Theo Epstein helped the Red Sox end their 86-year World Series drought by assembling their 2004 title-winning club. However, Epstein said Tuesday night at a Lecture given at Sacred Heart University that winning the team's first championship in almost a century wasn't his proudest moment with Boston. He got more pleasure out of winning the 2007 World Series because of all the homegrown talent the Red Sox used to win their second title in four years. There was just one homegrown player on their 2004 team, outfielder Trot Nixon. Three years later, Boston won the final game of the baseball season with 12 homegrown players -- including stars like Jonathan Papelbon, Kevin Youkilis, Dustin Pedroia and Jon Lester.

Brian Cashman is one of the longest-tenured executives in professional sports, but he never desired to become the general manager of the Yankees. Cashman joined the Yankees organization in 1986 as an intern and he moved up the ladder and was named general manager in February 1998. At the time, he was the youngest general manager in professional baseball at age 30. "I never wanted to be the general manager of the Yankees," Cashman told an audience at Sacred Heat in Fairfield, Connecticut. Cashman and former Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein were featured in the college's "Lecture Series" on Tuesday night. "I still don't want to be the general manager of the Yankees," Cashman added with a smirk. Cashman took over after Bob Watson retired from the position.

The Yankees and Red Sox, bitter rivals, haven't consummated a trade since August 13, 1997. Boston traded Mike Stanley and minor leaguer Randy Brown to New York for a player to be named later and Tony Armas that day. It has been nearly fifteen years since the Yankees and Red Sox were trading partners, but an inexperienced Theo Epstein once tried to engage New York in talks. Epstein admitted as much on Tuesday night while giving a talk with Brian Cashman as part of Sacred Heart's "Lecture Series" in Fairfield, Connecticut. When asked why Cashman and Epstein, now with the Cubs, never made a deal, the former Red Sox general manager said he once tried as a newcomer to the bitter rivalry. Epstein threw out the idea of sending Shea Hillenbrand to the Yankees for Nick Johnson, but Cashman wasn't interested.

The Red Sox and David Ortiz remain far apart in contract talks, making a salary arbitration case likely, according to a Major League source. The sides have made little progress in negotiations recently, setting up what could be an uncomfortable hearing for the 36-year-old. Boston has offered $12.65 million, while Ortiz has requested $16.5 million.

A Major League Baseball general manager spoke about the several reasons why the Yankees won't be able to trade A.J. Burnett. -- Burnett is viewed as an erratic, back of the rotation type guy. -- Even if the Yankees picked up $22 million of the $33 million, there may not be any takers. -- If a team wanted to spend that type of dough, they could've signed a guy like Joe Saunders. -- Most teams have already spent their money for the year so they don't have $8 million-to-$10 million laying around.

The Marlins are on schedule to open their new ballpark for the start of the 2012 season. Workers will begin laying sod Thursday, installing 50-foot rolls four feet wide. The field will consist of 110,000 square feet of Bermuda grass, and installation will take about three days.

Daisuke Matsuzaka took his first step back toward the mound, throwing his first bullpen session since having season-ending elbow surgery in June. The right-hander threw 21 pitches to his catcher at the team's spring training facility in Florida, according to a report. He will long toss on Wednesday and return to the bullpen Friday as long as there are no setbacks.

The Indians have acquired Russ Canzler, the top player in the International League last season, from the Rays for cash. Canzler, 25, played four positions -- right and left field, third and first base -- last season for Triple-A Durham, where he batted .314 with 18 homers and 83 RBIs in 131 games for the Bulls. He was expected to be on Tampa Bay's roster this season; however, the club re-signed first baseman Carlos Pena and free agent infielder Jeff Keppinger.

The Phillies have signed Chad Qualls to a one-year, $1.15 million contract. Qualls will help fill the void left behind by Brad Lidge.

The Yankees have hired Jim Hendry as a special assignment scout, according to a Major League source. Hendry, formerly the general manager of the Cubs, will report to New York general manager Brian Cashman. He worked 17 years in the Cubs organization in numerous positions, including farm director, scouting director, assistant general manager and general manager.