Major League Baseball

Brewers hitting coach up for BoSox gig?

Published Nov. 5, 2011 1:00 a.m. ET

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Ken Rosenthal

The Red Sox are early in their search for a new manager, but Brewers hitting coach Dale Sveum appears to be the front-runner, according to rival executives.

Sveum, who turns 48 on Nov. 23, interviewed for the Red Sox’s opening on Wednesday. He worked for the Sox previously as their third-base coach in 2004 and ’05, and is well regarded by the team’s new GM, Ben Cherington.

The Red Sox interviewed Phillies bench coach Pete Mackanin on Monday. Mackanin met with the Cubs on Friday. The Cubs also plan to interview another of the Red Sox’s candidates, Rangers pitching coach Mike Maddux, and also have received permission from the Brewers to interview Sveum.

Maddux could be a “wild card” for the Red Sox, one source said, a candidate who knocks out team officials in his interview and changes the entire dynamic of the process.

Sveum, a no-nonsense type who is highly regarded by Brewers stars Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun, managed the Brewers for the final 12 games of the 2008 season and also in the playoffs that year.

One concern for the Red Sox might be that Sveum has spent most of his playing and coaching career in smaller markets. However, he drew heavy scrutiny in his two years as the Sox’s third-base coach, and is at least acquainted with the pressures of working in Boston.

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