Top Prospects Jackson or Vitters Not Likely in Theo Compensation

It’s been an ongoing issue for nearly four months with the end finally in sight.  The Red Sox will receive compensation from the Chicago Cubs for losing GM Theo Epstein to the lovable losers and it could come sometime during the coming week.

The Sox are said to be after a top level prospect, according to Gordon Edes of ESPN Boston , but a Brett Jackson or Josh Vitters isn’t likely to be named.  The hope on Boston’s front is to get a quality minor-leaguer who has a legitimate chance of making the big leagues and contribute on a consistent level.

There were some rumblings that outfielder Marlon Byrd would be the player heading to Boston, but for a team that is tight against the luxury tax threshold as the Red Sox are, inheriting Byrd’s salary of $6.5 million seems a little unrealistic.  Matt Garza would be considered a miracle at this point so don’t hold your breath Sox fans.

While both Jackson and Vitters would have been nice, a pitcher in the ranks of Trey McNutt would be deemed a fair amount of compensation.  There is some concern over McNutt with the nagging injuries he’s sustained at the Double-A level and a low strikeout ratio, but at just 22-years of age he could mold into a legitimate major league starter.

Both clubs have submitted a list of players they feel would be considered adequate compensation and it’s now in the hands of Mr. Bud Selig to determine the ruling.  Some within the industry feel that Selig could use this opportunity to set a standard to other clubs, discouraging management to duck out of their contracts before fulfilling the obligatory years.  It could also send a strong message to the rest of baseball that it’s best to settle these types of matters on your own and not have to get the commissioner involved.

Either way, a decision that is long, long, long over due appears to be nearing an end.

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