“The two sides are on the 5-yard line,” said the source. Major League Baseball already has told the Cubs that they can have a news conference today to introduce Epstein.
Sources also confirmed that San Diego Padres general manager Jed Hoyer will be named Cubs GM a few days after Epstein’s news conference.
The Red Sox aimed high in asking for compensation for Epstein. A baseball source said they initially asked for the Cubs’ young star shortstop Starlin Castro. When they were rebuffed, the Red Sox asked for arguably Chicago’s best starting pitcher in Matt Garza.
But the expected agreement will include Cubs minor leaguers, although not top prospects Brett Jackson, Trey McNutt or Matt Szczur, the source said. Cash will not be part of the compensation.
ORTIZ WINS CLEMENTE
David Ortiz would prefer to remain with the Boston Red Sox.
Following an unprecedented September collapse, manager Terry Francona departed, general manager Theo Epstein is on the verge of quitting to take a job with the Cubs and the team is in turmoil.
“You guys know it all, already. I don’t have to add anything,” Ortiz told reporters after receiving baseball’s Roberto Clemente Award at the World Series. “I’m there every day, but I do what I’ve got to do. I have no more comment on that. You guys know it all.”
Ortiz, eligible for free agency after the World Series, hit .309 with 29 homers and 96 RBI.
The Clemente award is given annually to a major league player who gives back through community service and also excels on the field.
Clemente was a Hall of Fame right fielder with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He died in a plane crash on New Year’s Eve 1972 while trying to deliver food and relief supplies to earthquake victims in Nicaragua.
KERSHAW TOP LEFTY
Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers has won the Warren Spahn Award, given annually to baseball’s top left-handed pitcher.
Kershaw was selected after finishing first this season among left-handers in each of the categories included in the formula that determines the winner. He had 21 wins, 248 strikeouts and a 2.28 ERA.
Kershaw said he is “truly humbled” to have his name mentioned alongside one of baseball’s best left-handed pitchers. Spahn’s 363 career wins are the most of any lefty to pitch in the big leagues.
HAMILTON HURTING
Rangers star Josh Hamilton says his lingering groin injury is getting a bit worse.
The slumping slugger strained his left groin about two months ago. He said that if this were the regular season, he’d probably be on the disabled list right now.
The reigning American League MVP is hitless through two World Series games and has not hit a home run this postseason.
