2016 Prospects Thread

[Station 13]

Fangraphs recently posted the Red Sox top prospects, their ranking are quite different than BA or SP.

 

1. Andrew Benintendi, OF

2. Yoan Moncada, 2B

3. Anderson Espinoza, RHP

4. Rafael Devers, 3B

5. Brian Johnson, LHP

6. Michael Kopech, RHP

7. Mauricio Dubon, 2B/SS

8. Deven Marrero, SS

9. Michael Chavis, 3B

10. Luis Alexander Basabe, OF

 

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/evaluating-the-2016-prospects-boston-red-sox/

[User Name]

Benintendi over Moncada? That is really really surprising.

[cp176]

that is different - obviously he is still the real deal - based on the number of errors he committed last year, it wasn't a stretch to think that he still has some work to do. that is the first time that i have seen anything written about his footwork though

.

[Station 13]

Moncada might be similar to Bogaerts, takes a while for him to figure the MLB stage. Benintenti seems to be taking the Betts progression, he won't need much time to assimilate. Personally, I feel Benintenti is better because of that trait. Edited January 13, 2016 by Station 13

[User Name]

I don't think that's a logical assesment. Faster development doesn't mean better ceiling. Also, Moncada plays at a MIF position. All things being equal, Moncada would be more valuable because of position.

[cp176]

I wonder if that is the best place for him. We have heard that he wants to be an infielder and specifically a second baseman. it might be better for him (maybe not us) if he was in the outfield.

[cp176]

Brian Johnson says that he is healthy as in 100% and ready to go. I could not be happier. He is my sleeper pick. He knows how to pitch. Buchholz, Kelly have attractive potential that we hope will morph into someone who can stay healthy and actually last for at least most of the season. Owens is tall and might be decent. Wright has an ever improving knuckleball. Johnson can just pitch. Nice curve, works fast etc. If he does in fact stay healthy, I am betting on him being in our regular rotation by June or July. I think that he will stay for a while as well.

[a700hitter]

Brian Johnson says that he is healthy as in 100% and ready to go. I could not be happier. He is my sleeper pick. He knows how to pitch. Buchholz, Kelly have attractive potential that we hope will morph into someone who can stay healthy and actually last for at least most of the season. Owens is tall and might be decent. Wright has an ever improving knuckleball. Johnson can just pitch. Nice curve, works fast etc. If he does in fact stay healthy, I am betting on him being in our regular rotation by June or July. I think that he will stay for a while as well.

When I watched him pitch, his curve ball was reminiscent of Bruce Hurst's.

[cp176]

Good to see Moncada, Vasquez, and Barnes already south getting ready for the spring.

[cp176]

Just saying here that Sam Travis = hitting machine. Not a lot of power but the kid can hit.

[cp176]

Good news for Vasquez - Looks like he will be ready for the spring.

[cp176]

I like John Farrell but he does make me uneasy. Most of us would have bet that Swihart would be our opening day catcher but to make that statement right now before camp starts seems too early. There is nothing wrong with players competing for spots. No one really knows what kind of physical shape Vasquez will be in come the latter part of February. Come to think of it, a healthy Hannigan isn't the worst thing that could happen. Farrell has a history of doing things like this as well as his tendency to hang on to players long after it becomes apparent that they can no longer get the job done. it is good news for Swihart but I think it could have waited another month or so. Maybe just to have him think that he needs to earn the job.

[Kimmi]

I like John Farrell but he does make me uneasy. Most of us would have bet that Swihart would be our opening day catcher but to make that statement right now before camp starts seems too early. There is nothing wrong with players competing for spots. No one really knows what kind of physical shape Vasquez will be in come the latter part of February. Come to think of it, a healthy Hannigan isn't the worst thing that could happen. Farrell has a history of doing things like this as well as his tendency to hang on to players long after it becomes apparent that they can no longer get the job done. it is good news for Swihart but I think it could have waited another month or so. Maybe just to have him think that he needs to earn the job.

 

I can see it both ways. On the one hand, there's nothing wrong with having to compete for the job, as you said. On the other hand, there's something to be said for giving the kid a vote of confidence. In this particular case, Swihart knows that Vazquez will be waiting in the wings. Knowing that, Swihart is going to compete hard anyway.

 

As far as Farrell hanging on to a player too long, Dombrowski made a comment today regarding Hanley showing a sense of urgency. IMO, Dombrowski will not allow Farrell to hang on to any struggling player, not just Hanley, for too long.

[cp176]

I do think that it is just a matter of personal preference and the way you approach things. I learned over the years to be very careful with how I worded things. I think that Farrell would be better off in the long run if he said less and made fewer statements that seem like promises. Calling Kelly and telling him not to worry about being traded. Telling Swihart before spring training starts that he is going to be your opening day starter. These sound like good things but sometimes words come back to haunt a person to easily. Even though Swihart starting might seem obvious, you really never know and my feeling is the less said the better. I think that you are right about Dombrowski. I hope you are. In addition, I would add that if when Vasquez is ready, he will be our number one catcher. If the plan is to keep Swihart, it only makes sense to get him working in an additional position. I don't see him as a backup catcher at all.

[cp176]

Brad Inglis - 18 yrs. old . 6'4" with a big body just signed with the Sox. Hard throwing kid from Australia.

[cp176]

http://www.providencejournal.com/article/20160222/SPORTS/160229820/SHARED/st_refDomain=t.co&st_refQuery=/1v3lwSj5i2

 

I really like what they are doing. It makes a lot of sense. Also looks like this kid will in the outfield very soon. Betts, Benintendi, and pick one from the illustrious list that we currently have. Those two could be fixtures for a long time. If JBJ hits, what an incredibly athletic outfield. Defensively and offensively.

[Spudboy]

I liked what Farrell had to say.

 

He really belongs in player development. Just my opinion! It will be a shame to lose him if the Sox falter this season. He may not be the best choice for managing the Sox but losing a good baseball man weakens any team.

[cp176]

I liked what Farrell had to say.

 

He really belongs in player development. Just my opinion! It will be a shame to lose him if the Sox falter this season. He may not be the best choice for managing the Sox but losing a good baseball man weakens any team.

 

Absolutely right in my opinion. You find jobs for people like John Farrell. I hope as we all do that we win the world series this year. Regardless, Farrell is a good person who strengthens people around him. I'm with you on this one for sure.

[cp176]

Kopech broke his hand in altercation with a teammate - really. What's with this guy?

[Station 13]

Seriously he needs some help. 1 more strike and he is kaput if he isn't already.

[User Name]

Kopech is a numbskull. Hopefully they can help him with his maturity issues.

[Kimmi]

Kopech is a numbskull. Hopefully they can help him with his maturity issues.

 

It never ceases to amaze me when someone who has a golden opportunity like Kopech has can behave so irresponsibly. It's not only immaturity, but also arrogance.

[Spudboy]

It never ceases to amaze me when someone who has a golden opportunity like Kopech has can behave so irresponsibly. It's not only immaturity, but also arrogance.

 

I suspect bad parenting.

 

The kid probably was not taught proper values, etc.

[Kimmi]

I suspect bad parenting.

 

The kid probably was not taught proper values, etc.

 

Bad parenting is the root of many problems.

[Station 13]

The Sox sent righthander Michael Kopech back to Boston to get his broken right hand examined by a specialist, Dr. Matthew Leibman. Kopech broke his hand during a fight with his spring training roommate earlier this week.

 

According to Farrell, Kopech would be out only three weeks if he has a non-displaced fracture. A displaced fracture would require surgery to insert a pin and keep him out six weeks.

 

“He’ll be pitching this season,” Farrell said.

-Boston Globe

 

Let's hope he is only out 3 weeks vs 6.

[Station 13]

update:

 

Prospect Michael Kopech, the 19-year-old righthander who suffered a broken bone in a fight with his teammate, underwent a procedure in Boston on Tuesday to insert a screw into his right hand to stabilize the fracture, according to a major league source.

 

He’s expected to be sidelined for approximately six weeks before he can start preparing for the season, meaning that the earliest he would pitch for a Red Sox minor league affiliate would be mid- to late-May.

- Boston Globe

[Kimmi]

update:

 

- Boston Globe

 

I think the bigger issue with Kopech is his attitude and maturity. This is strike 2 against him. I understand that he's only 19, but there are hundreds of other young prospects and they have enough maturity and common sense not to behave like this.

[jacksonianmarch]

He's an idiot. He's also 19. His talent will brush away the demons if he shows he is talented enough. Time will tell

[cp176]

His behavior to date has been moronic for sure but there but "for the grace of God" go most of us. The illegal substance useage concerns me a lot more than a 19 year old getting into a fistfight with a friend. It is the beginning of a pattern that for sure no one wants to see continued but i think his youth entitles him to at least a little understanding. Is he stupid or untouchable. I don't know the answer to that one but stupid you learn to deal with. Uncoachable not so much.

[cp176]

I probably advocate for these young guys more than I should but I like young hard working players. I yapped a lot about Marco Hernandez last year. He just keeps on digging. I like him more than Marrero right now. Sam Travis - enough said.