By Jeff Louderback

While the Red Sox contemplate hiring two hitting coaches, the team announced the hiring of former Major League pitcher and longtime White Sox bullpen coach Juan Nieves as the new pitching coach.

Nieves – who was part of the White Sox organization for 14 years,  including the last five as bullpen coach – gained experience serving with Don Cooper, who is widely regarded one of the best pitching coaches in baseball.

Nieves joins bench coach Torey Lovullo and third base Brian Butterfield as members of John Farrell’s coaching staff. Lovullo, who formerly managed Pawtucket,  was the first base coach with the Blue Jays under Farrell and Butterfield, a New England native, served as the third base coach. Lovullo and Butterfield are considered future Major League managers and will likely get extensive interest for managerial positions next offseason.

The Red Sox are interviewing candidates for the vacant hitting coach position this week. According  to ESPN.com, the Red Sox are talking to former Mariners and Yankees first baseman Tino Martinez about the hitting coach role.

Farrell prefers to bring aboard a hitting coach and an assistant hitting coach, which is becoming commonplace in the majors.