By Nick Cafardo, Globe Staff

Theo Epstein shrugged off rumors about his possible interest in joining the Chicago Cubs as the president of baseball operations, but never dismissed it in his first words about the topic tonight.

"I try to avoid commenting on things that are so speculative," Epstein said. "I know there are a couple of articles which have appeared but I'm completely focused on the Red Sox of 2011 first and foremost and what potentially lies ahead for this club.

"We're trying to get to the postseason and win the World Series and I spend all my time working with my staff to make this the organization we want it to be for now and in the future. That's where my exclusive focus is," Epstein said.

When reporters persisted, he said, "Something like that I can't even contemplate it long enough to comment on it. I'm all Red Sox, all the time."

Asked if he were happy to be with the Red Sox he said, "I'm really happy to be with the Red Sox. I'm really happy to have the ability to come to work to a place like this. We spend all of our time trying to make this the organization we want it to to be, building for the future, maximizing competitiveness for this year. Anyone associated with the Red Sox would be happy to work here and I am."