Ben Cherington off to a good start with Boston Red Sox – MLB News
The recently appointed General Manager Ben Cherington is moving positively at the start of his career with the Boston Red Sox. The newcomer first agreed with short-stop Marco Scutaro for a 2012 option and then on Monday he made an important move to replace
the empty spot after ex-manager Terry Francona left the club last month.
Cherington interviewed Philadelphia Phillies’ bench coach Pete Mackanin to start the series of interviews, which has been scheduled with more than six candidates. Phillies’ Triple-A manager Ryne Sandberg is present in Ben’s shortlisted candidates, that includes
Tampa Bay Rays’ bench coach Dave Martinez, Boston Red Sox ex-base coach Dale Sveum and Cleveland Indians bench coach Sandy Alomar Jr.
Besides front office, Cherington has to create a winning combination for the 2012 season. On Monday, he also declined to reach a deal with relief pitcher Scott Atchison and Dan Wheeler for the coming season. 33-year-old Dan was hired in 2012 in a 3-million-dollar
one-year contract with a club option for 2012.
Red Sox have not disengaged their control over Atchison and the club might sign him for a lower salary. According to Cherington both players will still remain under consideration.
"We didn't feel like we could commit to that money for him this early in the offseason," Cherington said. "We'll keep the door open."
Cherington is also in conversation with the agents of star slugger David Ortiz and promising starter Jonathan Papelbon. However, it will be a challenge for Ben to decide the fate of both players before the negotiation deadlines closes on Thursday. Both players
are free agents and after the deadline closes and then both will be free to discuss with any team of Major League Baseball.
We still have not reached an agreement with the Chicago Cubs for the compensation of the former GM Theo Epstein, commented Cherington. However, he informed that Commissioner Bud Selig will step in if the things do not settle before Tuesday.
"We've always felt like that was a possibility," Cherington said. "It's a difficult deal to work out because it’s hard to quantify the value of Theo Epstein.”
He further stated that the club has not reached any decision to cover the differences, but both sides will be pleased with this decision. Cherington is also waiting for John Lackey, who is to undergo Tommy John Surgery on Tuesday.
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