Levine: No Real Timetable For Lester

By Bruce Levine--

SAN DIEGO (CBS) -- Predicting the end game to Jon Lester's free agent statue has become Twitter folly the last three days. Getting caught up in the "he said she said" semantics makes everyone look unsure and foolish.

This is because Lester and his agents are really the only ones that know what the end game is. We do know the Cubs have been in the derby tried-and-true since Lester declared free agent status a month ago.

Epstein was respectful as always of Lester's right to take his time in deciding where to play the next six years. He was asked when the Cubs might get a resolution to the Lester free agent whirlwind.

"Whenever Jon gets comfortable with a decision," Epstein related Tuesday afternoon. "This is his life and his decision. Everyone should give space to evaluate the options and make his decision with his family. I am not caught up in the timing of it. We are comfortable of the process and our role in the process. As it should be it is on the player to make a decision. He has had a great career and he has a lot of great options, so we will see what happens. We are not going to get caught up in the timing. It is completely up to him."

Epstein told Chicago reporters not to get too caught up in the process of numerous reports.

"I am not commenting on (where this is at) Epstein said. "This is completely at the discretion of the player and his agents as it should be."

Cubs manager Joe Maddon summed up the situation best for the hopeful organization.

"I hope we win the sweepstakes," the fun-loving Maddon said.