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Red Sox Will Again Be Forced to Weigh Experience, Potential in Hiring Next Manager (Podcast)

The 2012 season is in the rear-view mirror for the Red Sox, who failed to live up to their usual lofty expectations. But with Bobby Valentine out of the mix, money to spend and decisions to make, Sox fans could be in store for an interesting offseason.

Arguably the biggest decision the team is facing is who to hire as the club’s next manager. The Bobby V. experiment obviously didn’t work out as hoped, but general manager Ben Cherington, president Larry Lucchino and Co. are already focused on bringing in the right guy this time around.

While the Red Sox could ultimately bring in a bunch of candidates as part of the search, there’s already been reports that Brad Ausmus and Tim Wallach will interview for the position. Wallach, 55, is currently serving as the Dodgers’ third base coach, while Ausmus, 43, holds a special assistant role in the Padres organization. Each brings a unique skill set, however, and could be intriguing possibilities.

NESN.com MLB insider Didier Morais caught up with assistant editor Ricky Doyle to discuss the Red Sox’ managerial situation and many other topics, including Justin Verlander‘s postseason impact, Terry Francona‘s future in Cleveland and the Sox’ 2013 outfield situation.

Listen to the podcast below, or subscribe on iTunes to download it there.

Click here to see some potential Red Sox managerial candidates >>

Who do you think should be the next Red Sox manager? >>

Tim Wallach photo (left) via Wikipedia/Tim Wallach
Brad Ausmus photo (right) via Flickr/AlphaTangoBravo