interview with Barry Rozner on 670 The Score on Sunday morning.

"A lot of these rebuilds fail not because they weren't going to eventually work but because you run out of time. Then pressure's built up and you try to take shortcuts. You end up dipping into free agency maybe before you should or you lose patience with the young players who are actually going to be part of the solution in the end. That was the anxiety.

"Tom has been the most patient one out of everybody. Going back to the time I met with him initially before I took the job, he didn't know technically everything that had to take place, but he knew something different had to take place. He knew it had to revolve around young players, and he knew it had to be systematic.

"He knew it had to take time. He's been remarkably patient. I can honestly say never once has he pressured us into speeding it up."

The Cubs (89-65) clinched their first postseason berth since 2008 when the Giants fell to the Athletics late Friday night. The Cubs are on a collision course to face the Pirates in the NL wild-card game on Oct. 7, likely in Pittsburgh.

Despite a 4-0 loss to the Pirates on Saturday afternoon, the Cubs celebrated their postseason berth hard on Saturday afternoon. The postgame scene was "a little quiet" until manager Joe Maddon lightened the mood and had a toast to the season, Epstein said. The party continued into the evening as left-hander Jon Lester rented out room at a nearby bar.

To Epstein -- who came to the Cubs in October 2011 -- this was the first step in what he hopes is a long line of success. Epstein's current contract runs through the end of the 2016 season.

So how long with Epstein be around in Chicago.

"I ended up staying 10 years in Boston," Epstein said. "It was nine as GM, but 10 years there. That seemed about right, long enough to try to make a difference and try to contribute to winning teams and some championships. We have a lot of work left to do here.

"The only time I think about my contract is when I'm asked about it by the media.

"I'd like to be here to see the Cubs win multiple World Series and make up for lost time, but that starts by winning a playoff game, which we haven't done in a long time.

"We have not done anything (yet)."

Listen to Epstein's full interview below.