Milwaukee Brewers hitting coach Dale Sveum is the apparent front-runner to replace Terry Francona as the Boston Red Sox manager, according to a report from Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated.

The Red Sox could need to battle former general manager Theo Esptein for Sveum's services - Heyman also considers Sveum the Chicago Cubs' top managerial candidate.

Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel spoke to Sveum Tuesday, confirming that Sveum was on his way to the GM/owners' meetings in Milwaukee for his second managerial interviews with the Red Sox and Cubs. 

The Red Sox have also interviewed Cleveland Indians bench coach Sandy Alomar Jr., Philadelphia Phillies bench coach Pete Mackanin, Toronto Blue Jays first-base coach Torey Lovullo and Detroit Tigers third base coach Gene Lamont.

Sveum played 12 seasons in the MLB, then retired and began a coaching career. He was Boston's third base coach in 2004 and 2005, and served as Milwaukee's interim manager for 12 games during the 2008 season.

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