Sox top 50

[scaffolds]

25- Christian Lara SS

24- Mark Wagner C

23- Ryan Phillips LHP

22- Jed Lowrie 2B

21- Lars Anderson 1B

20- Caleb Clay RHP

19- Carlos Fernandez LF

18- David Murphy CF

17- Kris Johnson LHP

16- Chad Spann 3B

15- Devern Hansack RHP

14- Luis Soto RF

13- Brandon Moss RF

12- Justin Masterson RHP

11- Kyle Jackson RHP

10- George Kotaras C

09- Bryson Cox RHP

08- Felix Doubront LHP

07- Daniel Bard RHP

06- Edgar Martinez RHP

05- Dustin Pedroia 2B

04- Jason Place RF

03- Michael Bowden RHP

02- Clay Buchholz RHP

01- Jacoby Ellsbury CF

[AZBlue]

If the Red Sox had a chance to make a major trade that would help the team, which player in the top 10 of Scaffolds' list would you give up if the other team said, "Pick one of these 10 to complete the trade"? For me, the choice would be very easy (Pedroia). I think that nine of the top 10 and Lars Anderson are the prospects with the most upside in the organization. I base that on potential, not past performance. Soto and Phillips are on the cusp in that catagory.

[jacksonianmarch]

you have a few DSL signees from last yr on that list. I know for the yankees lists, the only DSL signee is Montero on the top 50. Is the back end of the top 50 that weak that a bunch of DSL signees who have never hit in the DSL make it, or are those guys that good that they make the list squarely off talent?

[jacksonianmarch]

If the Red Sox had a chance to make a major trade that would help the team' date=' which player in the top 10 of Scaffolds' list would you give up if the other team said, "Pick one of these 10 to complete the trade"? For me, the choice would be very easy (Pedroia). I think that nine of the top 10 and Lars Anderson are the prospects with the most upside in the organization. I base that on potential, not past performance. Soto and Phillips are on the cusp in that catagory.[/quote']

 

ALWAYS give up the position prospects, especially the ones without high power potential before you deal pitching. I'd move Ellsbury and Pedroia before I deal the B's.

[BSN07]

06- Edgar Martinez RHP

 

04- Jason Place RF

 

Those are the only ones and i'm iffy on Place because I don't know much about him.

 

Scaffolds, how good is Place? Is he a big time prospect with power or any big league tools?

[ORS]

you have a few DSL signees from last yr on that list. I know for the yankees lists' date=' the only DSL signee is Montero on the top 50. Is the back end of the top 50 that weak that a bunch of DSL signees who have never hit in the DSL make it, or are those guys that good that they make the list squarely off talent?[/quote']

It's the ceiling vs. level argument again. Why don't you stop wasting your time reading the tea leaves? If you want to think of the system as weak, then just believe it and stop trying to fabricate confirmation.

[ORS]

I agree AZ, Pedroia would be my choice too. I'd even go so far as to add Kris Johnson and Justin Masterson to the list of people I'd keep over Pedroia based on potential. I think Dustin will be a solid MLB 2B, but not spectacular.

[ORS]

06- Edgar Martinez RHP

 

04- Jason Place RF

 

Those are the only ones and i'm iffy on Place because I don't know much about him.

 

Scaffolds, how good is Place? Is he a big time prospect with power or any big league tools?

Place, for his age, has it all. He's got the potential to be a 5-tool player at the highest level. He's one to get excited about.

[jacksonianmarch]

It's the ceiling vs. level argument again. Why don't you stop wasting your time reading the tea leaves? If you want to think of the system as weak' date=' then just believe it and stop trying to fabricate confirmation.[/quote']

 

ORS, I am not fabricating anything. My point is that as far as DSL classes go, the yankees have probably one of the strongest (2 consecutive championships) and from the reports I have been reading, they have some seriously high potential in that system, but only one DSL player makes the top 50. And that was Montero, the consensus top INTL signing in the world.

 

My question wasnt ******** ORS. I wanted to know if Tejeda and the like are that good that they make the top 50 without playing a DSL game or is the sox back end of the system weak enough so that the potential of these far away DSL kids gets them a spot in the top 50.

 

I know a significant amount about the top 20 on the sox, and though it has some issues at the high levels, they have some serious talent there. After the top 20, it looks like the ceilings drops off significantly. This is where scaff can help shed a little light on things.

[ORS]

Are you telling me you don't think Montero has a high enough ceiling to surpass 10 or so of the guys at the back of the Yankee rankings? I do. It all boils down to the same argument you have been reminded of time and time again. Ceiling vs. Level. Montero was the #1 Int'l signing, but Beltre and Tejada were both top-5's. If someone favors tools over level (which in some cases is just age/experience) then those type of players will make the back end of top-50's regardless of what level they have played thus far.

[BSN07]

How far is he from the ML?

[ORS]

Place? He'll probably be in low-A this year, and he's young, just out of HS, so I don't see him jumping levels in a year like you see with the college kids. Sept call-up in '10 is probably an optimistic expectation.

[jacksonianmarch]

Are you telling me you don't think Montero has a high enough ceiling to surpass 10 or so of the guys at the back of the Yankee rankings? I do. It all boils down to the same argument you have been reminded of time and time again. Ceiling vs. Level. Montero was the #1 Int'l signing' date=' but [b']Beltre and Tejada were both top-5's[/b]. If someone favors tools over level (which in some cases is just age/experience) then those type of players will make the back end of top-50's regardless of what level they have played thus far.

 

See, that is what I wanted to see. I didnt know that about them and the complete lack of diehard's analysis on this has kept me in the dark. Fair point.

[jacksonianmarch]

Place? He'll probably be in low-A this year' date=' and he's young, just out of HS, so I don't see him jumping levels in a year like you see with the college kids. Sept call-up in '10 is probably an optimistic expectation.[/quote']

 

Place is a rare HS talent. He has MLB power but his strikeout rate and pitch recognition is his bane. He needs to be taken slowly.

[BSN07]

So maybe he will be ready to take over in RF when the Drew contract is up.

[jacksonianmarch]

potentially. He is a long way out, but he has some serious tools.

[BSN07]

Well he has 5 yrs to polish those tools.

[jacksonianmarch]

50.) Jordan Craft, P

49.) Jose Capellan, P

48.) Kris Negron, IF

47.) Mike Jones, 1B

46.) Josh Papelbon, P

45.) Jon Still, C

44.) Zach Daegas, OF

43.) Dustin Richardson, P

42.) Felix Doubront, P

41.) Tim Cox, P

40.) Yahmed Yema, OF

39.) Mark Wagner, C

38.) Barry Hertzler, P

37.) Jeremy West, 1B/DH

36.) Mike Rozier, P

35.) Randy Beam, P

34.) Jonathan Egan, C

33.) Reid Engel, OF

32.) Christian Lara, SS

31.) Luis Soto, OF

30.) Mike James, P

29.) John Otness, C

28.) Nick DeBarr, P

27.) Andrew Pinckney, 3B

26.) Andrew Dobies, P

25.) Ryan Kalish, OF

[Hairps]

If the Red Sox had a chance to make a major trade that would help the team' date=' which player in the top 10 of Scaffolds' list would you give up if the other team said, "Pick one of these 10 to complete the trade"? For me, the choice would be very easy (Pedroia). I think that nine of the top 10 and Lars Anderson are the prospects with the most upside in the organization. I base that on potential, not past performance. Soto and Phillips are on the cusp in that catagory.[/quote']

06 - Edgar Martinez RHP

[scaffolds]

you have a few DSL signees from last yr on that list. I know for the yankees lists' date=' the only DSL signee is Montero on the top 50. Is the back end of the top 50 that weak that a bunch of DSL signees who have never hit in the DSL make it, or are those guys that good that they make the list squarely off talent?[/quote']

 

 

Beltre and Tejada potentially are that good that they have to be included on the Sox top 50 prospects. For example Baseball America has them #20 and #22 that's way too high for now, just like they have Lars Anderson at #5 its way too high. The Sox system doesn't lack depth as a matter of fact there's only 3 or 4 prospect only my list that may not have a decent ceiling, but that they put up good numbers.

 

To answer the question on Jason Place, he one of the few Sox 's hitting prospects that are consider to be 5 tools player. I agree that Pedroia and Martinez are prospect that the organization could trade and it won't a big impact.

 

I don't want to sound like a broken record, but Sox.com to have Andrew Dobbie as the #26 prospect in the Sox system is like stealing money from its menbers.

[RobZombie]

I'd have to say that Richard Lentz belongs on that list, especially ahead of guys like Hottovoy, Natale, and maybe Engel and Lara who really don't have much of a chance to be anything more than backups.

[scaffolds]

I'd have to say that Richard Lentz belongs on that list' date=' especially ahead of guys like Hottovoy, Natale, and maybe Engel and Lara who really don't have much of a chance to be anything more than backups.[/quote']

 

I do agree that Richard lentz has very good tools and potential, but at this time he isn't a top 50 prospect, specially after not having pitch much the last couple of years, but he could be a player on the rise in 2007.

[scaffolds]

Scouts.com has as the Sox #20 prospect Chris Smith. Do i need to say anything else about this service?

[jacksonianmarch]

i just sent a scathing email to them. They suck pretty hard. Diehard magazine is a f***ing joke.

[jacksonianmarch]

and like I said, the yankees one is VERY good and it seems to be in line with most other sites. The sox one is a joke.

[jacksonianmarch]

I told them that my boy scaffolds said that their top 50 to this point is a joke and they are stealing money from the subscribers. And, I got banned.

[scaffolds]

Craig Breslow at #18?????????

[riverside sluggers]

Not related to the Sox top 50, but Foxsports Dayn Perry released his list of the top 100 prospects in baseball entering the 2007 season.

 

Red Sox

100. Michael Bowden, RHP, Red Sox

Age: 20

Acquired: 1st round, 2005, Waubonsie Valley HS (Aurora, IL)

 

Bowden boasts command of his fastball, has good breaking stuff and put up strong numbers last season in Low-A ball. On the downside, he doesn't have a changeup at this point, and his delivery is inconsistent. Still, he's one to watch as he reaches the higher levels.

62. Bryce Cox, RHP, Red Sox

Age: 22

Acquired: 3rd round, 2006, Rice

 

He's a power reliever who works low in the zone, makes guys miss and keeps the ball on the ground. Cox has dominated thus far as a pro, and it's possible he'll arrive in Boston for good before the All-Star break. The Sox have taken a liking to college closers in recent drafts, and Cox may be the best of them.

57. Dustin Pedroia, 2B, Red Sox

Age: 23

Acquired: 2nd round, 2004, Arizona State

 

There's a lot to like in the numbers, but most scouts see in Pedroia a limited upside. He's slated to open the season as Boston's starting second baseman. He'll provide good defense at the keystone, and his right-handed stroke should play well in Fenway. He makes contact with his line-drive swing and will take a walk on occasion. Pedroia won't hit for much power, but his overall offensive package is plenty good enough for a middle infielder.

49. Clay Buchholz, RHP, Red Sox

Age: 22

Acquired: 1st round, 2005, Angelina JC (Texas)

 

In 39 minor league starts, Buchholz boasts a 2.47 ERA and 185 strikeouts against only 42 walks in 160.1 innings. That's mostly because he has an outstanding changeup, his fastball and curve also grade out as plus offerings, and he does a great job of repeating his delivery. He'll see action in the high minors this season and could be in the Boston rotation to open the 2008 campaign. If he repeats his 2006 performance this season, then he'll be a top-10 prospect next year. Keep your eye on Buchholz.

44. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF, Red Sox

Age: 23

Acquired: 1st round, 2005, Oregon State

 

The power isn't there for Ellsbury, but he does boast a career OBP of .391 in the minors. He also has excellent defense in center, an impressive line-drive stroke at the plate and tremendous speed on the bases. He won't hit for power at the highest level, but he has the skills and smarts to turn into a Brett Butler type. Needless to say, Brett Butler types are quite valuable.

[riverside sluggers]

Yankees

95. Tyler Clippard, RHP, Yankees

Age: 22

Acquired: 9th round, 2003, J.W. Mitchell HS (Trinity, FL)

 

Clippard made good progress with his curve last season, but his fastball remains fringy by Major League standards. His changeup is solid, so he should be able to survive in the rotation. Clippard doesn't project as much more than a league-average innings guy, but that certainly has value.

78. Joba Chamberlain, RHP, Yankees

Age: 21

Acquired: 1st round, 2006, U. of Nebraska

 

Chamberlain throws a devastating fastball-slider combo, and he has excellent command on the mound. Holding him back at this point is an inconsistent changeup (a fairly common dilemma among minor league starting pitchers) and occasional issues with his weight. He signed too late last year to pitch, so he'll likely make his pro debut this season in the Florida State League.

58. Dellin Betances, RHP, Yankees

Age: 18

Acquired: 8th round, 2006, Grand Street HS (New York City)

 

Big pitcher's frame, high-90s fastball, makings of a three-pitch repertoire. He made only seven starts last season, but Betances dominated in the rookie-level Gulf Coast League (27 strikeouts, seven walks, 1.16 ERA in 23.1 innings). His mechanics need improvement, but the upside is undeniable. Without question, he's one to watch. Combine his potential with his New York roots and you might be looking at the next Yankee superstar.

18. Jose Tabata, CF/RF, Yankees

Age: 18

Acquired: Non-drafted free agent, 2005, Venezuela

 

Batted .298 and showed a good command of the strike zone last season in the Sally League. That's highly impressive for a player who playing full-season ball despite being 17 for most of the year. He's polished at the plate with advanced pitch-recognition skills and a quick bat through the zone. On the downside, it's not certain how much power he'll display at the higher levels, and he's not going to stick in center. Overall, however, his hitting skills are deeply impressive considering his age.

4. Philip Hughes, RHP, Yankees

Age: 20

Acquired: 1st round, 2004, Foothill HS (Santa Ana, CA)

 

The best pitching prospect in baseball blew away the Eastern League last season (116 innings, 2.25 ERA, 138 whiffs, 32 walks, five homers allowed) despite being much younger than his peer group. Hughes has command of three pitches, with deceptive movement on each of them. He's had some arm problems in the past, but he was healthy for all of 2006. Barring injury, he's a future Cy Young contender.

[jacksonianmarch]

very surprised Humberto Sanchez missed the list. He was a top 40 prospect at the end of last season, but ever since being dealt to NY, he has dropped off the lists. And this is before he had his forearm strain.