http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2660428
Yeah, it's been rumored on the blogs for a few days, but now it hit the pseudo-official level.

$42 million for negotiating rights. If it's true, one of two things is certain:

1. Epstein is no longer in charge of the BoSox.
   
2. Epstein gamed the system purely to make sure the Yankees don't get him, and have no intention of offering a reasonable contract.

Either way, good news.
A good team gets saddled with a financial responsibility that no level of performance can match or he's a free agent next year, and even if the M's don't try to sign him then, he's a year older and won't be helping a competitor in 2007.