Red Sox Notes: Front Office, LeVangie, Kelly

The Red Sox front office has thinned out in recent seasons. Multiple executives have found bigger roles with other teams. President of baseball operations Craig Breslow has yet to backfill some of those positions, but that could change this offseason. “It is pretty clear that that executive leadership circle is down not just bodies, but down really talented people,” Breslow told Tim Healey of the Boston Globe. “And we’ve got to find the right people to emerge and to put into place there.” Former assistant general manager Paul Toboni got the top gig with the Nationals last offseason. Boston didn’t make any additions at the time. This winter, it was AGM Taylor Smith heading out the door. Smith took over as the Athletics’ POBO in mid-October. Breslow said there haven’t been any hires yet, but bringing in reinforcements in the front office is “near or at the top of my list.” Healey relays that there has been some movement in the ranks after Smith departed. Senior director of baseball analytics Dan Meyer was promoted to vice president of baseball research. Senior director of baseball systems Patrick Coglianese is now vice president of baseball systems. It’s unclear whether Breslow would hire/promote a direct No. 2 or just expand the present group. Raquel Ferreira, Michael Groopman, and Eddie Romero are currently in AGM roles. Groopman interviewed for the A’s job that ultimately went to Smith. In other staffing news, Dana LeVangie is departing for another job, reports Alex Speier of the Boston Globe. LeVangie is expected to become a scout with the Royals. It’ll end a 35-year run in the organization. LeVangie was drafted by Boston in 1991. After his playing career ended, he became a bullpen catcher for the Red Sox. He’s been working in the organization ever since, with roles including scout, bullpen coach, and pitching coach. Another departure this week was reliever Zack Kelly. It was reported on Friday that the right-hander had cleared waivers and was expected to become a free agent. His transaction tracker on MLB.com now confirms he’s been released. Kelly is recovering from an elbow fracture. He’s expected to start throwing soon. Boston designated him for assignment as part of roster cutdowns in early November. Photo courtesy of Jerome Miron, Imagn Images View Comments (1)