Ted's Army: The Voice of Red Sox fans

Juan Nieves does not lack for optimism

Gordon Edes posted a round-up of quotes from pitching coach Juan Nieves about the five expected starters in the Red Sox rotation. It is...effusive. For example, check out just some of his thoughts on Red Sox whipping boy John Lackey:

"Ohhh, he's awesome. He's in great shape. What I've seen right now, I know John [Farrell] spoke to him, was able to see him [this winter] when I was somewhere else, I am thrilled about this guy. Really thrilled. Great guy, great sense of humor, fearless."

I highly encourage you to read the rest of what he has to say, mostly because you will immediately think we have five 20-game winners and are World Series bound.

As an aside, the 180 the press has done on John Lackey is fascinating. Just goes to show that everyone loves a redemption story. And I include myself...once it became known that Lackey's injury was so severe and he needed Tommy John surgery, his Red Sox story completely changed. No longer was he merely fat and happy, or someone who couldn't take the pressure in Boston. At least part of the situation now has to be attributed to his elbow. There is hope.

Juan Nieves to be named Sox pitching coach

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.