Juan Nieves is expected to be named the new pitching coach of the Boston Red Sox. He had served as the White Sox bullpen coach the last five seasons.
The former Milwaukee Brewer pitcher did a fine job in his White Sox tenure, which was evident in 2012 when he dealt with at one point a bullpen full of rookies and Matt Thornton. Sergio Santos and Addison Reed became successful closers on Nieves' watch. Nate Jones, Hector Santiago and Donnie Veal also found success in 2012. He also formed a bond with starter Jose Quintana.
Possible replacements for the White Sox bullpen job would be former all-star closer Bobby Thigpen and former White Sox 20-game winner Richard Dotson.
Thigpen is currently serving as the pitching coach for the Birmingham Barons. Dotson is currently the pitching coach of the Charlotte Knights.
Nieves apparently interviewed for the Red Sox job for seven hours and beat out Rick Peterson for the job. He will join Boston's revamped coaching staff under new manager John Farrell.