Chicago Cubs denied permission to interview Torey Lovullo by Boston Red Sox

The Chicago Cubs may not interview Boston Red Sox bench coach Torey Lovullo for their managerial vacancy, according to FOX Sports and MLB Network’s Ken Rosenthal.

Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

On Monday afternoon, Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington stated he has not been contacted by any team to interview Lovullo.

"“Right now, our hope and our expectation is the coaching staff is back,” Cherington said during a news conference at Fenway Park. “There have been no requests for permission for any of the Major League coaches.”"

According to Rosenthal, when Epstein joined the Cubs in October 2011, the two teams made an agreement to not hire each other’s employees. A time frame is still in effect, but the length is not publicly known.

Epstein hired Lovullo to manage Triple-A Pawtucket Red Sox in 2010, but spent the following two seasons on John Farrell‘s staff with the Toronto Blue Jays. Lovullo was still in Toronto when Epstein left so, technically Epstein is not taking one of the employees who was with the Red Sox.

The Cubs have interviewed Rick Renteria, Eric Wedge, A.J. Hinch, Dave Martinez, and Manny Acta for the manager’s job. Renteria has also interviewed for the Seattle Mariners managerial opening.

Epstein stated he wants to have the next manager in place by the General Managers Meetings, Nov. 11. The Cubs would likely hope for the Commissioner’s Office to intervene or the Red Sox to change course to interview Lovullo. If they believe he is worth waiting for they may not make that deadline.

With only 30 major-league manager jobs and only two remaining openings, the Red Sox may risk damaging their relationship with Lovullo by not letting him interview. The Cubs job is one of the most coveted positions and being the man that leads the team to its first World Series this century would certainly place the next manager among the greats in Chicago sports.

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