The search for the Sox' next pitching coach is taking much longer than expected. We all know John Farrell is going to be the leading man in getting the pitching staff right during spring training, and contrary to what some may think, this team needs a good pitching coach.
John Farrell has voiced his opinion and heavily favors Rick Peterson to fill the spot.
The Red Sox are expected to make a decision on their new pitching coach by Tuesday, and new manager John Farrell is “all in” on longtime pitching coach Rick Peterson as his choice, according to a baseball source.
Peterson, a New Jersey shore resident who was stranded for several days because of Hurricane Sandy, met Saturday morning with GM Ben Cherington, CEO Larry Lucchino, Farrell and VP/assistant GM Mike Hazen.
The interview went “very well,” the source said, with Peterson the preferred candidate of Farrell, who had Peterson as a coach when he was a pitcher in Cleveland’s minor-league system and credited Peterson with putting him on track to the big leagues.
Peterson is one of four candidates the Red Sox have interviewed for the job, according to the source. The only other candidate who has been publicly identified is Juan Nieves, bullpen coach for the White Sox.
Peterson, 58, has been the pitching coach for the Athletics, Mets and Brewers before serving this season as the pitching coordinator for the Baltimore Orioles, where he was credited with having a major impact on the development of the team’s young arms, including Chris Tillman, Brian Matusz and Jake Arrieta.
I will not criticise this decision at all. I mean, I didn't know much about Peterson, and after reading up on him a bit, he seems like a good candidate. My faith is in John Farrell on this position. If he believes Peterson is the right man for the job, then Peterson is the right man for the job.
