The Red Sox announced on Thursday that Bobby Valentine would not return as manager for 2013, opening up a can of worms as to who will be calling the shots next season.

Blue Jays manager John Farrell seems to be the leading candidate to replace Valentine, but he is under contract in Toronto through next season. Farrell served as the pitching coach under Terry Francona before heading north of the border.

Rangers pitching coach Mike Maddux is another pitching genius who could be on his way to Boston after Texas wraps up their postseason run. Maddux was one of the candidates that Boston tried to interview during last offseason, but he refused due to personal reasons.

When Cleveland fired Manny Acta during the regular season, Sandy Alomar, Jr. stepped in as the interim manager. He was interview by Boston last year, but wasn't chosen for the job. He is also a candidate to become the full-time manager with the Indians.

Former Red Sox captain Jason Varitek recently joined Boston as an assistant to the general manager, but could be convinced to become the team's next manager. Varitek doesn't have any coaching experience, but does have 15 years of experience behind the plate in a Red Sox uniform.

Brad Ausmus is another potential candidate based on his local ties — being from Connecticut — and his defensive prowess over the years with the Astros. Ausmus has been serving as special assistant to baseball operations in the San Diego front office.

Boston's most recent bench coach Tim Bogar should get another shot at becoming the club's next manager sooner rather than later. Bogar has served as a Red Sox base coach and recently interviewed for the open manager position in Houston — left by former Red Sox coach Brad Mills.

With Valentine now out of the picture, who do you think should manage the Red Sox?