Some 60 minutes after the Red Sox defeated the New York Yankees in the finale of the regular season on Oct. 3, general manager Theo Epstein was asked about his coaching staff and whether there would be any changes.
Epstein kept his reply short and simple: "We'll let you guys know as soon as that [situation] is resolved completely."
Slowly, however, it is becoming clear that the staff under manager Terry Francona could once again be altered. Both bench coach DeMarlo Hale and third base coach Tim Bogar have interviewed for managerial positions with Toronto and Seattle, according to reports.
The Blue Jays are looking to replace Cito Gaston, who retired after 12 years spread over two stints with the club. They and the Mariners have reportedly sat down with former Mets and Rangers skipper Bobby Valentine, a favorite on most short lists.
Hale has been in his role with the Red Sox for one year, taking over for former bench coach Brad Mills, who left to manage Houston this season. Hale was a manager for seven years in the organization before serving as the Sox' third base coach for four seasons.
Bogar took over Hale's former post with the club after one year as the first base coach. He managed for four seasons in the Houston and Cleveland minor league systems.
Pitching coach John Farrell has also been rumored to be on the Jays' list of candidates, although he has yet to be interviewed. The 48-year-old has never managed at any professional level but has been coveted in the past, most notably in 2007 when he declined to interview with Pittsburgh.
Farrell said at the time that he has "aspirations to manage in the major leagues in the future."
