Unfazed Epstein expects new deal soon
IN BRIEF
ANAHEIM, Calif. — The first pitch of the new season came and went without the contract extensions for Cubs president Theo Epstein and his staff that had been expected by now.
But after recent conversations about the subject between Epstein and chairman Tom Ricketts, both said Monday they expect a deal soon. Some insiders think it will get done this month.
‘‘ I don’t feel a lot of super time pressure, but I think we’ll get to a conclusion here pretty soon,’’ said Ricketts, who six weeks ago suggested he plans to make Epstein the highest- paid executive in baseball.
‘‘ I think he’s the best at what he does in the game, and I think from a compensation standpoint it should be reflected,’’ Ricketts said at the time.
A new deal for Epstein, who’s in the final year of a five- year, $ 18.5 million contract, long has been thought to be a formality. Multiple sources close to those involved have said since January that they expect an extension of five years in the $ 40 million- to$ 50 million range.
‘‘ We talked a little bit toward the end of spring training, and I thought they were good, productive conversations,’’ said Epstein, who has overseen a complete restructuring of the Cubs’ baseball operations since taking control in the fall of 2011, including an on- the- field overhaul that produced a 97- victory playoff team last season. ‘‘ Neither one of us had a ton of time to focus on it, but no cause for concern. It’s something we’re going to continue to talk about, and I think we both feel like it’s going to get done at some point soon.’’
Neither would discuss specifics about progress or potential parameters, but Epstein said consideration for his top staff is part of the talks.
‘‘ Obviously, this is not a one- man operation,’’ he said. ‘‘ Everyone’s got a different contract status, but our goal is to keep our group in the front office together for a long time.’’
No- look pass for Szczur
If any of the Cubs had a reason to be distracted Monday, it might have been outfielder Matt Szczur, whose alma mater, Villanova, was playing for the NCAA basketball title for the first time in 31 years.
‘‘ I’m excited for them,’’ he said. ‘‘ I just hope they win. I’ll just have to follow it after the game.’’
Szczur, who made the roster when utility player Javy Baez ( thumb) opened the season on the disabled list, insisted there would be no sneaking peeks at the score during the Cubs’ opener.
‘‘ I also have a job here, too,’’ he said.
Miles to go before they sleep
Despite the Cubs’ franchiserecord $ 150 million payroll, Epstein said his front office has kept enough of its payroll budget in reserve to be active at the trade deadline, if necessary.
‘‘ We have a little bit of flexibility looking ahead to in- season moves,’’ said Epstein, who also has maintained enough young talent by passing on some would- be trades in the last 18 months. ‘‘ I think we’re fairly well- positioned . . . for what may come to pass in the in- season trade market.’’