Potential Red Sox Managers For 2013
BOSTON (CBS) – It seems like only a matter of time until Bobby Valentine is out as Red Sox manager, and Boston will be looking for its third manager in as many years.
General manager Ben Cherington said he wants this managerial search to take a lot less time than last years' dog-and-pony show (this coming before any decision has been made on Valentine), and he may even be able to make the decision himself this time around.
Without any further lamenting on how bad the 2012 season has been, here are some of the potential candidates to man the Boston bench next season.
Veteran Managers
John Farrell
The current manager of the Toronto Blue Jays, Farrell's named surfaced as a favorite last season when Terry Francona was let go. The only problem was he was still employed by the Blue Jays, and they made up a new rule that said they wouldn't allow anyone to leave their team unless it was a move for a higher position. So Farrell was off limits unless Boston wanted to give up something in return – to the tune of Clay Buchholz.
After another disappointing season for Farrell in Toronto, the Jays may come down on that request. The Red Sox will no doubt inquire again about their former pitching coach, and despite his 153-170 record in two years managing Toronto, Farrell seems to always be the top choice of the Boston brass.
Mike Scioscia
The former MLB catcher has managed the Angels for 13 seasons, guiding them to a 1,155-950 record and a World Series championship in 2002. He is under contract until 2018, but with the Angels missing the postseason this year they could be looking to move forward in a new direction. He is reportedly at the top of the Red Sox list of potential Valentine replacements, but might not be available (sound familiar?).
Jim Leyland
The long-time manager was the man behind the Florida Marlins 1997 World Series title and was on the bench for Detroit's 2006 World Series run. The Tigers are once again in the playoffs after clinching the AL Central, but Leyland does not have a contract for the 2013 season, which would be his 22nd season as a manager.
A no-nonsense type, he would be a good choice to bring in and clean up the mess that is the Red Sox. He'll just have to find the "no smoking" section in Fenway.
Gene Lamont
One of last year's runners-up to Valentine, Lamont stayed on as the Detroit Tigers third base coach. He's held that title since 2006, and does have managerial experience. Lamont manned the Chicago White Sox from 1992-95, taking home AL Manager of the Year honors in 1993, and Pittsburgh Pirates from 1997-2000.
Brad Mills
Terry Francona's former bench coach, better known as "Millsy," was just let go by the Houston Astros after three underwhelming years on their bench. Houston went just 171-274 with Mills on the bench, including a 106-loss 2011.
First Timers
Jason Varitek
The former Red Sox captain is already part of the organization as a special assistant to Ben Cherington, and is looked at as a potential manager in the making. But Tek just retired, and many see him as part of the problem that plagued the 2011 team.
There have been plenty of catchers turned managers that have had success (Mike Scoiscia, Joe Girardi, Joe Torre and Mike Matheny just a few example), but Varitek will likely need a few years out of the game before he considers taking a job on a bench.
Brad Ausmus
Another former catcher, Ausmus is now working for the Padres front office. He is well respected throughout the game, and as a member of the Astros handled a pitching staff that featured Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte.
Aside from of being named the manager of Israel's team for next year's World Baseball Classic, Ausmus had no managerial experience.
Dave Martinez
Martinez has been serving as Joe Maddon's bench coach in Tampa since 2007. Many expected he would have been brought in for an interview last year, but that never happened.
Martinez played 16 years in the majors, and will likely have some other suitors this offseason.
Mike Maddux
The Rangers pitching coach was a name mentioned last year, but he chose not to interview with Boston, wanting to remain close to his family.
The Rangers once again had one of the better pitching staffs in the majors, and Maddux was a huge part of that.
Sandy Alomar Jr.
Alomar, now the interim manager of the Cleveland Indians, was one of the candidates who interviewed with Boston last year. He made six All-Star teams as a catcher, and served as a catching instructor with the Mets before becoming a first base coach of the Indians.
He could be out of a job soon, as former Red Sox manager Terry Francona is one of the favorites to man the Indians next season.
Bill Mueller
A fan favorite during the 2004 Red Sox World Series run, Mueller could see himself back with the team. After retiring from the game in 2006, he has served as a special assistant for the Dodgers, but has no managerial experience.
Tim Bogar
If Valentine was canned before this season was over, Bogar was the likely candidate to take over. A holdover from the Terry Francona days, he's a potential candidate to take over in 2013, but Boston will probably look elsewhere before hiring Bogar.
