2014 Prospect Mega Thread

[a700hitter]

It's almost as if the Sox didn't win the world series last year.

I don't know what point you are trying to make. We are debating future strategy. Precisely, because this FO knows how to field a winner and understands the importance of winning, I am convinced that they will not opt to go the route of a total youth movement, because that would be a recipe for years of losing.

[SoxFanForsyth]

I don't know what point you are trying to make. We are debating future strategy. Precisely, because this FO knows how to field a winner and understands the importance of winning, I am convinced that they will not opt to go the route of a total youth movement, because that would be a recipe for years of losing.

 

I think they will start filtering in the youth over the next few years. This year it was Bogaerts, Bradley, RDLR, Vazquez, and probably Betts. If the Sox trade for Joc Pederson, he'll be in the outfield this year too. Next year it will be Owens, Swihart, Marrero, Ranaudo, Webster.

 

They will compliment these guys with veterans like Pedroia, Ortiz, Napoli, Lackey, Buchholz, etc etc. But have no doubt, what the Sox are doing right now is building a new core of players.

[a700hitter]

I think they will start filtering in the youth over the next few years. This year it was Bogaerts, Bradley, RDLR, Vazquez, and probably Betts. If the Sox trade for Joc Pederson, he'll be in the outfield this year too. Next year it will be Owens, Swihart, Marrero, Ranaudo, Webster.

 

They will compliment these guys with veterans like Pedroia, Ortiz, Napoli, Lackey, Buchholz, etc etc. But have no doubt, what the Sox are doing right now is building a new core of players.

I don't think they will work in more than half of those guys next year, because they know that would result in sub .500 last place team. They will not let that happen. Why are people fixated on us getting Joc Pederson? Are we negotiating to get him? Also, Webster is not major league material. He doesn't have the command. There will be new veterans on the team next season. You can bank on that.

[SoxFanForsyth]

I don't think they will work in more than half of those guys next year, because they know that would result in sub .500 last place team. They will not let that happen. Why are people fixated on us getting Joc Pederson? Are we negotiating to get him? Also, Webster is not major league material. He doesn't have the command. There will be new veterans on the team next season. You can bank on that.

 

Webster's command has improved significantly this year. 3.25 BB.9 this year.

 

Joc Pederson is the main trade target if the Sox sell Lester and he goes to the Dodgers, who would make a lot of sense. Pederson is a power hitting outfielder, which is what the Sox need.

 

And half of those players won't be on the team next year? They absolutely will.

 

I don't understand why you don't think prospects take time to adjust to MLB caliber pitching. I guarantee you would have said the same thing about Rubby De La Rosa at the beginning of this year, that he's not an MLB pitcher. He had a tough outing last outing, but other than that he's been excellent.

 

It takes these kids a bit to adjust, and that's fine. You absorb the lumps on the front end and get cost controlled talent for 5 years on the back end. It's how you build sustained success.

 

You can't just go trade for Adrian Gonzalez and sign Carl Crawford and Josh Beckett because those deals that either don't work out at all or are horrible on the back end.

 

I can, however, see them trading for Lee and having another veteran on short years to help with this transition. If the Marlins look to deal Stanton, I can see them paying in prospects for him too, so long as Bogaerts isn't involved.

[Spudboy]

It's almost as if the Sox didn't win the world series last year.

 

What does that have to do with building a contending team in the near future??? I don't get this goodwill / honeymoon thing at all. The Sox should be competitive every year with the resources that they have at hand.

 

Last year was nice and it was unexpected. But what is on the table for 2015, 2016, 2017 and further???????

[Spudboy]

Travis Shaw?????

 

We are expecting him to be a power bat for the Sox???? OYE!

[a700hitter]

Next year it will be Owens, Swihart, Marrero, Ranaudo, Webster.

Of those guys, one maybe 2 will be worked in at the major league level. If all those guys are added in with Bradley, XB, Vasquez, Rubby And Workman, they will be at the bottom of the standings again. It ain't gonna happen.

[Spudboy]

Of those guys, one maybe 2 will be worked in at the major league level. If all those guys are added in with Bradley, XB, Vasquez, Rubby And Workman, they will be at the bottom of the standings again. It ain't gonna happen.

 

Webster sucks and we will all be reminded of this when he starts in Tampa Sunday.

 

Swihart has never played above AA so to say that he will be with the big boys in 2015 is kind of a stretch. Maybe he makes an appearance after half a season in Pawtucket but probably no sooner.

 

Marrero is still learning to hit in Pawtucket and there is no assurance that he will be ready for the bigs in 2015. Right now he is just another Iglasias in the waiting with outstanding D at SS and little else.

 

Owens may make the leap but to count on him for 30/200 in 2015 is crazy.

 

Ranaudo most likely will get a shot late this season and depending on what he shows, may be in the rotation next year.

 

I don't swallow the hype koolaid on the Sox prospects.

 

A700 is right, the Sox will acquire some MLB vets by next spring.

[a700hitter]

Webster is starting this weekend? What about Workman or even Doubront.

[Spudboy]

Webster is starting this weekend? What about Workman Meven Doubront.

 

Ask the Sox!!! I just read on boston.com that Webster will start in Tampa tomorrow. Maybe Workman is not lined up for a start? I have no idea what they are thinking about Pawn Filix. Maybe they just want him for mid and long relief now?

[Palodios]

Ask the Sox!!! I just read on boston.com that Webster will start in Tampa tomorrow. Maybe Workman is not lined up for a start? I have no idea what they are thinking about Pawn Filix. Maybe they just want him for mid and long relief now?

 

We're at the point in the season where we will start to see prospects play. So far, Webster has dominated AAA and sucked in the majors. Maybe he doesn't have what it takes to play in this league, but this is the best time to figure out if he can or cannot.

[Station 13]

Ask the Sox!!! I just read on boston.com that Webster will start in Tampa tomorrow. Maybe Workman is not lined up for a start? I have no idea what they are thinking about Pawn Filix. Maybe they just want him for mid and long relief now?

 

Workman last pitch on Thursday.

[seabeachfred]

Brian Johnson really underrated prospect went 7IP 1H 0R 3B 12K, improve to 9-2, him and Owens leads the AA team to 67 victories.

 

Swihart picks up 3H on the night, his average to .304, he has 11HR

 

Ranaudo went 6IP 3H 0R 2BB 4K, he has been dominating since May 1st.

 

Betts also had a big night, collecting 4 hits.

 

We all ask why the hell are they stuck in the minors? Shouldn't Peavy, Doubront, Buccholz been shown the doors already?

 

Station---you heard it here first my friend. If we can slot both Vazquez and Swihart into the same lineup that would be fine but if we have to keep one it has to be Blake and not Christian. Swihart can hit and hit with some power and he is getting better all the time. Hitting might be a problem for Christian, BUT with some of the turds we have currently playing we should be able to get both of them in the lineup somewhere. I also see they are down on Cecchini because he is having some growing problems this season but the kid can hit. He is a potential 300 hitter and will get his stroke and hitting shoes back. We need to keep him too. And it is about time to move X back to shortstop. Now there is the problem for us. He has been a real disappointment this season. Can he play in Boston? Can he take the pressure? Does he have the makeup? That's what worries me.

[seabeachfred]

Webster's command has improved significantly this year. 3.25 BB.9 this year.

 

Joc Pederson is the main trade target if the Sox sell Lester and he goes to the Dodgers, who would make a lot of sense. Pederson is a power hitting outfielder, which is what the Sox need.

 

And half of those players won't be on the team next year? They absolutely will.

 

I don't understand why you don't think prospects take time to adjust to MLB caliber pitching. I guarantee you would have said the same thing about Rubby De La Rosa at the beginning of this year, that he's not an MLB pitcher. He had a tough outing last outing, but other than that he's been excellent.

 

It takes these kids a bit to adjust, and that's fine. You absorb the lumps on the front end and get cost controlled talent for 5 years on the back end. It's how you build sustained success.

 

You can't just go trade for Adrian Gonzalez and sign Carl Crawford and Josh Beckett because those deals that either don't work out at all or are horrible on the back end.

 

I can, however, see them trading for Lee and having another veteran on short years to help with this transition. If the Marlins look to deal Stanton, I can see them paying in prospects for him too, so long as Bogaerts isn't involved.

 

Bogaerts?????? That's one guy I hope is in any deal the Red Sox make. He has shown he cannot hit with runners on base, he cannot field worth s*** either at short or at third, his average is cratering down to the 220's and in my honest opinion he may not have the make-up to play in Boston. I may be as wrong as I can be but I see with my own eyes a total ineptness from this guy. Now maybe next season he will come around, but correct me if I'm wrong, but he ne ver dominated in any minor league he played in. He is having severe growing pains and I have some real doubts if he is ever going to be the ballplayer you and so many others think he will be. Remember, I accused him way back in April of being a potential choker and caught s*** for it from some of the people who no longer post here much. Let me finish and say I just have deep reservations about Xander and let it go with that.

[SoxFanForsyth]

Bogaerts?????? That's one guy I hope is in any deal the Red Sox make. He has shown he cannot hit with runners on base, he cannot field worth s*** either at short or at third, his average is cratering down to the 220's and in my honest opinion he may not have the make-up to play in Boston. I may be as wrong as I can be but I see with my own eyes a total ineptness from this guy. Now maybe next season he will come around, but correct me if I'm wrong, but he ne ver dominated in any minor league he played in. He is having severe growing pains and I have some real doubts if he is ever going to be the ballplayer you and so many others think he will be. Remember, I accused him way back in April of being a potential choker and caught s*** for it from some of the people who no longer post here much. Let me finish and say I just have deep reservations about Xander and let it go with that.

 

Bogaerts is slumping, no doubt about it, but he's showing signs of life coming out of the ASB. He's proven all he can prove in the minors, and he's adjusting to big league pitching.

 

He's only 21 years old, keep that in mind. Most 21 year olds are in A ball. He'll make his adjustments and go on an absolute tear like he did earlier.

 

It is too far away to make any kind of a bet, but I would love to make a bet with you that your reservations on Xander are completely unneeded.

[Palodios]

Henry Owens promoted to AAA.

[Spudboy]

Henry Owens promoted to AAA.

 

This is good news. He was dominating AA.

[Palodios]

So remember that Edwin Escobar guy we got a week ago? 22 year old, was a top 100 guy, got shelled in PCL.

 

First start in Pawtucket: 6IP, 1 ER, 5K, 1BB.

[Station 13]

Swihart promoted to AAA, catching Owens 1st AAA start too. Owens 1st inning 3K

[seabeachfred]

Swihart promoted to AAA, catching Owens 1st AAA start too. Owens 1st inning 3K

 

Station, this will no doubt cause a hell of a stir on this board but in my opinion Blake Swihart must be one of two prospects we do NOT trade under any circumstances. The other is Henry Owens. Swihart is solid defensive catcher with a good arm, calls a good game, and most important is a solid hitter with pretty good power and is getting better all the time. If we can place both he and Vazquez in the same lineup with Blake playing first or the outfield, then fine. But if we have to keep one of them Swihart is the guy. I'm higher on him than any other prospect we have. I watched a film on him on Red Sox.com when he signed and from both sides of the plate he looked like a polished young hitter then. Cherington, don't you trade this guy.

[Station 13]

I have no worries about Owens getting traded. This organization isn't exactly pitching deep with top rotation arms.

 

Update: 3IP 7K

[SoxFanForsyth]

Station, this will no doubt cause a hell of a stir on this board but in my opinion Blake Swihart must be one of two prospects we do NOT trade under any circumstances. The other is Henry Owens. Swihart is solid defensive catcher with a good arm, calls a good game, and most important is a solid hitter with pretty good power and is getting better all the time. If we can place both he and Vazquez in the same lineup with Blake playing first or the outfield, then fine. But if we have to keep one of them Swihart is the guy. I'm higher on him than any other prospect we have. I watched a film on him on Red Sox.com when he signed and from both sides of the plate he looked like a polished young hitter then. Cherington, don't you trade this guy.

 

If the White Sox said "Henry Owens and Blake Swihart for Chris Sale", would you still say no?

 

I'm with you - these guys look like studs. Absolute studs. Jim Callis of MLB Pipeline (and formerly of BA) says Swihart is the closest thing to Buster Posey since Buster Posey. All that guy does is put up MVP numbers annually from a the C slot.

 

I would deal Swihart if and only if we got an absolute, unmitigated superstar.

 

EDIT: I should mention - I also put Mookie Betts in this class.

Edited August 5, 2014 by SoxFanForsyth

[Station 13]

Excellent AAA debut for Owens

 

6.2IP 0R, 2H, 3B/9K

[seabeachfred]

If the White Sox said "Henry Owens and Blake Swihart for Chris Sale", would you still say no?

 

I'm with you - these guys look like studs. Absolute studs. Jim Callis of MLB Pipeline (and formerly of BA) says Swihart is the closest thing to Buster Posey since Buster Posey. All that guy does is put up MVP numbers annually from a the C slot.

 

I would deal Swihart if and only if we got an absolute, unmitigated superstar.

 

EDIT: I should mention - I also put Mookie Betts in this class.

 

Let me be frank SFF, very frank. Mookie Betts may be in that class but he needs to play and he needs to play center field and he needs to play out there tomorrow, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and through the weekend---and if he plays well as I suspect he will, he needs to stay in that damn lineup while Bradley either rides the pine or is sent down finally and utterly. Mook cannot develop being jerked in an out of the lineup because our addled manager and blundering GM have this love affair with a guy who has proven conclusively that he cannot hit and that has been proven with a major size sample. So as far as Mookie is concerned I totally agree with you.

[Station 13]

http://cdn.fangraphs.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/vazquezzone.png

 

Vazquez is one hell of a framer.

 

Swihart could end up playing somewhere else.

[seabeachfred]

http://cdn.fangraphs.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/vazquezzone.png

 

Vazquez is one hell of a framer.

 

Swihart could end up playing somewhere else.

 

Swihart had not better play somewhere else if the Red Sox know what's good for them. Maybe another position but he cannot be traded off. He is a solid prospect who unlike Bogaerts who is a choker and very fragile mentally and Bradley who simply stinks with a bat in his hands, Blake has all the tools and like Mookie is a solid enough prospect that we can ill afford to lose talents like this.

[SoxFanForsyth]

http://cdn.fangraphs.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/vazquezzone.png

 

Vazquez is one hell of a framer.

 

Swihart could end up playing somewhere else.

 

That article was phenomenal.

[Station 13]

Brian Johnson with another gem:

 

8IP 3H 0R 5K

 

lower his ERA to 1.89

[example1]

That article was phenomenal.

 

Yes it was a phenomenal article. Apparently he's one of the best receivers in the game already.

 

It's a tough call between Vazquez and Swihart. I suppose with both of them cost-controlled maybe the Sox can keep both and have their catching tandem for the next 6 years. Swihart could be saved by moving him to other positions. Giving him up could be like moving Hanley + for Beckett: a move that we all liked because Beckett was a stud, but tough in the end because, well, so was Hanley (and Anibel). Then again, the depth would allow it because Vazquez could be a valuable catcher for many years. And adding Stanton would be pretty awesome.

[SoxFanForsyth]

Yes it was a phenomenal article. Apparently he's one of the best receivers in the game already.

 

It's a tough call between Vazquez and Swihart. I suppose with both of them cost-controlled maybe the Sox can keep both and have their catching tandem for the next 6 years. Swihart could be saved by moving him to other positions. Giving him up could be like moving Hanley + for Beckett: a move that we all liked because Beckett was a stud, but tough in the end because, well, so was Hanley (and Anibel). Then again, the depth would allow it because Vazquez could be a valuable catcher for many years. And adding Stanton would be pretty awesome.

 

Yeah I think we've reached the point where, if we did move Swihart, it's not going to be for some role player or above average player. If he gets moved, it's going to be for a superstar (Tulo, Stanton, Sale). Like you said - bittersweet, but to get someone like those guys I mentioned, it's gotta hurt you to give up those prospects.