Co-GMs for Boston; Morris goes to Giants

Unable to decide on a successor to Theo Epstein, the Boston Red Sox chose two.

The Red Sox split their general manager's job Monday between two of his former assistants, farm director Ben Cherington and assistant GM Jed Hoyer.

"It made sense, given their personal compatibility and their experience, to do it together," Red Sox president Larry Lucchino said. "It made sense for us to divide things up. If there's a better way to build a mousetrap, we'll try that, too. But this is the way we're committed to now. There's more than one way to structure a front office."

Epstein left after his contract expired Oct. 31 and he wasn't able to reach agreement with Lucchino on a new deal. Lucchino left open the possibility Epstein could play some role in the front office.

"The door has been really ajar for some time, and until Theo goes to work for another baseball organization we'll keep the light on in the window with the possibility of him coming back and helping us," Lucchino said.

MORRIS SIGNS WITH GIANTS: On the free-agent front, pitcher Matt Morris agreed to a $27 million, three-year contract with the San Francisco Giants, leaving the St. Louis Cardinals after nine seasons. The 31-year-old right-hander went 14-10 with a 4.11 ERA last season and won his first eight decisions for the Cardinals.

"I'm ecstatic to be here," Morris said. "I appreciate the organization for having the interest in me. That really showed me a lot, even though (they) didn't know this was my first choice."

St. Louis offered Morris a $13 million, two-year deal.

"I knew that's a slap in the face," said Giants catcher Mike Matheny, who worked with Morris in St. Louis.

ROGERS DEAL DONE: Kenny Rogers and the Detroit Tigers finalized their $16 million, two-year contract.

The 41-year-old left-hander and the Tigers had reached a preliminary agreement last week. Detroit hopes the three-time All-Star will be the productive veteran its rotation has lacked.

Rogers was 14-8 with a 3.46 ERA this year and won a career-high 18 games in 2004 with the Texas Rangers.

But he is most remembered for a tirade on June 29 in which he shoved two television cameramen while walking onto the field. He was suspended for 20 games, a penalty the players' association appealed and was reduced to 13 games by an arbitrator.

BRAVES INTRODUCE SHORTSTOP: In Atlanta, the Braves introduced Edgar Renteria, acquired from Boston last week for third base prospect Andy Marte.