Despite John Farrell's endorsement of Rick Peterson, the Red Sox will name Juan Nieves as their pitching coach.
A major league source on Wednesday confirmed a report that the Red Sox will name Juan Nieves pitching coach. Nieves, a former Brewers pitcher, most recently served as bullpen coach for the White Sox since 2008.
CBS Sports baseball insider Jon Heyman had the original report that Nieves would get the job after a long interview with the team. Orioles director of pitching development Rick Peterson had been seen as a leading candidate.
The White Sox bullpen ranked eighth in the American League under Nieves last year, the third time in five seasons that it finished with that ranking in the AL; the team also finished 10th in 2011 and fifth in 2010 in bullpen ERA.
Nieves had a short major league career with the Brewers in the mid-80's, with a no-hitter to his credit. Nieves has no significant achievements in his coaching career, yet.
Back to the Sox not going with Peterson. I am sure John Farrell is in agreement with this decision, or else it would not have happened. Was Nieves the better fit that they just kept quiet about? Or, is Rick Peterson's hair so saturated with Soul Glo, that it will be a hazard to the team? I bet it is a combination of both.
I have said it before, I have all the faith in John Farrell when it comes to picking out the best available fit for the team.
