Selig May Mediate Epstein Deal
BOSTON (CBS) - The Red Sox and Cubs are at a standstill when it comes to compensation for Theo Epstein, and the commissioner might have to step in to figure it all out.
Prior to Game 2 of the World Series, Major League Baseball commissioner Bud Selig told Sirius Satellite radio he may have to help mediate a deal between the Red Sox and Cubs, as the teams try to iron out a deal that would make Epstein Chicago's President of baseball operations.
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The Red Sox want prospects in return, the two sides just cannot figure out which ones.
Reports circled on Thursday that a deal was almost done and Epstein would be introduced on Friday. Without a deal in place, that is unlikely to happen.
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Red Sox owner John Henry denied a deal was close to being completed on Thursday.
A source told ESPN on Thursday Boston would not receive Chicago's top prospects Brett Jackson, Trey McNutt or Matt Szczur in a deal. The Red Sox are likely holding out for at least one of them, or a different high-level prospect, wanting to come away with something in return for Epstein, who has one year remaining on his current deal with the Red Sox.
With Epstein taking over as team president, he is expected to name current Padres general manager Jed Hoyer GM of the Cubs.
Ben Cherington will take over as GM of the Red Sox.
