Third & Short

October 29, 2005
BOSTON - The Boston Red Sox were unable to reach an agreement with general manager Theo Epstein on Friday and negotiations on a new contract are expected to go on until Monday, when his current deal expires.
"Talks continue," owner John Henry said in an e-mail.
The Red Sox do not like to announce deals on weekends, especially with the New England Patriots playing Sunday night and linebacker Tedy Bruschi expected to make an emotional return from a stroke.
BOSTON - Red Sox outfielder Johnny Damon, a key member of Boston's 2004 World Series championship team, filed for free agency on Friday along with second baseman Tony Graffanino.
Damon hit .316 this year with 10 home runs and 75 RBIs. The team's best relievers, Mike Timlin and Mike Myers, also are eligible to file, as are first baseman John Olerud, and reliever Matt Mantei.
CINCINNATI - The Cincinnati Reds declined a $4.55 million option on right-hander Ramon Ortiz on Friday and turned down their $2 million mutual option with infielder Rich Aurilia.
Ortiz gets a $175,000 buyout and is eligible for salary arbitration. He was 9-11 with a 5.36 ERA in 30 starts last season.
Aurilia, who gets a $150,000 buyout, batted .282 with 14 homers and 68 RBIs. He becomes eligible for free agency.
PITTSBURGH - Reliever Jose Mesa filed for free agency Friday after the Pittsburgh Pirates elected to pay a $500,000 buyout rather than exercise a $4 million option.
The 39-year-old Mesa had 70 saves in two seasons with Pittsburgh but lost his closer's job late last season after blowing his final three save opportunities.
The right-hander went 2-8 with a 4.76 ERA, converting 27 of 34 save opportunities before pitching only twice during the Pirates' final 16 games. He was much better a season ago, converting 43 of 48 save chances while going 5-2 with a 3.25 ERA. Mesa has 319 career saves.

Source: http://www.theeagle.com/