What is Theo Epstein worth? Selig to decide

By Dave van Dyck, Tribune reporter

Baseball Chicago Cubs Theo Epstein Chicago White Sox Boston Red Sox Bud Selig Matt Garza

What has turned into the longest-running soap opera of the baseball offseason may be resolved soon, although Cubs fans have heard all this before.

Deciding compensation for Theo Epstein’s departure from Boston is now in the hands of commissioner Bud Selig after the Red Sox requested it, deciding that enough was enough.

Epstein, now the Cubs’ president of baseball operations, and his Boston successor, Ben Cherington, had negotiated on-and-off since before the World Series, when a frustrated Selig told the two sides to get down to business by themselves.

So what is a general manager worth? Well, sources claim the Red Sox have requested Cubs starter Matt Garza, but names have varied over the more than three months. However, it is believed the Cubs will have to at least part with a top-level prospect (the name of 2007 first-round draft choice Josh Vitters has been mentioned).

When Ozzie Guillen left the White Sox at season’s end, the Marlins “traded” mid-level prospects, shortstop Ozzie Martinez and reliever Jhan Marinez, who both could make the Sox's roster this spring.

dvandyck@tribune.comTwitter @davandyck