Down Goes to Red Sox

Rick Down, a Dodger manager finalist, was hired Tuesday as batting instructor for the Boston Red Sox

“They stepped up with a great offer,” Down said of the Red Sox. “I was obviously disappointed that I didn’t get the Dodger job--it would be silly to say that I wasn’t disappointed--but I think this is a great opportunity for me.”

Many players, among them Kevin Brown, Eric Karros and Shawn Green, strongly endorsed Down, formerly the Dodger batting coach, for the job that went to bench coach Jim Tracy.

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The Dodgers have not decided whether to sign free-agent pitcher Darren Dreifort before open bidding begins Saturday.

“We’ve got to find a place [the Dodgers and Dreifort] both feel comfortable,” General Manager Kevin Malone said. “We’re hopeful we’ll come to that.”

Dreifort’s agent, Scott Boras, made a multiyear proposal shortly after the regular season ended. Dreifort is believed to be seeking a five-year contract in the $55-million range.

The Dodgers are prepared to offer Dreifort a five-year package but would prefer to pay about $45 million.

Dreifort went 12-9 with a 4.16 earned-run average last season.

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Malone said the Dodgers might participate today in bidding to acquire outfielder Ichiro Suzuki, considered the best hitter in Japan.

Suzuki, 27, could become the first position player from his country to play in the majors.

The deadline to enter a bid is 2 p.m. Pacific time.