Projo Sox Blog

The Red Sox are in the midst of deciding which of their minor-league field personnel will join manager Terry Francona's staff in Boston for the 2010 season.

Former Red Sox bench coach Brad Mills was named manager of the Houston Astros recently, which left a vacancy in Boston.

General manager Theo Epstein and Francona are interviewing internal candidates and have their list down to four, including PawSox manager Ron Johnson, Lowell manager Gary DiSarcina, Red Sox minor league field coordinator Rob Leary and Tom Goodwin, the organization's outfield and baserunning coordinator.

It's possible whoever receives the promotion won't necessarily be the Sox' bench coach as the club could shuffle its current coaching staff if needed.

Highly-regarded pitching coach John Farrell, who turned down an opportunity manager the Cleveland Indians to stay in Boston, will remain in his role along with hitting coach Dave Magadan.

Third-base coach DeMarlo Hale enters his fifth season in his current role and is considered very good at it. He could also serve as the bench coach.

First-base coach Tim Bogar enters his second season with the Sox. He has 22 years of experience in pro baseball and was also a candidate for the manager's position in Houston before Mills was named to the post. If Hale was named bench coach, Bogar could coach third.

Johnson, who has been a minor-league manager for the last 18 years, including the last 10 in the Red Sox organization, could be a first-base coach in Boston. Along with his daily managerial duties for the PawSox, he also is the club's third-base coach.

DiSarcina, a Massachusetts native who played 12 years in the big leagues, has been managing the Spinners for the last three seasons. Given his experience he could fill a number of roles.

Red Sox bullpen coach Gary Tuck also has experience as a bench coach and could fill that role in Boston, too. If Tuck is moved into that role Leary, who is a former catcher has been in the Red Sox organization for almost nine seasons and has also served as the roving minor-league catching coordinator (2002) before being promoted to his current role, could become the bullpen coach in Boston.

Red Sox staff assistant Alex Ochoa just concluded his first year as a pro coach after an eight-year major league career. His job could also change.

Goodwin has been in the Red Sox organization for the last two seasons after completing his 14-year major-league career. He played for the Dodgers, Royals, Rangers, Rockies, Giants and Cubs.

A decision should be made very soon.

--JOE McDONALD

 Tags  Gary DiSarcina Rob Leary Ron Johnson Terry Francona Theo Epstein Tom Goodwin

---