Tim Bogar did quite a bit of behind-the-scenes work for the Rays this season, but other teams around baseball took notice.

The Red Sox hired the Rays’ quality assurance coach today to serve as their new first base coach. Bogar was previously a finalist for a job on the Phillies’ coaching staff that ended up going to former Reds manager Pete Mackanin.

The former big-league infielder spent 2008 in a newly created role with the Rays that blended coaching and scouting responsibilities. He was in uniform every day during batting practice, working with players on the field - particularly their baserunning. But he watched games from the stands, assigned to watch the Rays as an opposing scout would and report back to Joe Maddon and the rest of the coaches on the team’s tendencies.

“It opened up my eyes to what went on at this level,” the former minor-league manager told Boston reporters. “I also missed being on the field, having a direct impact as the game progressed. I’m really looking forward to having that again.”