Newly hired Boston Red Sox first-base coach Ron Johnson (left) shares a moment with his son, Astros third base prospect Chris Johnson (right), during Spring Training in 2008. (AP Photo)
Boston Red Sox manager Terry Francona rounded out his coaching staff Monday for the 2010 season by naming DeMarlo Hale as bench coach, while moving first-base coach Tim Bogar to third, and promoting Triple-A Pawtucket manager Ron Johnson to first-base coach, according to MLB.com.
When former Red Sox bench coach Brad Mills accepted the Houston Astros managerial position on Oct. 27, Francona was happy to see his close friend become a big league manager for the first time, yet realized he would have to reshuffle his coaching staff.
At first, it was rumored that Mills would take Hale with him to Houston, but ultimately, the new Astros skipper decided to hire Al Pedrique instead.
After four years of serving as Boston's third-base coach, Francona believed that Hale was the ideal candidate to replace Mills.
With Bogar moving across the diamond, it provided Johnson an opportunity to join the Red Sox coaching staff, considering he's already managed Jacoby Ellsbury, Jon Lester, Dustin Pedroia and Kevin Youkilis on the minor league level.
Ironically, the Astros and Red Sox have shared a connection this offseason, beginning with Houston interviewing both Mills and Bogar for their open managerial job, followed by the hiring of Mills.
Now, Johnson further links both organizations since he's the father of Astros third base prospect Chris Johnson.
"Any time someone comes to the big leagues, whether they're young or old, they all say the same thing, that they enjoyed playing for R.J.," Francona told MLB.com Monday. "He's been in the minor leagues for a long time. He's been terrific for the organization and he deserves this chance."
If the Astros don't re-sign six-time All-Star shortstop Miguel Tejada, who will likely move to third base next season, Johnson, 25, expects to compete during Spring Training with veteran Geoff Blum for the starting job at third.
Johnson hit .091 with no homers and one RBI in 22 at-bats after joining the Astros as a September call-up from Triple-A Round Rock.
Furthermore, there's a possibility that Tejada could add an additional connection between Boston and Houston this offseason, depending on whether the Astros decide to offer the 35-year-old veteran arbitration by Dec. 1.
If Tejada's not offered arbitration, the Red Sox may be one of the potential suitors interested in signing the 2002 AL MVP, especially since he led the NL with 46 doubles this season -- making him an ideal hitter for Fenway Park.
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