Report: Red Sox Bench Coach DeMarlo Hale Gets Second Interview With Blue Jays

The Red Sox could be losing a crucial member of their bench in the very near future.

The Blue Jays, in need of a manager for the 2011 season and beyond, have invited Sox bench coach DeMarlo Hale to Toronto for a second-round interview, reports the Boston Globe.

Hale was one of several candidates to be interviewed earlier this month but is one of just a few remaining candidates to be asked back for a face-to-face interview. Toronto has also interviewed Sox third base coach Tim Bogar but according to the report, Hale is the only confirmed Sox coach going in for a second interview.

Jays manager Cito Gaston retired this summer after his second stint as Blue Jays skipper. Gaston managed from 1989-1997 and again from 2008-2010.

Hale, a longtime minor league manager in both the Boston and Texas farm systems, was named the Sox’ third-base coach prior to the 2006 season. Last November, Hale was promoted to bench coach.