A deal is still expected to be completed between the Red Sox and Cubs that would allow Chicago to announce Theo Epstein as their next general manager, but the saga could stretch into next week. There is also a growing feeling that Epstein will bring fellow general manager Jed Hoyer of the Padres with him in a dynamic one-two punch to replace Jim Hendry. The fact the Epstein deal hasn't been closed reveals the naivete of the Chicago's management team, specifically president Crane Kenney. A major-league source said Kenney has bragged since September that he is leading this process, despite claims from Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts that the former Tribune Co. executive wouldn't be involved. Whoever is leading the talks for the Cubs committed a major blunder by closing the deal with Epstein before signing off on compensation with the Red Sox.