According to multiple media reports, the Red Sox and Cubs are both considering many of the same managerial candidates. This is not particularly surprising, since BenCher sounds and thinks like Theo (despite preceding him here in Boston). Apparently, both teams are hot on the trail of Pete Mackanin (Phillies bench coach), Dale Sveum (Brewers hitting coach) and Mike Maddux (Rangers pitching coach). Mackanin and Sveum have already interviewed in Boston, and the Sox have asked for permission to interview Maddux. My bet is that this is just friendly tweaking by Theo and he'll end up with Francona—who he protected through BlackSeptemberGate. Just a guess.
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