BOSTON, Oct. 24 (UPI) -- The Boston Red Sox have picked Ben Cherington as their next executive vice president and general manager, replacing Theo Epstein, who left for the Chicago Cubs.
The American League club will hold a news conference Tuesday afternoon to announce the promotion of Cherington, 37, who has been with the Red Sox since 1999 and has been their assistant general manager since 2009.
Cherington faces the challenge of getting Boston back into the playoffs. The Red Sox haven't played in the post-season for two years.
His top short-term priority will be to hire a manager to replace Terry Francona, who left the team three weeks ago.
September collapse that was the worst in baseball history.
MLB.com notes his roster concerns include dealing with free agents David Ortiz and Jonathan Papelbon, and find a replacement for J.D. Drew, who it says will either retire or move to another team. Marco Scutaro also could depart, as well.
