DALLAS -- The Red Sox 2012 coaching staff will closely resemble the 2011 staff -- with one notable exception.
DeMarlo Hale, part of the Red Sox coaching staff since 2006 and the team's bench coach the last two seasons, will not be returning to the staff, a source confirmed.
Hale will instead work as the third base coach for the Baltimore Orioles.
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Three other holdovers from Terry Francona's staff -- bullpen coach Gary Tuck; hitting instructor Dave Magadan; and third base coach Tim Bogar -- are set to come back and work for Bobby Valentine.
Hale's departure was first reported by ESPNBoston.
Hale may have had an opportunity to return to the Red Sox staff as third base coach, the role he filled from 2006-2009. But Valentine wants someone with whom he has a relationship for his bench coach.
It was easier for Hale to accept a return to third base coaching duties with a new organization rather than taking a backward step in the Red Sox organization.
Tuck, who was pursued by the New York Yankees recently - the Red Sox denied the Yanks permission to talk to Tuck about returning to New York's organization -- will again be the bullpen coach and catching instructor.
It's unclear whether Bogar will serve as Valentine's first or third base coach. Bogar clearly struggled in his first year at third in 2010, though he showed improvement in 2011. The first base coaching spot is vacant after Ron Johnson, whose contract had expired, was hired to manage Baltimore's Triple A affiliate.
Valentine also must still fill the two most important spots on his staff -- bench coach and pitching coach.
Valentine is said to be interested in hiring Jerry Royster as his bench coach.