BOSTON -- Even before they reach an agreement to extend their working arrangement, the Red Sox and general manager Theo Epstein yesterday worked at improving it.

Epstein and CEO Larry Lucchino met yesterday and discussed the dynamics of their professional relationship, which has been strained by recent contract extension negotiations.

For the second straight day, contract terms were put on the back burner in the talks, leaving some tough issues still to be resolved. But the very fact that the two talked about improving the way they work together has led some to believe that an agreement is likely, if not necessary imminent.

If Red Sox management didn't believe it could eventually meet Epstein's salary demands, it would be pointless to spend time repairing the relationship between the 31-year-old GM and the executive who oversees the day-to-day operations of the franchise.

Three days ago, Epstein rejected a three-year deal worth $1.2 annually. Brian Cashman agreed to remain with the New York Yankees Wednesday for a package said to be worth more than $2 million annually, which may provide Epstein with some additional leverage and get him closer to an annual salary of $1.5 million.

In response to media inquiries, Epstein and Lucchino went so far as to issue a joint statement.

"We had a meeting over lunch today to continue our discussions and to conduct other business as well," the two said in a release. "We made progress, but we anticipate no further statement until there is something to announce. We are hopeful that these discussions will work out for the best. In the meantime, we continue "business as usual."

Earlier in the week, those familiar with the negotiations anticipated a resolution -- one way or the other -- by last night. But that self-imposed deadline came and went.

Epstein's current three-year contract expires Monday, lending a sense of urgency to the talks.

Meanwhile, Red Sox assistant general manager Josh Byrnes, who would otherwise be viewed as a logical successor to Epstein should he fail to come to terms with the Sox, could be introduced as the general manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks as early as next week.

Major League Baseball annually places an embargo on announcements during the World Series so as to not detract from the game's showcase event. But Byrnes, who has already interviewed twice with the Diamondbacks, spent several hours talking to Arizona officials Wednesday and, pending an agreement, his hiring is seen as a mere formality.