Lovullo interview may hinge on Cubs, Red Sox brass
After Epstein's move, clubs reportedly agreed not to hire each other's employees
CHICAGO -- Will the Cubs get a chance to interview Red Sox bench coach Torey Lovullo for their managerial vacancy? That may depend on an agreement between the Cubs and Red Sox put in place when Theo Epstein left Boston.
On Monday, Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington said no team had contacted him about interviewing Lovullo.
"Right now, our hope and our expectation is the coaching staff is back," Cherington said during a news conference at Fenway Park. "There have been no requests for permission for any of the Major League coaches."
There were reports that the Cubs would talk to the Red Sox bench coach this week. According to FOX Sports and MLB Network's Ken Rosenthal, when Epstein left the Red Sox in October 2011 to take over the Cubs as president of baseball operations, the two teams had an agreement they would not hire each other's employees. The teams established a set time frame.
Rosenthal said the Cubs and Red Sox ownership may need to resolve this, and that Boston would have to make a concession to let Lovullo leave. When Epstein joined the Cubs, he had one year remaining on his contract with Boston.
Epstein did hire Lovullo to manage the Pawtucket Red Sox in 2010, but one could make a case that he wasn't on the Red Sox staff when Epstein left. When John Farrell was named manager of the Blue Jays for the 2011 season, Lovullo joined Toronto's coaching staff. Lovullo returned to the Red Sox in October 2012 when Farrell was named manager.
The Cubs have interviewed Rick Renteria, Eric Wedge, A.J. Hinch, Dave Martinez and Manny Acta for the manager's job. On Monday, the Mariners revealed that Renteria also has interviewed for their opening.
Epstein wanted to have the next manager in place by the General Managers Meetings, which get underway in one week in Orlando, Fla. The Cubs' search began on Sept. 30 after Dale Sveum was dismissed following two seasons as manager.