"So what is the status of the Theo Epstein compensation?

When you ask, you get, "I don't know.''

The matter is in the hands of the Commissioner's Office, but there is no timetable on when Bud Selig is going to rule on it.

This is no small issue; it's one that could have ramifications on future cases.

Red Sox officials seem to think they'll know what they'll be getting from the Cubs "before the official start of spring training.'' But is that when pitchers and catchers report, or when the full squad shows up?

Since Epstein left his post as Sox GM to become president of baseball operations for the Cubs, the compensation issue has been a strange one."