Compensation for Theo could be resolved soon
A three-month negotiation to settle on who or what will be sent to Boston for Theo Epstein departing for the Chicago Cubs may finally be coming to a close.
According to Gordon Wittenmeyer of the Chicago Sun-Times both the Cubs and Red Sox have requested that MLB commissioner Bud Selig step in and settle the issue. Wittenmeyer reports that one source told him it was Larry Lucchino who initiated the Selig course of action as talks between the two sides haven’t had much traction. Theo feels he’s not worth very much, while the Red Sox feel he’s worth more than Andy McPhail who led the Minnesota Twins to two World Series titles before joining the Cubs.
McPhail prompted a Class A pitcher Hector Trinidad as compensation and he never made the big leagues. Lucchino, who appears to be leading this charge, has asked for stud pitcher Matt Garza as straight up compensation but that was quickly shot down by the Cubs. Other names include prospects Brett Jackson and Trey McNutt, but until now Epstein hasn’t been willing to consider either of the two or any of his Grade A prospects. Outfielder Marlon Byrd has also been rumored to be a possible player to be sent to Boston, although nothing has been confirmed.
Originally, Selig had set a deadline of November 1, 2011 for the two clubs to come to terms or else he would step in and make the ruling. When the Oakland A’s made headlines about the possibility of moving to San Jose due to inadequate facilities in Oakland, Selig’s focus shifted and the Theo compensation became a distant memory.
It’s now back on Selig’s desk and this time it’s up to him to settle it, making him earn his $25 million.
Selig could set a precedent for the rest of Major League Baseball, should he side with the Red Sox and force a highly touted prospect be part of the deal. Throw in the fact that he liked the Lucchino group from the start when the Red Sox were for sale and maybe this is another example of how tight they are. Of course sticking to a professional manner, Selig will likely rule on a prospect but not to the McNutt or Jackson level. Rather it could be a AA player, leaving the window wide open.
Ultimately, a deal including Garza would be the best case scenario for the Red Sox. In order to lure the former Rays pitcher Boston would have to throw in at least two prospects. Seeing how Selig is now in charge, any talk of a trade/compensation is unlikely thus ending the Garza possibility.
Regardless, this long dramatic saga appears to be nearing an end and we can finally put it behind us. Wittenmeyer states that no timeline on Selig’s decision has been made, but I’d be willing to bet he’ll want it cleaned up before the start of Spring Training.
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