BOSTON -- While focused on their own postseason, the Red Sox face the possibility that they could lose pitching coach John Farrell soon after their season is finished.

Farrell, who replaced pitching coach Dave Wallace last winter and is a longtime friend of manager Terry Francona, may be targeted by the Pittsburgh Pirates as a managerial candidate, industry sources indicate.

The Pirates last month hired Neal Huntington as their new general manager and last week, Huntington dismissed manager Jim Tracy, who had managed the Pirates to losing records in each of his two seasons on the job.

Huntington, 37, spent 10 years with the Indians before being hired last month as Pirates' GM, working in player evaluation and scouting. While there, he developed a close relationship with Farrell, who left Cleveland to come to Boston.

The Pirates have weathered 15 consecutive losing seasons and are said to be looking for a fresh face as their next manager. Farrell, 45, who is known for his exhaustive preparation, also has a background in player development, having served in that capacity with the Indians for five seasons.

Baseball sources indicate his ability to evaluate young talent is precisely what the Pirates are searching for.

Farrell has no professional managerial experience, but was the assistant coach for Oklahoma State for five seasons.

Typically, teams wait for teams to complete their postseason play before inquiring about permission to interview staff members, though should the Sox wrap up the ALCS this week, Farrell could have time to interview with the Pirates before the World Series begins next week.

-SEAN McADAM