Report: Red Sox Wanted Matt Garza In Exchange For Theo Epstein

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Report: Red Sox Wanted Matt Garza In Exchange For Theo Epstein

By Grant Brisbee  @mccoveychron on Oct 17 2011, 5:43p +

Theo Epstein has signed a deal in principle to join the front office of the Chicago Cubs, and the only thing that's holding it up is that the Red Sox want compensation for their departing general manager. The rumors have the Cubs parting with a minor leaguer, most likely one who isn't a top prospect. But according to ESPN Chicago, Boston was looking for a little more at one point:

The Boston Red Sox initially wanted Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Matt Garza to be included as compensation for general manager Theo Epstein, but the Cubs refused, according to major league sources.

The real hangup probably wasn't with Garza leaving, but it was with the Cubs' refusal to include one of these doohickeys in the deal:

Garza probably would have helped the Red Sox just a bit a month ago. The Cubs are in quasi-rebuilding mode, so it didn't hurt to ask. Still, the Cubs politely declined, most likely, and negotiations are ongoing.