Xander Bogaerts

[User Name]

So their analysis is based on more than just what they can read on other websites and see on TV.

 

That puts them above our level, meaning it's kind of foolish to try and look down on them.

 

You're missing the point. People can do whatever they want. If some don't like going to SP for info and prefer other sources, it's their prerogative and shouldn't be a big deal. What's foolish is trying to convince people of exactly what should be their preferred source of information.

 

If you like SP, fine. If you don't, fine too.

[a700hitter]

Cool, they watch games. How's that scouting again? Also, Ranaudo was projected as an ace before. Anyways, all they've done is become safer with predictions, so in other words, do a less homer-like job of copying scouting reports.

 

If you think watching a lot of games makes you a scout, that's your issue I guess. s*** maybe I'll just have to start going to minor league games, maybe I'll get a job with a team as a scout.

God forbid that I offer an opinion about a kid after watching him for a week in Ft. Myers-- probably longer than most scouts watch a kid due to time limitations-- and I am battered with insults about not being a scout. If watching the games makes you a scout, then I am most certainly a senior scout.

[SemperFi Sox]

You're missing the point. People can do whatever they want. If some don't like going to SP for info and prefer other sources, it's their prerogative and shouldn't be a big deal. What's foolish is trying to convince people of exactly what should be their preferred source of information.

 

If you like SP, fine. If you don't, fine too.

 

You're missing the point, no one cares if you don't like it.

[User Name]

It seems you do, since you're defending SP like someone insulted your mother. And let me tell you, you can make your points and let your opinions be known without being an insufferable douche. Maybe you should try that.

[Rdsxmbnt]

Cool, they watch games. How's that scouting again? Also, Ranaudo was projected as an ace before. Anyways, all they've done is become safer with predictions, so in other words, do a less homer-like job of copying scouting reports.

 

If you think watching a lot of games makes you a scout, that's your issue I guess. s*** maybe I'll just have to start going to minor league games, maybe I'll get a job with a team as a scout.

 

Ranaudo was projected as a top 10 draft pick, when he was drafted he definitely had ace CEILING. I highly doubt they ever projected him to be an ace, rather that was his best case scenario. Projections and ceilings change with prospects constantly based on minor league performance, that's pretty much the most important thing someone who follows prospects should know.

 

And I can't believe certain people are bashing soxprospects when the same people are constantly basing their arguments psychoanalysis on players and even the general manager, lmfao. At least soxprospects makes defensible arguments.

 

I clicked on Garin Cecchini's page, and here's his scouting report:

 

Tall and athletic frame, strong all-around tools. Sweet swing from the left side. Excellent batspeed and hip rotation in swing mechanics. Upward swing path through hitting zone and creates solid extension to produce backspin when squaring offerings up. Shows ability to drive the ball to all fields with lift. Slightly above-average power potential. Developing plate patience. Struggles with breaking balls. Tends to get too far out on front foot. Solid-average speed, but not likely to be a factor as he continues to physically develop. Played shortstop and second base in high school, but transitioned to third base as a professional. Soft hands. Needs improvement with reads off of bat. Can be stiff and slow with reactions. Plus arm. Tools to become a solid-average defender at the hot corner. High baseball IQ. Quick learner and makes adjustments. Wrist fracture cut short first pro season. Ceiling of an All-Star caliber third baseman.

 

 

I don't see why someone with a decent amount of baseball knowledge couldn't put something like that together. In fact the main guy on soxprospects writes for ESPNBoston so someone in the media is noticing.

[User Name]

And I can't believe certain people are bashing soxprospects when the same people are constantly basing their arguments psychoanalysis on players and even the general manager' date=' lmfao. At least soxprospects makes defensible arguments.[/quote']

 

Touche.

[example1]

Yeah, the point isn't to get into a pissing match with you User Name?, it's more to contest Emmz's claim that they just go to games--that doesn't seem like a fair (or really relevant) criticism. I realize Emmz makes strong claims, it's what I like about her, but here I think it is more flash and less substance.

 

I don't have a stake in SP.com at all. However, having been a faithful member of this site for many years, I can also say that I've relied on SP a lot to know who the Sox prospects are. There simply isn't a better source on the internet. Find me one and I will go there. That site has 1,000 times the information that this site has about prospects. Frankly, I got to many other sites first before coming here to get the Sox news and updates. I come here for discussion--haven't found a better place for that.

 

And I think it does make a difference to actually see players playing live and I respect SP for actually making a concerted effort to have their "scouts" and editors attend games. That's why MLB teams still have scouts instead of just looking at the stats. Ranaudo was projected as a top 10 pick prior to his final season at LSU. He was a Friday nite starter at one of the best programs in the country and had great stuff. Of course people thought highly of him. The same group of people who paid a lot for him have had tremendous success with a slew of other first round picks, so perhaps they are doing a bit more than just throwing darts at a board.

 

Finally, if you've ever listened to their podcasts you see it's not just BS. In fact, that site has correctly identified a number of Sox draft picks correctly prior to the draft.

 

How does this relate to Xander? SP and just about every credible source out there sees the kid as truly something special. It's unclear where he will play, but it seems that bats like his don't come around often.

[SemperFi Sox]

4/4 with a pair of 2B.

 

he's kinda good.

[SouthieFanatic]

August rolled around and he picked it up a bunch! Increased his average by over .10 im pretty sure

[SouthieFanatic]

He's over .300 after another multi hit game .. Almost positive he's top 5 in the carolina league in HRs and BA

[Station 13]

The minors season ends in 3 weeks, too late for AA. .950 OPS since the break. He should definitely start AA next year. Get him to winter ball to get him a head start.

[Thunder]

Get him to the Sox. We need a SS.

[SouthieFanatic]

Get him to the Sox. We need a SS.

 

I wouldn't be surprised one bit if he was called up late 2013, or maybe even mid depending on how well he does in Portland next season

[SemperFi Sox]

Promoted to AA

[Emmz]

Ranaudo was projected as a top 10 draft pick, when he was drafted he definitely had ace CEILING. I highly doubt they ever projected him to be an ace, rather that was his best case scenario. Projections and ceilings change with prospects constantly based on minor league performance, that's pretty much the most important thing someone who follows prospects should know.

 

And I can't believe certain people are bashing soxprospects when the same people are constantly basing their arguments psychoanalysis on players and even the general manager, lmfao. At least soxprospects makes defensible arguments.

 

I clicked on Garin Cecchini's page, and here's his scouting report:

 

Tall and athletic frame, strong all-around tools. Sweet swing from the left side. Excellent batspeed and hip rotation in swing mechanics. Upward swing path through hitting zone and creates solid extension to produce backspin when squaring offerings up. Shows ability to drive the ball to all fields with lift. Slightly above-average power potential. Developing plate patience. Struggles with breaking balls. Tends to get too far out on front foot. Solid-average speed, but not likely to be a factor as he continues to physically develop. Played shortstop and second base in high school, but transitioned to third base as a professional. Soft hands. Needs improvement with reads off of bat. Can be stiff and slow with reactions. Plus arm. Tools to become a solid-average defender at the hot corner. High baseball IQ. Quick learner and makes adjustments. Wrist fracture cut short first pro season. Ceiling of an All-Star caliber third baseman.

 

 

I don't see why someone with a decent amount of baseball knowledge couldn't put something like that together. In fact the main guy on soxprospects writes for ESPNBoston so someone in the media is noticing.

 

That's a scouting report anyone could pull out of their ass. I'm not amused one bit, and I think it's hilarious that people actually buy into wannabe scouts' opinions.

 

They're wrong half the time, give or take. This isn't a forum dedicated to pretend-scouting, that explains the difference. I don't feel like going to a forum full of morons who think they're scouts because they recycle information.

[Laser Show]

Promoted to AA

 

2013 September call-up possibly?

[SoxFanForsyth]

2013 September call-up possibly?

 

That would be crazy. He'd just be 20, but what's crazy is that it's very possible.

[SoxFanForsyth]

1 HR in AA already.

[Station 13]

1 HR in AA already.

 

Right Center. 400FT+

[a700hitter]

Bring him up to AAA. I just checked the Pawtucket roster. It's devoid of any prospects. It's mostly has been career bush leaguers like Spears and major league wash outs and retreads like Mark Prior and Andy LaRoche.

[example1]

AAA isn't a great place for a guy like Bogaerts. There is as much if not more more elite talent in AA than AAA.

[a700hitter]

AAA isn't a great place for a guy like Bogaerts. There is as much if not more more elite talent in AA than AAA.

I hope so. Our AAA roster is terrible.

[SouthieFanatic]

Glad to see they decided to move him up. AAA doesn't have any talent that could keep him from playing there now, or to begin 2013. I agree though the talent level isn't separated by much. They should seriously start to consider getting him experience in the OF though, preferably RF. Unless they plan on moving Iglesias it's pointless to keep him at SS

[Dojji]

This kid's starting to really build some momentum for himself.

 

my take is, give him a chance to fail at SS before screwing with it. It might work out better than you're hoping for.

 

This kid could wind up being a Rico Petrocelli -- first few years at short before establishing himself at the corners as a power hitter after he's filled out a bit more.

[SouthieFanatic]

This kid's starting to really build some momentum for himself.

 

my take is, give him a chance to fail at SS before screwing with it. It might work out better than you're hoping for.

 

This kid could wind up being a Rico Petrocelli -- first few years at short before establishing himself at the corners as a power hitter after he's filled out a bit more.

 

I feel the same way. I'm a bit worried that if they do move him it will effect his hitting. It's a tough spot to be in for the front office, cause as far as hitting goes he's way ahead of Iglesias

[SoxFanForsyth]

2-3 tonight with a single and a double. That makes him 4/7 by my count with a bomb and a double. He is 19. Ho hum.

[SouthieFanatic]

He'll be playing in 2013 with the big boys. At this point I'd be surprised if he wasn't. His development is becoming more rapid, he's like a sponge

[cbbosox]

Almost to the point of turning off the Red Sox and listening to the Sea Dogs for good.

Bradley , Boegarts, and Bentz gotta be more exciting than Posednick, Shoppach and Aviles.

 

Boegarts just made a nice play from the hole-maybe he could give Aviles some pointers-nice throw into the stands last inning by Mike by the way

[Dojji]

I feel the same way. I'm a bit worried that if they do move him it will effect his hitting. It's a tough spot to be in for the front office' date=' cause as far as hitting goes he's way ahead of Iglesias[/quote']

 

I don't see how it's that tough. Bogaerts as the starting SS for his bat, and sub in Iglesias in late innings to hold down a lead. Iglesias has the defensive chops to be one heck of a utility guy even if his bat never improves.

[SouthieFanatic]

I don't see how it's that tough. Bogaerts as the starting SS for his bat' date=' and sub in Iglesias in late innings to hold down a lead. Iglesias has the defensive chops to be one heck of a utility guy even if his bat never improves.[/quote']

 

The sox have been high on Iglesias for so long. To see Xander come from Low A Greenville (End of 2011), while Jose was in Pawtucket (End of 2011) to overtake his job would be a hell of an accomplishment. I've been a big believer in him playing SS at the MLB level, but with everybody else saying switch him, or convert him i'm starting to buy into it