2013 Prospect Mega Thread

[Palodios]

With a new season, it means a new season in Pawtucket, Portland, Salem, Lowell etc.

 

The big name to popup so far is Sean Coyle. His line so far is .391/.481/.957/1.438. With so much infield depth, he may be a great trade option midseason while saving the gold chips for the future.

 

http://fullcount.weei.com/sports/boston/baseball/red-sox/2013/04/13/red-sox-minor-league-roundup-sean-o-meter-in-full-effect-henry-owens-pat-light-sail/

[Rdsxmbnt]

Outside the Usual suspects (Xander, Barnes, Brentz, RDLR, Webster, etc) some guys to watch:

 

Cecchini 3B (A+) - .387/.406/.548 = think he is probably the best candidate to make the jump into the top 50 prospects of baseball lists.

 

Anthony Ranuado SP (AA) - tough season last year but could become one of our top pitching prospects if he can return to form. Already had a good start to begin the year

 

Frank Montas SP (A) - long way to go for him but has explosive velocity for a SP (96+) and has pitched well so far.

 

Henry Owens SP (A+) - great season last year and was able to jump into many top 100 lists. Only his second professional season since high school and already in A+ and is pitching well.

 

Also a blast from the past: Michael Almanzar 1B/3B (AA) - Seems like he has been in the minors forever but is still only 22 and in AA so very much at an age appropriate level still. .300/.353/.458/.812 line in A+ last year and .393/.452/.714/1.166 line in AA so far to begin the year.

[Station 13]

Ranaudo with 5 hitless inning the other day with 6Ks.

 

Webster also doing well. Owens and Light are off to strong starts too. Just Barnes and De La Rosa have rocky starts.

[Station 13]

Owens with another good start tonight 6IP 3H, 0R/ER 6K 1BB

 

Cecchini HR (2nd). Power may be developing now.

 

Coycle is pounding the ball for a little guy 3HR, 3-2B 1-3B. He had a down year in 2012 with injuries.

[Station 13]

SoxProspects: System's top tools

 

Industry scouts grade a prospect's tools on the 20-80 scale, where 20 is poor, 30 is well-below major league average, 40 is "fringe-average," 50 is major league average, 55 is referred to as "solid-average," 60 is above-average (or "plus"), 70 is well above-average (or "plus-plus"), and 80 is elite (80 grades are rarely handed out). For prospects, a 50 is actually a very good grade, as it's an impressive accomplishment to profile as major league average in any given tool.

 

POSITION PLAYERS

 

Best contact hitter

1. 3B Garin Cecchini -- 60

2. SS Xander Bogaerts -- 55-60

3. OF Jackie Bradley Jr. -- 55

 

Notes: Cecchini profiles as around a .300 hitter with a 60 grade. A 55 grade projects a player to hit in the .280 range. Another hitter to keep an eye on is Low-A Greenville catcher Blake Swihart, who could be a 50-55 hitter in his peak years.

 

Best Present Power

1. SS Xander Bogaerts -- 50

2. OF Bryce Brentz -- 50

3. 1B David Chester -- 50

 

Notes: Bogaerts and Brentz are the best power hitters in the system as of today. Chester, a 24-year-old first baseman playing at Greenville, has tremendous power and fringe-average plate discipline, but his other offensive tools are below-average. The other top present power hitters in the system are 3B/1B Michael Almanzar and OF Keury De La Cruz.

 

Best Projected Power

1. SS Xander Bogaerts -- 65

2. OF Bryce Brentz -- 55

3. 3B/1B Michael Almanzar -- 55

 

Notes: Bogaerts is a potential 30 home run bat; there were only twenty-seven 30 home run hitters in the majors in 2012. While a 55 grade profiles a player in the 20-25 home run range, Almanzar still needs to make significant strides with plate approach, pitch recognition, and maturity to get to that stage. High-A Salem OF Brandon Jacobs also grades out with a 55 for projected power, and has similar strides to make.

 

Best Plate Discipline

1. OF Jackie Bradley Jr. -- 65

2. 1B/3B Travis Shaw -- 55

3. 3B Garin Cecchini -- 55

 

Notes: Other Red Sox prospects who profile to have major league average plate discipline are Triple-A Pawtucket OF Alex Hassan and Greenville 2B Mookie Betts.

 

Speed

1. OF Felix Sanchez -- 70

2. OF Manuel Margot -- 70

3. OF Matty Johnson -- 70

 

Notes: Pawtucket OF Jeremy Hazelbaker and SS Tzu-Wei Lin also both grade out with 60 speed. Lin, a 19-year-old Taiwanese import, is expected to play with short-season Lowell this season.

 

Catcher Defense

1. C Christian Vazquez -- 65

2. C Dan Butler -- 60

3. C Alberto Rosario -- 50

 

Notes: Vazquez showed off his cannon arm this spring, and followed that up with pop times of 1.86 with Portland in April. In addition to the above catchers, Swihart demonstrates fluid athleticism and a plus arm behind the dish, but he's on the smaller side for a catcher, and could end up at second base if his frame isn't able to handle the rigors of the position over the long term.

 

Infield Defense

1. SS Jose Iglesias -- 80

2. SS Jose Vinicio -- 65

3. SS Deven Marrero -- 60

 

Notes: Iglesias is the best defender in the minor leagues, and if in the majors he'd be among the top two or three players at the position right now. And he's still just 23. Lin is also another shortstop to watch.

 

Outfield Defense

1. CF Jackie Bradley Jr. -- 70 with 65 arm

2. CF Manuel Margot -- 55 with a 50 arm

3. RF Bryce Brentz -- 50 with 60 arm

 

Notes: Margot is years away from getting a sniff of the majors, but he has the potential to be a plus-to-better center fielder. The next best on the list is Portland CF Shannon Wilkerson.

 

Makeup

1. CF Jackie Bradley Jr.

2. SS Xander Bogaerts

3. 3B Garin Cecchini

 

Notes: Makeup refers to a player's character, which is measured on several traits, including work ethic, aggressiveness, clubhouse presence, intelligence, and composure. It's not generally graded on the 20-80 scale, but all three of the above players would be above-average in the category.

 

PITCHERS

Fastball Velocity

1. RHP Frank Montas -- 75

2. RHP Allen Webster -- 70

3. RHP Matt Barnes -- 70

 

Notes: Velocity isn't the only part of a grade for fastball, which also takes movement and command into consideration. Montas hits 100 mph on the radar gun, but doesn't do so with great command. Barnes and Webster both sit in the mid-90s while hitting the high 90s. If eligible, De La Rosa would grade as a 75. Other pitchers who throw in the mid-90s include Pat Light, Drake Britton, and Heri Quevedo. Brian Johnson also has a solid-average fastball due to command and movement, despite his velocity, which sits in the low 90s and tops out at 95 mph.

 

Curveball

1. RHP Anthony Ranaudo -- 65

2. LHP Henry Owens -- 60-65

3. RHP Pete Ruiz -- 60

 

Notes: Owen's curveball grades out as a 65 on potential, while Ranaudo's curveball is presently harder with better shape and bite. Other pitchers with decent curveballs include Britton, Barnes, Brandon Workman, Mike Augliera, Mickey Pena and Kyle Stroup.

 

Slider

1. RHP Allen Webster -- 60

2. RHP Alex Wilson -- 55

3. LHP Cody Kukuk -- 50

 

Notes: Wilson's and Webster's sliders are both major league ready, but Webster commands and feels the pitch better. Kukuk's grade is based on potential.

 

Changeup

1. RHP Allen Webster -- 60-65

2. RHP Noe Ramirez -- 55

3. LHP Brian Johnson -- 50

 

Notes: De La Rosa would grade out in the same range as Webster if eligible.

 

Command

1. RHP Matt Barnes -- 60

2. LHP Brian Johnson -- 60

3. RHP Mike Augliera -- 60

 

Notes: Command differs from control in that command is the ability to locate within the strike zone, while control is the ability to throw strikes and limit walks. Among the above three pitchers, Augliera has shown the best control. Other pitchers in the system with major league average command are Workman and William Cuevas.

 

Pitcher's Makeup

1. LHP Chris Hernandez

2. LHP Brian Johnson

3. RHP Allen Webster

 

http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/red-sox/post/_/id/26696/soxprospects-systems-top-tools

[italstallianion]

That was a very interesting read. I was also thankful for the difference between "command" and "control" as I mix them up every once in a while.

[Rdsxmbnt]

Hard not to get excited about Webster, three plus pitches, good composure on the mound, and awesome velocity.

 

I think Brentz gets underrated here too given the plethora of good prospects in the system, but he has good power and will be above average in the field.

 

Love Cecchini, really think he is the next big hitting prospect in the system. Good plate discipline, cannon arm, great speed, and think he could have decent power once he develops.

 

Also excited to see Ranuado performing well. 3 good starts, 15.2 IP, 17/5 K/BB, 1.15 ERA. With his height, his velocity, and his plus curve I think he could be one of the best pitchers in the system after Barnes/Webster.

 

People sleeping a little bit on Barnes right now, but went 6.0, 5 hits, 1 ER, 1 BB, 7 K in his last start. Velocity AND command is the best combo a pitcher can have IMO and supposedly his curve could potentially be a plus pitch also.

[Station 13]

Anthony Ranaudo (W, 3-0)
IP 	H 	R 	ER 	BB 	SO 	HR 	ERA
6.0 	2 	0 	0 	0 	9 	0 	0.83

 

http://portland.seadogs.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2013_04_27_prtaax_treaax_1&t=g_box&did=milb&sid=t546

 

Coyle hit HR #6, BB

Cecchini 2-3B, BB

 

Garin power is starting to develop. Scouts thinks he will be the best average hitter of this organization.

[SoxFanForsyth]

The Red Sox are going to have the chips to make a mega deal at the deadline to address a need. Right now, they look very strong in all aspects. But, injuries happen.

 

Guys like Cliff Lee and Giancarlo Stanton could be available at the deadline. The Sox have money to take on salaries (Lee) and prospects to give up, if needed, to get a young superstar (Stanton).

 

Seriously. Stanton could hit 50. You put him in that 3 or 4 hole with Ortiz, Pedroia, and Napoli around him? Drool worthy.

[User Name]

Trading for Stanton makes little sense from an organizational standpoint. I don't get the propensity for wet dreams for a guy that would take the farm to get and doesn't even address a need.

[mvp 78]

Trading for Stanton makes little sense from an organizational standpoint. I don't get the propensity for wet dreams for a guy that would take the farm to get and doesn't even address a need.

 

As in "not a top of the rotation starter?"

 

You can pick up OF's in FA, but it's harder to find top tier pitchers.

[Rdsxmbnt]

As in "not a top of the rotation starter?"

 

You can pick up OF's in FA, but it's harder to find top tier pitchers.

 

Tend to agree with this. Take a look at what is happening with pitchers, teams are developing their own arms AND resigning them. Just look at the contracts Cain/Hamels/Verlander/Hernandez/etc have been getting.

 

Have to think if a pitcher like that ever becomes available you'd want to use the chips there.

[Station 13]

Another good outing from Owens last night

5IP 3H 2R/ER 2BB 8K

 

Scout have him at 93-95MPH.

 

Coyle continues his wrecking by blasting 7th HR on a 2-5 night. He is now outplaying this level.

[SoxFanForsyth]

Another good outing from Owens last night

5IP 3H 2R/ER 2BB 8K

 

Scout have him at 93-95MPH.

 

Coyle continues his wrecking by blasting 7th HR on a 2-5 night. He is now outplaying this level.

 

That's an uptick from last year for Owens - I believe last year he was sitting 91-93. He is only, what, 19? So if he's sitting 93-95 now, he'll probably be a 94-96, touching 97-98 when he's 23 or 24.

[SoxFanForsyth]

Brentz just homered.

 

He now has 5 HR, and homered on Sunday, Monday, and now Tuesday.

 

If Victorino is out for any length of time, he's gotta be your call up.

[a700hitter]

Rubby with 3 scoreless innings today, 3 hits, 0 BB and 5 k's. This was his best outing thus far. They are still not stretching him out.

[Station 13]

Cecchini had a good night, 3-4 with 2-2B & HR.

[SoxFanForsyth]

Rubby with 3 scoreless innings today, 3 hits, 0 BB and 5 k's. This was his best outing thus far. They are still not stretching him out.

 

He was throwing 2 inning stints. They're starting to stretch him out. It's just a very gradual process.

[a700hitter]

He was throwing 2 inning stints. They're starting to stretch him out. It's just a very gradual process.

I think he waqs throwing 2 inning stints because his pitch counts were so elevated from walks and base runners. His last outing was his first relatively clean outing. We will see. They are certainly being very cautious in stretching him out if he just pitched 3 innings for the first time this season.

[Station 13]

Barnes 6IP 3H 1ER/HR 2BB 10K

 

Nice bounce back from his rough start.

[Rdsxmbnt]

Good to see. I think of all the upper level pitching prospects Webster/RDLR/Ranuado/Workman, Barnes is the least polished so I think he's gonna have somewhat inconsistent results. That said with his stuff and poise I think he arguably has the highest potential.

[User Name]

I've always wondered what your name means Rdsxmbnt?

[Rdsxmbnt]

I've always wondered what your name means Rdsxmbnt?

 

Rdsx = Red Sox, Mbnt = pieces of my first and last name

 

Made it like 10 years and ago and have just rolled with it since haha

[User Name]

Cool. Curiosity was killing me haha

[SoxFanForsyth]

Keith Law just answered one of my questions in his weekly chat - in case people are curious about these two guys:

 

Jeremy (Boston)

 

Question about two Sox prospects: Is Ranaudo's stuff actually better, or are we just looking at a SSS? Also - what are your thoughts on Garin Cecchini?

 

Klaw (1:24 PM)

 

Stuff is way better. Back in the 92-95 range, hammer CB, sounds like he's fully healthy for the first time in a while.

 

Klaw (1:25 PM)

 

Cecchini - great start, obviously not sustainable but might be a 60 or better hitter. I wonder if this is another healthy issue, that it took this long to finally get all his strength back. Could be a red herring, though.

[rjortiz]

Keith Law just answered one of my questions in his weekly chat - in case people are curious about these two guys:

 

Jeremy (Boston)

 

Question about two Sox prospects: Is Ranaudo's stuff actually better, or are we just looking at a SSS? Also - what are your thoughts on Garin Cecchini?

 

Klaw (1:24 PM)

 

Stuff is way better. Back in the 92-95 range, hammer CB, sounds like he's fully healthy for the first time in a while.

 

Klaw (1:25 PM)

 

Cecchini - great start, obviously not sustainable but might be a 60 or better hitter. I wonder if this is another healthy issue, that it took this long to finally get all his strength back. Could be a red herring, though.

 

Good to hear that about Ranaudo. I had written him off.

[SoxFanForsyth]

Good to hear that about Ranaudo. I had written him off.

 

I think a lot of people had, including myself. Glad he was able to get to my question because I just assumed it was a SSS.

[rjortiz]

Sean Coyle hit 2 HR's last night, giving him 9 on the season. He is slugging .789.

[Station 13]

Owens is rocking the house

 

6IP 2H 2ER 3BB 10K

 

Our budding ace is putting it together, might see him by late 2014 at this pace.

[Rdsxmbnt]

Great outings from Barnes and De La Rosa tonight:

 

Barnes: 6.0 IP, 0 ER, 1 BB, 4 K

RDLR: 4.0 IP, 0 ER, 0 BB, 6 K