ST. LOUIS • Already searching for a pitching coach and bullpen coach to add to manager Mike Matheny's staff, the Cardinals will now also look for a bench coach as David Bell leaves the team for an opportunity closer to home.

Bell is expected to accept a farm director role with the San Francisco Giants, though the team has not confirmed the specific role. He would oversee the Giants' minor-league system and player development.

"We are happy for him and thank him for his time here," said John Mozeliak, the Cardinals' president of baseball operations. "This is an exciting opportunity for him. We will try to address all our openings as quickly as possible."

Bell had already joined the Giants' staff for instructional leagues Friday when the formal announcement of his new role was made.

It had been finalized in recent days.

"I had a great job," Bell said of his time with the Cardinals. "The bottom line was this is a new challenge, a great challenge. I have a passion for being on the field, but player development has always been something important to me and to have an impact on this scale -- it's the right time to grab this opportunity."