Sources: Bogar turned down offer to be Astros bench coach over rare clause Houston requested
Tim Bogar is said to have turned down the offer to become the Astros' bench coach because Houston wanted it written into a multi-year offer that he couldn't interview for managerial jobs that might arise elsewhere, sources familiar with the situation say.
Bogar had interviewed for the managing job that went to Nationals coach Bo Porter, and still aspires to be a manager. His Red Sox coaching contract expires Oct. 31, and Boston's coaches have been told they are free to look around for other jobs.
The Astros have announced they've added hitting coach John Mallee and Dave Trembley to its coaching staff to join holdovers Dave Clark and Doug Brocail. Trembley's role hasn't been defined publicly and may depend on the next hire. Conceivably, he could be the bench coach if a different position is filled instead.
Clauses that prohibit upward mobility are rare, and it's understandable why Bogar would walk away if a new contract would curtail his chances to become a manager in the immediate future. Bogar has interviewed in the past for the Blue Jays managerial job that went to John Farrell, who just left Toronto to take Boston's managerial job, a lateral move that is rarer but was allowed by Toronto in this instance.
Bogar was a longtime Astro, and he had also managed in their minor-league system, so it was somewhat surprising at first that he turned down a chance to join their staff. It isn't known whether the stipulation was suggested by new ownership in Houston. Astros GM Jeff Luhnow declined to speak about the matter, saying, "We don't comment on human resource issues unless we hire someone or someone leaves the organization.''
Bogar was a well-respected coach who served with the Red Sox starting in the 2009 season, first as first base coach, then as third base coach and finally as bench coach. He is said not to have adapted easily to Bobby Valentine, who managed Boston last year, and Valentine has said he regretted approving the hire of Bogar.
