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Lovullo headed to Boston as Farrell's bench coach

Lovullo headed to Boston as Farrell's bench coach

Executive vice president and general manager Ben Cherington introduces John Farrell as the new manager of the Red Sox

By Gregor Chisholm
/
MLB.com |

TORONTO -- It appears as though first-base coach Torey Lovullo is going to follow his good friend John Farrell to Boston.

A source confirmed to MLB.com on Tuesday that Lovullo is expected to become Farrell's bench coach with the Red Sox. The move seemed somewhat of a foregone conclusion after Farrell agreed to a multiyear contract with Boston on Sunday.

Lovullo, who was not available for comment, spent two seasons in Toronto as a member of Farrell's staff. He had been brought over from the Red Sox organization after spending time as the manager of its Triple-A affiliate in Pawtucket.

The 47-year-old, a former infielder with the Tigers and Phillies, was in charge of Toronto's defensive alignment, as well as player development in the outfield.

Lovullo, a native of California, received consideration for some vacant managerial openings in the past. He interviewed for Boston's job in 2011 following the departure of Terry Francona and also was considered for a job with the Dodgers in 2006 and the Pirates in 2007.

Lovullo, along with the rest of Toronto's coaching staff, saw his contract expire at the end of the season, and he is free to speak with any organization of his choosing. The Blue Jays do not plan to make any decisions regarding coaches until a new manager is hired.

General manager Alex Anthopoulos said during a conference call on Sunday that he would not get in the way of Lovullo or any other coach leaving for another team. That leaves the status of Brian Butterfield, Don Wakamatsu, Dwayne Murphy, Bruce Walton and Luis Rivera still very much up in the air.

It remains possible that Farrell could take another coach or two with him to the Red Sox.

"John and I have started talking about the staff," Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington said on Tuesday during Farrell's introductory news conference. "We're making progress. John needs to have people around him, as he described, that are going to fit the criteria he's looking
for."

The Blue Jays have yet to announce a timeline when it comes to finding Farrell's replacement. Among those believed to be under consideration are Tim Wallach, DeMarlo Hale, Sandy Alomar Jr. and, possibly, Manny Acta.