Report: Theo Epstein compensation nearing resolution

A resolution could be coming to the pending compensation issue between the Cubs and Boston Red Sox.

The stalemated issue over what the Red Sox should receive for allowing Theo Epstein out of the last year of his contract to become Cubs president is in the hands of commissioner Bud Selig. He said over the weekend that he has yet to resolve the issue, but a report Monday in the Boston Globe said a meeting could be scheduled shortly with representatives of the teams. An unnamed American League general manager speculated the Cubs might have to part with a “significant” player.

The commissioner’s office could not confirm a meeting.

In the most recent compensation issue, the Miami Marlins sent two minor-league prospects to the White Sox for manager Ozzie Guillen, who departed with one year left on his contract.

Those players, infielder Ozzie Martinez and right-handed pitcher Jhan Marinez, were ranked the Nos. 4 and 5 prospects in the Marlins’ system by Baseball America.

The invitees

The Cubs announced the 21 non-roster players who were invited to major-league spring training. Among them is left-hander Trever Miller, who signed a minor-league contract Monday. Miller, 38, pitched for the St. Louis Cardinals, Toronto Blue Jays and Red Sox last season. He has pitched for eight major-league teams in his 13-year career.

Also invited are outfielder and top prospect Brett Jackson, former Colorado Rockies closer Manny Corpas and veteran infielder Alfredo Amezaga. Bobby Scales, who played for the Cubs in 2009 and ’10, and Rodrigo Lopez, who pitched for the team last season, also were invited.

A notable invitee is catcher Michael Brenly, 25, the son of Cubs television analyst Bob Brenly. Michael was with Class A Daytona last season, hitting .206 with 11 doubles, one homer and 24 RBI in 96 games.

Pay stay

The team has changed plans to reduce the per-diem pay for area scouts, opting to keep the compensation at $50.