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October 25, 2005

Epstein, Sox no closer to a deal

By SEAN McADAM

BOSTON -- Players may be able to file for free agency as early as Thursday, signaling the official kick-off to baseball's off-season. But before the Red Sox can begin addressing their roster needs, they must first get their own front office in order.

General manager Theo Epstein's contract expires Monday, but little progress has been made toward working out an extension. Negotiations have been ''strained,'' according to industry sources familiar with the talks.

Last week, the Red Sox crossed a significant threshold, offering Epstein a three-year deal worth just over $1 million annually, but the offer was rejected.

To date, the club has been trying to tie Epstein's deal to others given to general managers with three years of experience. But Epstein's level of achievement -- three postseason appearances in as many years, a World Series title and a rebuilt farm system -- may warrant a higher salary level.

Ownership's previous willingness to give Billy Beane a five-year deal for $12.5 million just weeks before Epstein was ultimately hired remains another sticking point.

Currently, it's believed that Atlanta's John Schuerholz is the game's highest-paid GM at approximately $1.6 million per year.

One high-ranking baseball executive not affiliated with the Red Sox last week suggested that the commissioner's office had taken an interest in the negotiations, and had been urging Boston's ownership to limit Epstein's salary, fearful that it will result in an escalation in salaries for general managers throughout the game.

While reports persist that Epstein is seeking to bypass CEO Larry Lucchino and report directly to principal owner John Henry, that isn't the case, industry sources maintain.

Rather, the negotiations center around compensation and philosophy, and the strained talks could hamper the relationship between Lucchino and Epstein in the future even if a deal is eventually struck. The two have negotiated without any outside interference -- Henry has not involved himself directly, and Epstein, per the club's request, has not used an agent.

Epstein has told others in the game that he will not accept a three-year deal, with the length of contract (five years, guaranteed) offered to Beane once again used as a precedent.

It's also likely that he will not work beyond Monday, when his contract expires. If he were to do so, he would severely limit his bargaining position, to say nothing of putting him in the potentially awkward position of putting together a team for which he may be not be working.

While talks drag, there are few other positions that would interest Epstein. It's expected that Brian Cashman will announce -- possibly as early as today -- that's he remaining with the New York Yankees.

That leaves the Philadelphia Phillies as the lone big market GM opening. But former Houston GM Gerry Hunsicker has emerged as the clear favorite in Philadelphia.

Epstein's lack of options may be seen as leverage for the Red Sox, but Epstein may be willing to take time off before pursuing another job.

Posted by Art at 11:56 AM | Permalink

Comments

Sean,
Another great article. Keep up the great work.

rob lasky | October 25, 2005 2:42 PM link

Give him the 5 years, 6 million Theo wants but subtract from that amount the salary of every player that Theo signs but is released before the contract expires. For example, WHEN the Sox release Renta-wreck, subtract the remaining $$ from Renta-wrecks contract from Theo's.

bap | October 25, 2005 3:00 PM link

It's pretty obvious that LL is working at the behest of Selig. He attempted to use the ARod negotiations 2 years ago as a means to break the players union and he is being heavy-handed with Theo to attempt to decrease the influence of all the new young "rock star" GMs in baseball. Both of which are general goals of all of baseball ownership, save SiAS. Luchino constantly lies when he claims that he is doing things for the wonderful Red Sox fans. He hates Red Sox fans and everything that we stand for. The only thing he and Henry want from us is our money. They have consistently worked to destroy this team and is Theo's efforts that have spited them and have presented them with a surprising WS championship. This is the worst ownership group in baseball and we will go many more years before we win again since they are hell-bent on DESTROYING the Red Sox and their fan base. They HATE US!

Boston Bruen | October 25, 2005 5:27 PM link

Hey Boston Nation,
I think that we should back Theo for what he has done in 3 short years, and also should the Ownership of this team. He built up a farm system that had only Donkies and no horses, went to 3 consective post season games, and won a World Series that has lacked this nation for way too many years.The front office offered Billy Bean 5 years and 12 million guarenteed. I think Theo should at least get a contract that is close to that one, at least for 5 years. I feel that the damage done to this ownership, if this isn't done, will far surpass the great job that they have done so far to Fenway. Don't make a stupid investment and NOT sign Theo...
Good luck Theo and may God bless you for all the years of wishing and hoping for a win in the big game. Hope John steps in and gets Larry straight with this important contract, and let Theo worry about Manny and Johnny Damon's contracts. Don't think Larry has the where about to solve those problems...

Rick C. | October 25, 2005 6:49 PM link

How can they screw around with the kid that did something so many before him failed at doing. Give him what he wants. Keep him content and he will continue to deliver winners in Boston. Take some money from the Cast of Idiots if you have to, and lord knows that team is loaded with them.

Jim | October 26, 2005 12:23 AM link

Great article Sean. Question, what are the chances that the Sox hang on to Manny when this Theo issue resolves?

Jamie | October 27, 2005 11:47 AM link

Hey Boston, please let Theo go! As a fan of the Phillies I would like for our city to get one of the bright young minds in baseball to run my team. Hopefully he brings Damon with him. Then again our ownership is dumber then yours, so I am dreaming.

John | October 27, 2005 2:32 PM link