No extension yet for Theo, and other Opening Day Cubs notes

ANAHEIM, Calif. – The first pitch of the new season came and went without the contract extensions for team president Theo Epstein and his top staff that were expected by the end of spring training..

But after recent conversations on the subject between chairman Tom Ricketts and Epstein, both said Monday they expect a deal “soon.” Some insiders believe a deal 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 baseball team executive in the game.

“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 then.

A new deal for Epstein, who’s in the final year of a five-year, $18.5-million contract, has long been expected to be a formality. Multiple sources close to those involved have said since January they expect an extension of five years in the $40-50-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 massive growth of the front office, and an on-field overhaul that produced a 97-win playoff team last year.

“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 some point soon.”

Neither would discuss specifics about progress or potential parameters discussed.

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 different contract status, but our goal is to keep our group in the front office together for a long time.”

No look pass for ‘Nova’s Szczur

If any of the Cubs had a reason to be distracted Monday night, it might have been outfielder Matt Szczur, the former Villanova football star whose college hoops team was playing in the NCAA title game for the first time in 31 years.

“I’m excited for them. I just hope they win,” he said. “I’ll just have to follow it after the game.”

Szczur, whose roster spot opened up when utility man Javy Baez (thumb) opened the season on the disabled list, insisted there would be no sneaking peeks at the score Monday night.

“I also have a job here, too,” he said.

But he didn’t have to wait, or even shirk his duties. He was on the top step of the Cubs’ dugout, leaning over the rail when the Angels showed Villanova’s game-winning three-pointer.

Miles to go before they sleep

Despite a franchise-record $150 million payroll, Epstein said his office has kept enough of its payroll budget in reserve to position itself to be active at the trade deadline.

“We have a little bit of flexibility looking ahead to in-season moves,” said Epstein, who also has maintained enough reserves of young talent by passing on some would-be trades the last 18 months.

“I think we’re fairly well positioned, as are some other teams, for what may come to pass in the in-season trade market.”