GM Hahn working to find new bench coach

CHICAGO -- General manager Rick Hahn didn't present a specific timetable when asked during a 2015 season-ending media session about replacing Mark Parent as White Sox bench coach.

"It takes as long as it takes to get the right guy," said Hahn, adding that they had put together a list of people of interest at season's end. "There could well be some turnover elsewhere that opens up some names that aren't on our list at this time."

A source confirmed to MLB.com that former managers Manny Acta and Rick Renteria, as well as Raul Ibanez, are names on that list of potential bench coach candidates. The White Sox also talked to Sandy Alomar Jr., the Indians' first-base coach and highly respected former catcher over three different stints on the South Side. But a second source confirmed that Alomar Jr. is not a candidate for the vacancy.

This hiring process could take a little longer than expected with bench coach possibilities also potentially being connected with managerial openings in Seattle, San Diego, Washington and/or Florida. Another possibility is moving Joe McEwing, the team's third-base coach, into the bench coach role and bringing in someone to take McEwing's spot.

McEwing has been part of manager Robin Ventura's staff since its start in 2012 and interviewed for the managerial openings in Arizona, Texas and Minnesota last offseason. Hahn was looking for an experienced candidate to fill the bench coach opening, one who didn't necessarily need prior managerial experience, but "that would be a positive," the general manager stated. He also mentioned the plus of being bilingual in the search for this replacement.

"It's not a necessity, but it's going to be a positive," Hahn said during that same season-ending interview. "Given the nature of not just our clubhouse but the way the game continues to grow over in that area, it's certainly a positive for any staff member to be bilingual."

The White Sox also need to replace Harold Baines at assistant hitting coach, with Baines choosing to move into more of an ambassador's role within the organization. He will still work with hitters during Spring Training and when the team is home.