When Cleveland Indians first base coach Sandy Alomar declined the chance to become bench coach for the Chicago White Sox, he did so out of respect for White Sox manager Robin Ventura, Alomar told Terry Pluto of the Plain Dealer.

Ventura, who just finished his fourth year as skipper in Chicago, is believed to be on the hot seat following the team's third straight losing season. With that in mind, Alomar, whom the White Sox reached out to about their bench coach opening, said he felt taking the job could "cause a problem."

Alomar, an aspiring manager himself, spoke with Pluto about the situation:

"'I didn't want it to seem like I was coming in to replace Robin in case they stumbled out of the gate,' said Alomar. 'I like and respect Robin too much for that.' ... Alomar said there was some speculation in the Chicago media that [he] could take over for Ventura at some point. 'I want no hidden agendas,' he said. 'I'm also very happy with Cleveland. I didn't want anything to be unfair to Robin.'"

Pluto also reports that Alomar signed a two-year contract extension with the Indians. He can leave to become manager of another team if he gets an offer.