BOSTON -- John Farrell , who served the last few seasons as the director of player development for the Cleveland Indians, has emerged as the Red Sox' first choice to replace Dave Wallace as the team's pitching coach, industry sources indicated.

The Red Sox have asked the Indians for permission to speak to Farrell, and while formal approval was still pending last night, it could be granted as soon as today. It's possible the Sox could meet soon with Farrell to discuss the job in detail.

Wallace, hired in the middle of the 2003 seasons, was told Monday he would not be retained.

Manager Terry Francona worked with Farrell in Cleveland in 2001 when Francona was an assistant to then-general manager John Hart .

Farrell has been in charge of in the Indians' minor-league system and has been viewed by some as a future general manager. In fact, his name briefly surfaced in connection with the Sox last fall after GM Theo Epstein abruptly resigned.

Farrell, 44, pitched in the major leagues for parts of eight seasons, from 1987-1996, spending time with the Indians, Angels and Tigers and compiling a 36-46 career record. His best year came in 1988 when he was 14-10 with the Indians.

Should Farrell prove unwilling to take the position, another potential candidate is Larry Rothchild , the Chicago Cubs pitching coach. Dusty Baker was fired as Cubs manager on Monday and his coaching staff is free to seek positions elsewhere.

Ramifications of firing

The firing of Buck Showalter as the Texas Rangers' manager yesterday may have closed a potential avenue for the Red Sox to deal Manny Ramirez. Showalter, who was dismissed yesterday after four seasons with the Rangers, had told Texas management in recent weeks that he would be interested in dealing for Ramirez, who again has requested a trade.

Though Showalter is known as a stern disciplinarian and his players have often bristled at his controlling style, he had told friends that he believed he could get Ramirez to play hard.

His firing yesterday, however, may take away a potential trading partner, since Showalter was the organization's biggest advocate for a deal for Ramirez.

Texas owner Tom Hicks had attempted to deal for Ramirez three years ago, but was motivated by getting out from under Alex Rodriguez 's gigantic 10-year, $25.2-million contract. It's unclear whether Hicks and Texas general manager Jon Daniels have an interest in pursuing Ramirez now that Showalter is gone.

smcadam@projo.com / (401) 277-7340