Sep 16, 2008 10:02 pm US/Eastern
Red Sox, Epstein Agree On Contract Extension
BOSTON (CBS) ―
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Theo Epstein, Red Sox General Manager.
Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images
CBS Station WBZ-TV in Boston has confirmed that the Boston Red Sox and General Manager Theo Epstein have reached an agreement in principle on a new contract extension.
The Boston Globe is reporting that a deal is done, but Red Sox Principal owner John Henry e-mailed WBZ-TV's Dan Roche Tuesday afternoon to say, "Nothing has been signed yet."
Henry later said in an e-mail to Roche, "I got a little ahead of where we are today in commenting on what have been refreshingly private negotiations. We are not done, but we expect to have an announcement very soon. I have asked all involved not to comment until this is done."
Meanwhile Sox manager Terry Francona told reporters in Tampa that the report was a bit "premature."
Epstein was named General Manager of the Sox on Nov. 25, 2002. He was the youngest General Manager in baseball history at age 28.
The Sox have captured two World Series championships in the past four seasons, ending an 86-year drought in 2004 and then winning again last season.
Since taking over the Sox, his teams have made the postseason four times -- 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007 -- and are headed for a fifth trip this season.
Epstein resigned following the 2005 season due to differences with President/CEO Larry Lucchino, but he returned later in that off-season.
Epstein has also done a remarkable job of building up a minor league system during his tenure as the likes of Dustin Pedroia, Jacoby Ellsbury, Jon Lester, Jonathan Papelbon, Kevin Youkilis, Jed Lowrie, Justin Masterson, Manny Delcarmen, and others have all contributed on the big league level.
Epstein also brought Daisuke Matsuzaka and Hideki Okajima from Japan.
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