Boston GM Theo Epstein close to leaving for Cubs

Theo Epstein is on the verge of leaving his job as general manager of the Boston Red Sox to accept a similar position with the Chicago Cubs that may include greater power than he had in Boston, the Boston Herald reported Tuesday.

An announcement is expected to be made “within the next 24 to 48 hours,” according to the newspaper, which cited two unnamed sources.

The announcement is being delayed by two issues. One is that Red Sox ownership is still trying to keep Epstein. The other is that Boston will want significant compensation from the Cubs.

Epstein was 28 when he joined the Red Sox in 2002, becoming the youngest general manager in baseball history. He helped put together teams that won the World Series in 2004 and 2007 and made the playoffs in six of his nine seasons. But the 2011 Red Sox blew a nine-game lead in September in the race for a wild-card spot.

Terry Francona, who had been the Red Sox manager since 2004, left the team two days after the season ended.

White Sox considered Konerko

On the day the Chicago White Sox introduced Robin Ventura as their new manager, General Manager Ken Williams said he considered Paul Konerko as a player/manager, though he never discussed that possibility with the first baseman.

“It was considered long enough for me to realize Paul is a very cerebral person and he probably would drive himself nuts right now playing and managing at the same time,” Williams said in confirming a New York Daily News report. “But that’s the kind of respect I have for him that, yeah, I did consider it.

Ventura, 44, played 10 years with the White Sox but has no major league coaching or managerial experience. He was hired to replace Ozzie Guillen, who was hired to manage the Florida Marlins.

Rollins a free agent

Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins, the 2007 NL MVP and a three-time All-Star who has never played for another major league team, is headed toward free agency for the first time.

Rollins, a team leader on the field and in the clubhouse, turns 33 next month. He says he wants to return — “I really haven’t thought about putting on any other colors other than the red-and-white pinstripes” — and the team says it wants him back. But there are no guarantees — he wants a five-year deal and said he doesn’t plan to give a hometown discount.

“There’s no question we want Jimmy back and be in our uniform and play shortstop for us for the next several years,” General Manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said. “Whether that happens kind of depends on if we get to the finish line on it. But Jimmy knows where we stand. Those things will be private.”

Etc.

Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Charlie Morton had surgery to repair a torn labrum in his hip and will be out about six months, the team said. . . . The Houston Astros, who had the worst record (56-106) in the majors, said their entire coaching staff, including Manager Brad Mills, would be back next season.