In the ultimate dog-bites-man news flash . . .
Tim Brown of Yahoo! Sports reports that the Red Sox have told Ben Cherington he'll replace Theo Epstein as general manager when Epstein leaves for the Cubs. The announcement will be made soon after the Sox and Cubs complete negotiations on a compensation package for Epstein.
Multiple media sources, including CSNNE.com, have reported over the last few days that Cherington -- Epstein's assistant since 2009, and a member of the Sox' organization since being hired by ex-GM Dan Duquette in 1998 -- was expected to slide into the big chair when Epstein departed.
Alex Speier of WEEI.com posted an excellent profile of Cherington on Wednesday.