The second part of that did not come out of Henry's mouth. That is somebody's interpretation of it. He did say that that protocol exists, and it WOULD seem to imply that that means if you offer someone a promotion, they will grant that person permission to interview. Still, granting permission doesn't at all imply anything about an agreement on compensation or that they'll agree to allowing the person out of his/her contract easily. In fact, he didn't even really come out and acknowledge that what the Cubs are offering is a non-lateral move (which is, to some extent, a subjective matter of opinion), though it's likely that they, at least somewhat, agree that it is. Bravo, David! Several people need to read the bolded as many times as necessary before it sinks in. Page after page of discussion about is it or isn't it a lateral move is completely irrelevant to the current issue of compensation.