Epstein took part in the discussion, which explored the difference between big-market and small-market teams, with Pirates GM Neal Huntington, Sox GM Ben Cherington, Sox manager Bobby Valentine, Sean Casey of the MLB Network, the Yankees’ Curtis Granderson, and moderator Peter Gammons.
“Nothing new,’’ added Cherington. “Would any of you like to resolve it? The commissioner has been involved. As we’ve gotten closer to spring training I think that there’ll be some direction given from the commissioner’s office.’’
Is the gap large?
“It’s hard to quantify,’’ Cherington said. “It’s just a disagreement. There was an expectation when Theo left that the Red Sox would receive significant compensation for allowing the Cubs to hire him and we haven’t been able to agree on what ‘significant compensation’ means.’’
Cherington is preparing for two potential arbitration cases in David Ortiz and Alfredo Aceves, but both may get resolved before hearing dates in February.
Cherington said neither outcome would affect the team’s bottom line on making more moves this offseason, though there is a big difference between Ortiz’s $16.5 million asking price and the Sox’ $12.65 million figure.
The Sox are still interested in Roy Oswalt and Edwin Jackson, but aren’t close to a deal. Oswalt had an exploratory meeting with the Rangers yesterday.
“We’re going to keep our eyes open and continue to talk to teams or free agents as things present themselves,’’ Cherington said. “I don’t know if we’ll do anything in the short term. We think we have enough to get the team ready for the season. But if something comes to us either now or during spring training, we’ll certainly consider it.’’
Cherington is still not ruling out Carl Crawford returning by Opening Day, but he believes newly acquired Cody Ross will play every day until Crawford returns.
