Most professional athletes despise being benched. However, Rob Leary looks forward to riding the pine as a Red Sox major league coaching staff assistant, ESPN.com reports.
Leary is taking over as the Red Sox' spring training coordinator this season, the job former bench coach Brad Mills held for the past six years. Leary is up for the challenge and understands what the team needs to do over six weeks in Ft. Myers.
"You build up to the spring games, then you build up to April 4," Leary, 46, told ESPN.com. "You don't want to wear them out."
Leary's new position should provide him with management experience as well, but the 46-year-old has always been a good manager.
"People figured out at a young age what kind of player Rob Leary would be — he'll be a good manager," Leary told ESPN.com. "I took it as a great compliment."
Leary, who ran the Red Sox' minor league camp the past seven seasons, will provide spring training feedback to Terry Francona and Red Sox coaches. During the regular season, Leary will perform video analysis, help Francona during batting practice and assist with advance scouting reports.
Leary is excited about his role. All the duties might seem mundane or minor, but they could have a major impact on how the 2010 season plays out for the Red Sox.
