2016 Prospects Thread

[a700hitter]

Yikes - Wasn't prepared for what I saw in Portland. There really isn't a whole lot there. I was surprised to see Dubon at short. I haven't been paying attention. I think that he will be a nice player but he has a lot of growing to do. He looks years away from the the big time. Benintendi is obviously gifted - very smooth with great range in the field. He is very fluid at the plate and is a contact hitter. Personally I wish that he looked just a little more enthusiastic to be here. I also did not realize how small he is. He looks more like a marathoner than a big time major league prospect.

Moncada sadly did not play but physically he definitely stands out. His body looks major league ready right now.

 

My first impression tells me that out of this group, you have to try to keep Moncada. Wish I had seen him play but he has a powerful body at a young age. he has done some serious work already.

I was surprised when I saw Benintendi. He is short and slight. He makes Betts look like a power lifter.

[Emp9]

Yeah, Benny is only 5' 10" ppl. I'd try not to judge a book by it's cover.

[cp176]

Yeah, Benny is only 5' 10" ppl. I'd try not to judge a book by it's cover.

 

No one is guilty of doing that. Bottom line - he might be 5'10" I guess maybe but he is a pant load away from 180. No judging at all here just stating obvious observations. You have your opinion for sure and I'm stating what I saw. Like I have said earlier, if trading him would help to bring us a great young pitching prospect, I would do it yesterday.

[cp176]

I was surprised when I saw Benintendi. He is short and slight. He makes Betts look like a power lifter.

 

 

Betts is compact and solid - Benintendi doesn't look to be that.

[moonslav59]

So, how good of a pitcher can we get for Benintendi, Swihart, Devers and Kopech/Dubon/Lakins?

[Spudboy]

So, how good of a pitcher can we get for Benintendi, Swihart, Devers and Kopech/Dubon/Lakins?

 

That would come down to who is available and what the needs are of the trading partner.

 

That is a big price to pay. Too much, in my opinion.

[moonslav59]

That would come down to who is available and what the needs are of the trading partner.

 

That is a big price to pay. Too much, in my opinion.

 

Until we get a name, it's hard to say "too much", but I agree, the package is a hefty one, so it better be a top quality pitcher with several years of team control.

[Jack Flap]

Aaron Wilkerson: 7 IP, 4 H, 0 BB, 2 R, 8 K last night.

2.00 ERA/1.01 WHIP between Portland and Pawtucket this year.

 

He is 27, signed out of an independent league in 2014 -- not really a prospect, but he's pitched well at every level so far and seems worthy of a shot in Boston. We're well into "f*** it, who else do we have?" territory at this point.

[Jack Flap]

Until we get a name, it's hard to say "too much", but I agree, the package is a hefty one, so it better be a top quality pitcher with several years of team control.

 

Benintendi and Devers are top 20 prospects in the game. Swihart is a very recent top 20 prospect whose stock has fallen somewhat, but who is still quite young. Kopech is a top 100 guy and our second best pitching prospect who really hasn't pitched in a year. I would have no real qualms about giving up Lakins or Dubon at this time, but I'd be very wary of selling low on Swihart and Kopech. We might even be selling low on Devers, given that his box score results have not exactly matched his talent thus far.

 

For a package like that, I think we'd better be getting a young ace in his pre-arb years, or with 3+ years of reasonably-priced control beyond 2016 -- think Chris Sale-level -- and even then it would be pretty painful.

Edited June 28, 2016 by Jack Flap

[Hugh2]

New Soxprospects podcast out. Mandatory listen if you are prospect loving folk, you can listen here but you might find it more convenient to download on stitcher or itunes.

http://soxprospects.com/podcast/index.htm

[mvp 78]

New Soxprospects podcast out. Mandatory listen if you are prospect loving folk, you can listen here but you might find it more convenient to download on stitcher or itunes.

http://soxprospects.com/podcast/index.htm

 

Didn't know this existed. Thank you for posting.

[Hugh2]

Didn't know this existed. Thank you for posting.

 

You're welcome, they have great stuff, and they release one about every month. They also have guests scouts from ESPN, MLB.com, Baseball America and others on their show too at times.

[User Name]

There goes any productivity I may have mustered at work today. My boss thanks you Hugh.

[Jack Flap]

The Red Sox placed minor league righthander Chris Acosta on the restricted list, according to multiple major league sources.

 

Acosta, whom the Red Sox signed out of the Dominican Republic for a $1.5 million bonus in July 2014 based on a three-pitch mix that suggested the potential to start in the big leagues, went 1-4 with a 4.28 ERA, 22 strikeouts, and five walks in 33⅔ innings in the Dominican Summer League in his pro debut in 2015.

 

The next step for the 18-year-old would typically be an assignment with a short-season affiliate in the United States. However, according to the sources, Acosta got in trouble at the Red Sox’ extended spring training facility in Fort Myers, Fla. He left Florida for the Dominican without permission, resulting in the placement on the restricted list, which prevents him from pitching for another team or in another league. Since returning to the Dominican, he has not fulfilled the team’s request that he report to its Dominican academy.

 

The restricted list amounts to a team-imposed suspension that can be lifted at the club’s discretion if Acosta reports. According to one source, he does not intend to quit baseball.

 

http://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/redsox/2016/06/28/red-sox-minor-leaguer-chris-acosta-suspended/LRs2C17gA4e50iOvSPCPPJ/story.html

[moonslav59]

Benintendi and Devers are top 20 prospects in the game. Swihart is a very recent top 20 prospect whose stock has fallen somewhat, but who is still quite young. Kopech is a top 100 guy and our second best pitching prospect who really hasn't pitched in a year. I would have no real qualms about giving up Lakins or Dubon at this time, but I'd be very wary of selling low on Swihart and Kopech. We might even be selling low on Devers, given that his box score results have not exactly matched his talent thus far.

 

For a package like that, I think we'd better be getting a young ace in his pre-arb years, or with 3+ years of reasonably-priced control beyond 2016 -- think Chris Sale-level -- and even then it would be pretty painful.

 

I don't think Swihart's stock has fallen other than maybe a short-term injury concern.

 

I'm jst about done hoping a Sox pitching prospect ever makes it big, and with Kopech's attitude issues, I have no issues trading him.

 

I love Devers, but I see Moncada as taking the next available IF position that opens up, and then holding it for 18 years.

[Hugh2]

I don't think Swihart's stock has fallen other than maybe a short-term injury concern.

 

I'm jst about done hoping a Sox pitching prospect ever makes it big, and with Kopech's attitude issues, I have no issues trading him.

 

I love Devers, but I see Moncada as taking the next available IF position that opens up, and then holding it for 18 years.

 

Moncada is easily closer than Devers, he's older and more polished and more athletic. Devers still has a huge ceiling with all star bat potential but I agree that Moncada takes that position (probably 3B) but I wouldn't completely rule him out of the outfield (not likely on this team). I can see Devers taking over at 3B if Moncada is trade bait or something else happens. I can also see him moving to 1B 2-3 years down the road, however he could also be trade bait.

 

DD has a history of trading elite prospects, but the good news is he's pretty good about getting elite players back for them.

[moonslav59]

I could see Moncada in LF and Devers at 3B in 2-4 years, but we could also see Moncada or Devers at 1B. How well Benintendi does may force that hand.

[Hugh2]

I could see Moncada in LF and Devers at 3B in 2-4 years, but we could also see Moncada or Devers at 1B. How well Benintendi does may force that hand.

 

I don't. Moncada is a much much better athlete with more defensive potential, anything is possibly but I'd be very surprised to see both these guys on the same team with Moncada pushed to the outfield.

 

Benintendi could force the hand but my guess is best case scenario he is up in Pawtucket by August and may get a cup of coffee in September.

[moonslav59]

I don't. Moncada is a much much better athlete with more defensive potential, anything is possibly but I'd be very surprised to see both these guys on the same team with Moncada pushed to the outfield.

 

Benintendi could force the hand but my guess is best case scenario he is up in Pawtucket by August and may get a cup of coffee in September.

 

From what I've heard, Moncada has the tools to be a plus defender but is still far from plus at 2B, the position he has played for quite a while. How long would it take him to pass Shaw or Devers on defense at 3B? (Maybe too long.)

 

It's not like plus skills in LF are wasted either.

[moonslav59]

What's the latest on signing our 1st round pick?

[Bellhorn04]

What's the latest on signing our 1st round pick?

 

Stories from a couple days ago say the two sides are far apart in negotiations. Not very encouraging.

[moonslav59]

Stories from a couple days ago say the two sides are far apart in negotiations. Not very encouraging.

 

Yikes!

 

I guess that would mean wait till next year.

[Jack Flap]

It's not time to worry yet...the signing deadline is 7/15, and it wouldn't be surprising if this went down to the wire, but both sides have a lot of reasons to get a deal done. We're not likely to get a crack at drafting a talent like Groome in the near future, and he'd be stupid to turn down ~$4 million and risk becoming the next Karston Whitson.

[Hugh2]

From what I've heard, Moncada has the tools to be a plus defender but is still far from plus at 2B, the position he has played for quite a while. How long would it take him to pass Shaw or Devers on defense at 3B? (Maybe too long.)

 

It's not like plus skills in LF are wasted either.

 

He just turned 21 a month ago and was out of baseball for over a year, so it's not like he's played it for "quite some time" like a 30 year old ss.

 

Also according to many scouts he's taken a very large leap this year on his defense at second.

 

Lastly, his defense isn't elite due to things like "consistency" which is common for someone raw and undeveloped. He has the range, arm, athleticism and instincts of an elite defender. You can't teach those last things, you teach someone fundamentals and develop consistency however. also many scouts see a move to CF/3B if he moves off of position, and while LF isn't as wasteful as 1B it's still a waste for someone of his talents.

 

Again, I doubt we see him in LF.

[Hugh2]

I highly doubt the news is ever going to be "we're very close to signing, on the verge but we just want another 5K or 400K" high profile signings always go to the deadline. The Sox are notorious for signing their higher picks right up against the deadline.

 

I think it's still much more likely than not he signs.

[moonslav59]

He just turned 21 a month ago and was out of baseball for over a year, so it's not like he's played it for "quite some time" like a 30 year old ss.

 

Also according to many scouts he's taken a very large leap this year on his defense at second.

 

Lastly, his defense isn't elite due to things like "consistency" which is common for someone raw and undeveloped. He has the range, arm, athleticism and instincts of an elite defender. You can't teach those last things, you teach someone fundamentals and develop consistency however. also many scouts see a move to CF/3B if he moves off of position, and while LF isn't as wasteful as 1B it's still a waste for someone of his talents.

 

Again, I doubt we see him in LF.

 

Great points. I also think that Devers is far enough away from the bigs, that Moncada will have an ample chance to establish himself as our 3bman before a choice needs to be made between him and Devers. By then, maybe Devers or Moncada might be considered as our next long term 1Bman or LF'er.,

[moonslav59]

It's not time to worry yet...the signing deadline is 7/15, and it wouldn't be surprising if this went down to the wire, but both sides have a lot of reasons to get a deal done. We're not likely to get a crack at drafting a talent like Groome in the near future, and he'd be stupid to turn down ~$4 million and risk becoming the next Karston Whitson.

 

If we don't sign him, don't we get an equal pick next year? Wouldn't that, in theory, give us another chance to draft a guy like Groome then?

 

Who knows, the way we are playing riaght now, we may have two high picks in the next draft.

 

Isn't next year's draft supposed to be better & deeper?

[Hugh2]

Great points. I also think that Devers is far enough away from the bigs, that Moncada will have an ample chance to establish himself as our 3bman before a choice needs to be made between him and Devers. By then, maybe Devers or Moncada might be considered as our next long term 1Bman or LF'er.,

 

Well, left field isn't THAT far fetched but at this point 1B seems highly improbable for Moncada. Unless he turns into a balloon but can still hit I think he'd be traded before he ever touches first base in this organization. He's not just really good at baseball, he's an ELITE talent on just pure athleticism. IDK I could be wrong but I'd be pretty comfortable betting my first born child on that.

 

Have you ever seen him Moon? If I'm not mistaken you are close to the Portland area no? so you should go check him out. The guy is so built he really stands apart on the field.

 

Funny to see him stand next to Benintendi who looks like the skinniest guy on earth next to him yet he has some really big deceiving power. That's what strong wrists and bat speed will do for you!!!

[Hugh2]

If we don't sign him, don't we get an equal pick next year? Wouldn't that, in theory, give us another chance to draft a guy like Groome then?

 

Who knows, the way we are playing riaght now, we may have two high picks in the next draft.

 

Isn't next year's draft supposed to be better & deeper?

 

Yes/No

 

We get the #13 pick next year if we fail to sign him along with our other 1st round pick. Guys like Groome fall, but it's very rare that a guy who was rated the #1-3 prospect by every scouting source on talent pre draft falls that far. It would be highly unlikely someone as talented as him falls.

 

The 13th pick is consolidation enough to not blow up their draft the next two years for Groome, but I think they are going to make a serious push for him.

 

They haven't signed all 1-10 yet, Groomes team could be posturing in the hopes that the Sox try to save as much money on other picks to give to him.

 

Think of it this way, If Groome turns down 4 million he'd be turning down the 2nd highest offer ever turned down to re-enter the draft in a much deeper draft and even though he still might be top 10 talent a LOT can happen. He has a rookie agent, this guy is probably just posturing and trying to make a name for himself. If he signs Groome to anything above slot he looks like a hero.

[cp176]

Well, left field isn't THAT far fetched but at this point 1B seems highly improbable for Moncada. Unless he turns into a balloon but can still hit I think he'd be traded before he ever touches first base in this organization. He's not just really good at baseball, he's an ELITE talent on just pure athleticism. IDK I could be wrong but I'd be pretty comfortable betting my first born child on that.

 

Have you ever seen him Moon? If I'm not mistaken you are close to the Portland area no? so you should go check him out. The guy is so built he really stands apart on the field.

 

Funny to see him stand next to Benintendi who looks like the skinniest guy on earth next to him yet he has some really big deceiving power. That's what strong wrists and bat speed will do for you!!!

 

Simply because I think that our minor league system seems to be a little over rated for the most part ( regardless of what the so called experts say) I'm cooling my jets just a bit but if I have seen an athlete that just looks like the next great one, it is Moncada. Like I have said over and over, Benintendi looks small compared to most of his teammates. Hope he gets to the level we all think that he can get to. Rosario, Coyle, and Romanski look solid but Moncada just once again stands out. He has the tools to be very special.