Report: Dave Magadan to Return as Red Sox Hitting Coach

One of Bobby Valentine and Ben Cherington's first tasks while working alongside one another is to round out Valentine's coaching staff. One of those spots has been filled already — by an incumbent.

WEEI.com reports that hitting coach Dave Magadan will be brought back in the same position after speaking with Valentine on Friday. It will be Magadan's sixth season in the position after being hired in 2007.

"I think we have a really good thing going," Magadan told WEEI.com. "For the first time since I've been there, last year we finished near the top of almost every category. It was good to get a vote of confidence from the front office, and Bobby concurring with the way they felt."

Despite missing the playoffs in 2011, the Red Sox led the lead league in runs scored and finished second in team batting average.