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Red Sox Acquire Cubs' Chris Carpenter For Theo Epstein Compensation

FInally, it's over. Well, sort of. The Boston Red Sox have acquired right handed reliever Chris Carpenter (no, not that one) from the Chicago Cubs as well as a player to be named later, completing the compensation for Theo Epstein.

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13 Total Updates since February 21, 2012
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Red Sox Spring Training 2012: Will Middlebrooks Offers Thoughts On Chris Carpenter

After the Boston Red Sox let general manager Theo Epstein go to the Chicago Cubs, they were finally compensated on Tuesday with the addition of 27-year old right handed pitcher Chris Carpenter. No, not THAT Chris Carpenter. The other Chris Carpenter isn't exactly someone you'd call a household name, but he caught the attention of a young Red Sox prospect.

On Wednesday, Boston third base prospect Will Middlebrooks was asked about the newest member of the Red Sox since the two faced each other a few times in the minor leagues.

"I only faced him once. All I remember is he threw hard and had good stuff. He was one of the guys who was a later-innings guy, who came in and threw hard - good, hard stuff: hard fastball, hard slider. It was definitely good. ... He didn't have any control issues against us." (via WEEI)

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Theo Epstein Compensation: Red Sox Acquire Cubs' Chris Carpenter, Player To Be Named

FInally, it's over. Well, sort of. The Boston Red Sox have acquired right handed reliever Chris Carpenter (no, not that one) from the Chicago Cubs as well as a player to be named later, completing the compensation for Theo Epstein.

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Theo Epstein Compensation: Details Expected To Be Announced Tuesday

Five months after allowing former general manager Theo Epstein to leave his position to become president of baseball operations for the Chicago Cubs, the Boston Red Sox should learn Tuesday of the compensation they will get in return, reports Boston's WEEI.

According to an industry source, the compensation will be a pitcher from Chicago's 40-man roster. Here's currently the pitchers on the Cubs' roster:

68 Jeff Beliveau L-L 6'1" 190 Jan 17, 1987
76 Alberto Cabrera R-R 6'4" 210 Oct 25, 1988
37 Chris Carpenter R-R 6'4" 220 Dec 26, 1985
52 Lendy Castillo R-R 6'1" 170 Apr 8, 1989
27 Casey Coleman L-R 6'0" 185 Jul 3, 1987
46 Ryan Dempster R-R 6'2" 215 May 3, 1977
66 Rafael Dolis R-R 6'4" 215 Jan 10, 1988
22 Matt Garza R-R 6'4" 215 Nov 26, 1983
54 John Gaub R-L 6'2" 210 Apr 28, 1985
28 Paul Maholm L-L 6'2" 220 Jun 25, 1982
57 Scott Maine L-L 6'3" 215 Feb 2, 1985
49 Carlos Marmol R-R 6'2" 215 Oct 14, 1982
62 Marcos Mateo R-R 6'1" 220 Apr 18, 1984
40 James Russell L-L 6'4" 200 Jan 8, 1986
29 Jeff Samardzija R-R 6'5" 225 Jan 23, 1985
21 Andy Sonnanstine L-R 6'3" 190 Mar 18, 1983
32 Chris Volstad R-R 6'8" 230 Sep 23, 1986
56 Casey Weathers R-R 6'1" 205 Jun 10, 1985
36 Randy Wells R-R 6'5" 230 Aug 28, 1982
34 Kerry Wood R-R 6'5" 210 Jun 16, 1977
30 Travis Wood R-L 5'11" 175 Feb 6, 1987

It is expected that particulars of the deal will be announced later Tuesday, and it is still uncertain what kind of quality player the Red Sox will get.

For the latest on the Theo EpBoston Red Sox Spring Training, check back to this SB Nation Boston StoryStream. For more coverage, visit our team page and blog, Over The Monster.

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Red Sox Rumors: Boston, Cubs Submit Briefs Over Theo Epstein Compensation, Decision Could Reportedly Come This Week

The Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs have both submitted briefs over the compensation of Theo Epstein, the former Red Sox general manager.

According a report, the decision about the Red Sox's compensation for the departure of Epstein could come this week.

The compensation matter is currently before MLB commissioner Bud Selig. The Red Sox could be getting a "significant" player in return for Epstein (via Boston Globe). That report that revealed the news about a "significant" player also said that the decision on the compensation matter would be known before Spring Training.

Stay tuned as we will have information about the compensation the Red Sox receive as soon as the decision is known.

For more Boston Red Sox coverage, visit our team page and blog, Over The Monster.

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Red Sox Rumors: Theo Epstein Compensation Should Come By Spring Training

The Boston Red Sox could learn shortly what their compensation will be for the loss of former general manager Theo Epstein to the Chicago Cubs. According to report from the Boston Globe, the decision is in the hands of commissioner Bud Selig and is expected to come before Spring Training.

"Red Sox officials seem to think they’ll know what they’ll be getting from the Cubs "before the official start of spring training.’’ But is that when pitchers and catchers report, or when the full squad shows up?"

In October, Red Sox president Larry Lucchino allowed Epstein to void the final year of his contract so he could become president of baseball operations for the Cubs. In return, Boston is suppose to be receiving a "'significant' player in return."

However, it is still unclear as to what the definition of a "significant" player is -- as discussed in this Globe column from Nick Cafardo.

For more Boston Red Sox coverage, visit our team page and blog, Over The Monster.

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Boston Red Sox Offseason: Theo Epsten Compensation Talks On Hold Until December

The Boston Red Sox will not resume compensation talks with the Chicago Cubs for Theo Epstein's departure until after the Rule 5 Draft, Epstein said on Thursday. The draft takes place on Dec. 8 in Dallas.

The teams were originally given a Nov. 1 deadline and commissioner Bud Selig said he would intervene if the compensation was not agreed upon at that point. But an extension was granted as the two teams try to settle on proper compensation for allowing Epstein to bolt town.

Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington said two weeks ago the situation is difficult because there's no real precedent.

"Because of that, our position has been we have to look at this particular circumstance," Cherington said. "There was an understanding, again, at the very beginning the Red Sox would get significant compensation if Theo left to go to Chicago. That's been the challenge, agreeing on what significant means.

"But I think again, in Theo's case, if we rewind the clock this was not someone who ownership was looking to push out the door in any way and we were still in a position of having a really good team in 2012. He was under contract, and then we had a manager leaving, we had a manager search going on, so there were a lot of things going on at the time that made him leaving perhaps challenging. I think that's where our ownership feels we need to be compensated for that.''

-- Visit Over the Monster for complete Red Sox coverage all offseason and our team page for schedules, statistics, news and more.

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Red Sox And Cubs Given Another Week To Agree On Theo Epstein Compensation

The Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs and Major League Baseball commissioner Bud Selig have agreed Wednesday to grant the Red Sox and Cubs a one-week extension as they work to come to an agreement regarding the compensation the Red Sox will get in exchange for their former general manager, Theo Epstein, who took the same job with the Cubs on Oct. 26.

The teams were originally given a Nov. 1 deadline and Selig had said earlier that if a deal were not cemented by that date, he would intervene. Clearly, he has changed his mind.

"We're going to have a little more time to work it out,'' Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington said, according to ESPN Boston. "I'm not sure exactly how much, at least a week, I would guess. I think this is just a practical decision, with everything going on, Theo in Chicago, for us here with a managerial search and whatnot, just haven't had a lot of time to spend on it. So we got a little more time and hopefully will have a little more time to talk about it.''

For Cherington, coming to an agreement is difficult because there is not much precedent as far as what a team should be compensated in exchange for its general manager.

"Because of that, our position has been we have to look at this particular circumstance," Cherington said. "There was an understanding, again, at the very beginning the Red Sox would get significant compensation if Theo left to go to Chicago. That's been the challenge, agreeing on what significant means.

"But I think again, in Theo's case, if we rewind the clock this was not someone who ownership was looking to push out the door in any way and we were still in a position of having a really good team in 2012. He was under contract, and then we had a manager leaving, we had a manager search going on, so there were a lot of things going on at the time that made him leaving perhaps challenging. I think that's where our ownership feels we need to be compensated for that.''

Visit Over the Monster for complete Red Sox coverage all offseason and our team page for schedules, statistics, news and more.

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Red Sox And Cubs Might Have Leeway With Nov. 1 Deadline For Theo Epstein Compensation Deal

Major League Baseball commissioner Bud Selig said during the World Series that the Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs would have to come to an agreement regarding compensation for erstwhile Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein by Nov. 1 or he would make the deal for them, but it looks now as if the teams might have a little more leeway.

According to a report from the Boston Herald, a league source said "there shouldn't be much weight put on Nov. 1" and that the teams could get a slight extension for a few days to sort out the negotiations. According to the Herald, the Red Sox are thought to be interested in two minor leaguers, including a top-level prospect. Ben Cherington, who took over as Red Sox general manager after Epstein left for the same position in Chicago, said he would be "comfortable" with Selig making a decision after each side presented its case.

"It's a difficult deal to work out," Cherington said. "It's hard to quantify the value of Theo Epstein. I have an idea of it, and Theo doesn't think he's worth as much as I do."

Visit Over the Monster for complete Red Sox coverage all offseason.

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Boston Red Sox Offseason 2011: Theo Epstein Compensation Due Today

It's deadline day for the Boston Red Sox. No, it's not the trade deadline, but instead it's the day that MLB commissioner Bud Selig set for the Red Sox and the Chicago Cubs to work out compensation for Theo Epstein, who resigned as the GM of the Sox in order to become President of Baseball Operations in Chicago.

And without much surprise, little progress has been made between the two teams.

Today is the deadline for the Red Sox and Cubs to agree on compensation for Theo Epstein and no tangible progress has been made, according to general manager Ben Cherington.

"It's a difficult deal to work out because it's too hard to quantify the value of Theo Epstein,'' Cherington said. "I have an idea of it and Theo doesn't think he's worth as much as I do. We haven't been able to bridge that gap yet.''

It's a little puzzling as to why Epstein is working with his former team to work out a deal, you know, for himself. But then again, it isn't. Epstein is in charge of baseball operations in Chicago, true, but working out a deal for yourself? Epstein essentially has to devalue himself to Ben Cherington and the Sox. As you'd imagine, it's an interesting dilemma.

If Boston and Chicago can't work out their differences, Selig has said that he will step in and decide after the two teams make their case to him or a representative.

For more Boston Red Sox coverage, visit our team page and blog, Over The Monster.

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Theo Epstein Deal Nearing Completion, "Top Prospects" Not Involved

A report from ESPN.com says that the Red Sox and Cubs have agreed on compensation for Theo Epstein, and that the deal will be officially announced Friday.

While it comes a bit later than Bud Selig would have liked--the World Series will be two games in by that point, and it's likely because of the off-day that this deal is being announced on Friday--the Cubs and Sox have come a long way in just a few days, closing a gap in expectations which had the Cubs front office balking (in a non-baseball sense).

What's still unclear is who, exactly, will be joining the Red Sox before the week ends. While the Sox had been asking for Matt Garza, and the idea with the most steam for much of the week seemed to be 22-year-old pitching prospect Trey McNutt, the ESPN source claims that's off the table:

the expected agreement will include Cubs minor leaguers, although not top prospects Brett Jackson, Trey McNutt and Matt Szczur

If this is the case, it's hard to see this as much of a win for the Red Sox. While they did know that Theo Epstein would be leaving at the end of 2012 no matter what, it seems like the Sox were in a position to hold out on the Cubs until desperation set in. It's hard to imagine that this package of supposedly middling prospects--whoever they may be--is worth the potential that they could have acquired a top name with more time.

Also joining the Cubs will be former second-in-command Jed Hoyer, who only two years ago jumped ship from the Sox to become the Padre's GM. With Theo Epstein likely to take a higher position, Hoyer would fill the role of GM for Chicago.

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Report: Talks Between Cubs, Red Sox Turn 'Contentious' Regarding Theo Epstein Compensation

According to David Kaplan of CSN Chicago negotiations between the Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox have turned "contentious" in regards to the compensation the Red Sox are asking for in return for Theo Epstein.

Since Theo still has a year remaining on his contract the Red Sox hold negotiating power over the Cubs. Below is a quote from a baseball executive Kaplan spoke with:

"The Red Sox hold the cards here because they have their new GM in Ben Cherington and they control Theo for the next 12 months. If they want they can force Theo to stay in Boston or on the sidelines for the next year. Can the Cubs go without a GM for the next 12 months? That would be an incredibly gutsy move but also a very risky one."

The same exec believes Red Sox President Larry Lucchino is the one making negotiations so difficult.

"Larry Lucchino is one of the most unreasonable people I have ever dealt with and because of his frayed relationship with Theo Epstein he is looking to make a point at the expense of Theo's happiness and his desire to go to Chicago ... They are furious that he wants out and they are trying to make a point."

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Theo Epstein Officially Leaves Boston Red Sox, Joins Chicago Cubs

After lots of speculation, sources within the Boston Red Sox organization confirmed that general manager Theo Epstein will officially leave the team to become the new general manager of the Chicago Cubs, per Peter Abraham.

Two team sources confirmed reports that Theo Epstein has reached agreement with the Cubs on a five-year contract and will officially leave the Red Sox before the end of the week. The deal is believed to be worth $15 million with Epstein receiving what amounts to a $3.5 million signing bonus. (via Boston Globe)

Abraham writes that the Red Sox will receive compensation (either prospects or cash) for Epstein, who still had one year remaining on his current contract with the team. Many believe that Ben Cherington, currently the Vice President of Player Personnel of the Red Sox, is likely the top pick by the organization to replace Epstein. During his tenure in Boston, Epstein guided the Red Sox to two World Series titles in 2004 and 2007.

For more Boston Red Sox coverage, visit our team page and blog, Over The Monster.

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Theo Epstein Reportedly Leaving Boston Red Sox For Chicago Cubs

Boston Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein has reportedly been permission by the Boston Red Sox to forgo the final year of his contract with the team in order to join the Chicago Cubs, according to a New York Post report.

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