Red Sox Focusing on Trey McNutt as Compensation

Pitcher Trey McNutt is apparently the focus of Epstein compensation talks

According to Patrick Mooney of CSN Chicago, the Red Sox have begun to focus on right hander Trey McNutt as compensation from the Cubs. It's still unclear whether the Sox are asking for more or not, but according to Mooney, outfielder Brett Jackson has been deemed untouchable while players such as Josh Vitters (didn't want him anyways) and Matt Sczur (damn it) are considered unlikely. Also, according to Kevin Goldstein of Baseball Prospectus, the Sox have been asking for "ridiculous combinations", which is a good thing considering the fact that Chicago just wants to fork over some cash. Depending on how many people Theo takes with him though, the Sox could get more than expected, and I personally think if Theo takes a bunch of his guys with him, they deserve to get Brett Jackson included in the talks, even if he's considered unlikely.

On another note, according to Bruce Levine of ESPNChicago.com, the Sox originally asked for right hander Matt Garza as compensation. Obviously the Cubs said no, 'cause he's their best pitcher, but I credit the Sox front office for having the balls to ask for him. They didn't have any chance of getting him in return, but asking for him shows the Cubs that you mean business and aren't just going to sit back and settle for less.