Former Brewer Juan Nieves Front Runner For Sox Job

This, from John Heyman of CBS Sports

According to various sources, Juan Nieves may soon be the new pitching coach for the Boston Red Sox

It would appear that the Boston Red Sox are fairly smitten with a former Brewer for their open pitching coach position.

According to Heyman, Juan Nieves recently had a seven hour (yeah, I know) interview with Boston management and has edged out former favorite Rick Peterson for the position. No offer has been made yet. [UPDATE: As of about 4:00 CST, Juan Nieves WAS named the new coach]

Juan Nieves pitched with Milwaukee from 1986 to 1988, compiling a 35-25 record with a 4.71 ERA and 352 career strikeouts. 1987 was his banner year, where he totaled a career-high 14 wins, and on April 15th he became the first (and only) Milwaukee Brewer and the first Puerto Rico-born player to throw a no-hitter. He pitched nine innings against the Baltimore Orioles, walking five and striking out seven en route to a 7-0 victory for Milwaukee. It was Nieves’ second win that year.

Though he only played three seasons in the Majors he found success as a coach and is largely credited with the improvement of the Chicago White Sox pitching staff, which he has coached from the bullpen for five years.

We wish him the best of luck as the interview process continues. If it doesn’t work out, I’m sure Milwaukee could find a place for him.