The first casualty of a disappointing 2012 Red Sox season has been announced. The team has parted ways with pitching coach Bob McClure.

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It was a short run in Boston for Bob McClure. Sox management has decided that his services are no longer required. For the the remainder of the season, Randy Neimann will take over as pitching coach.

According to ESPN, it was strictly performance based. Reports indicate that McClure didn't have the best relationship with manager Bobby Valentine. Ownership is supporting Valentine, and said he will finish out the season. They say the relationship between McClure and Valentine had nothing to do with the firing.

McClure had been with the team since November 2011, when he became a special assistant. After Bobby Valentine was named manager, McClure was named pitching coach.

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