2023 Prospects

[mvp 78]

https://www.eagletribune.com/sports/the-next-robinson-cano-red-sox-prospect-valdez-boasts-similar-profile-as-his-idol/article_8b20aaa2-9bf4-11ed-8d0d-17ea55a8902d.html

 

“I believe I’m ready,” Valdez said through a translator. “Whether it’s up the middle or in the outfield, regardless of where it is I want to impact the game and pay off for the organization.”

 

Originally signed by the Houston Astros as an international free agent in 2016, Valdez broke out following the pandemic as one of the most formidable hitters in the Astros organization. He’s posted back-to-back seasons with more than 26 home runs, 90 RBI and an .860 OPS in the minors, and last year he set career highs with 28 homers, 107 RBI and a .918 OPS while spending two thirds of the season at Triple-A.

 

“Last year in the short stint in Worcester we saw a guy who can play a bunch of different positions, drive the ball to all fields, really exciting bat speed, power, a guy who can impact the baseball and impact the game,” said Red Sox director of player development Brian Abraham. “Someone who is an exciting player that can do a bunch of different things throughout the game.”

 

The knock on Valdez is that he doesn’t really have a defensive position. He was originally signed as a second baseman but has been used all over the field as the Astros and Red Sox have tried to find his best long-term home. He also hits righties much better than lefties, which could limit him to a platoon role if that doesn’t improve.

 

“Consistency at the plate, putting the bat on the ball, putting the ball in play, because when he impacts the baseball he hits the ball hard,” Abraham said. “Being able to do that on an every day basis, that’s what big leaguers do. When he’s able to get to that point I know he’ll be ready for that call, but still some work to do but I know he’s excited for it.”

 

Valdez will likely start the season at Triple-A, but given Christian Arroyo and Mondesi’s extensive injury histories there is a good bet he’ll get an opportunity at some point. Knowing that, Valdez says he’s spent the offseason working on the holes in his game so that when the time comes he’ll be ready to take full advantage of his shot.

 

“I want to be a complete player. Whether it’s on defense, running the bases, whatever ways I can help impact the game,” Valdez said. “Hopefully, god willing, the fruits of my hard work will pay off when I reach Fenway next year.”

[moonslav59]

https://www.eagletribune.com/sports/the-next-robinson-cano-red-sox-prospect-valdez-boasts-similar-profile-as-his-idol/article_8b20aaa2-9bf4-11ed-8d0d-17ea55a8902d.html

 

“I believe I’m ready,” Valdez said through a translator. “Whether it’s up the middle or in the outfield, regardless of where it is I want to impact the game and pay off for the organization.”

 

Originally signed by the Houston Astros as an international free agent in 2016, Valdez broke out following the pandemic as one of the most formidable hitters in the Astros organization. He’s posted back-to-back seasons with more than 26 home runs, 90 RBI and an .860 OPS in the minors, and last year he set career highs with 28 homers, 107 RBI and a .918 OPS while spending two thirds of the season at Triple-A.

 

“Last year in the short stint in Worcester we saw a guy who can play a bunch of different positions, drive the ball to all fields, really exciting bat speed, power, a guy who can impact the baseball and impact the game,” said Red Sox director of player development Brian Abraham. “Someone who is an exciting player that can do a bunch of different things throughout the game.”

 

The knock on Valdez is that he doesn’t really have a defensive position. He was originally signed as a second baseman but has been used all over the field as the Astros and Red Sox have tried to find his best long-term home. He also hits righties much better than lefties, which could limit him to a platoon role if that doesn’t improve.

 

“Consistency at the plate, putting the bat on the ball, putting the ball in play, because when he impacts the baseball he hits the ball hard,” Abraham said. “Being able to do that on an every day basis, that’s what big leaguers do. When he’s able to get to that point I know he’ll be ready for that call, but still some work to do but I know he’s excited for it.”

 

Valdez will likely start the season at Triple-A, but given Christian Arroyo and Mondesi’s extensive injury histories there is a good bet he’ll get an opportunity at some point. Knowing that, Valdez says he’s spent the offseason working on the holes in his game so that when the time comes he’ll be ready to take full advantage of his shot.

 

“I want to be a complete player. Whether it’s on defense, running the bases, whatever ways I can help impact the game,” Valdez said. “Hopefully, god willing, the fruits of my hard work will pay off when I reach Fenway next year.”

 

Many feel Abreu was the better of the two in the Vaz return, but this kid can hit!

[mvp 78]

https://www.milb.com/player/skylar-arias-670404

 

The Red Sox signed left-hander Skylar Arias to a minor-league contract for the 2023 season, per the club’s transaction’s log. He will be assigned to Double-A Portland and he awaits his spring training date assignment.

 

Arias comes to organization drawing comparisons to another big time left-hander in Chris Sale. While playing at Tallahassee Community College, his coaches compared his delivery to that of Sale’s.

 

“I think it’s pretty cool. To be compared to someone who’s had success at the highest level for such a long time,” said Arias.

 

“That’s kind of been my comparison for awhile now. I don’t see it but maybe the arm slot and we both throw weird.”

 

The new Red Sox minor leaguer offers a three pitches in his repertoire, a low-90s fastball, low 80s slider and low-to-mid 80s changeup according to Baseball America.

 

“He has an unusual four-seam fastball that’s heavy with side spin, but lacks hop, moving almost like a sinker from a flat vertical approach angle. This allows the pitch to play above his below-average velocity.

 

“His slider is far and away his go-to swing-and-miss offering, with a whiff rate above 50 percent despite accounting for a quarter of his usage. From a shape perspective his changeup may be his most intriguing pitch. It sits 82 mph with average velocity separation from his fastball. He does an excellent job of killing the lift on the pitch, which gives it plenty of tumble. It also has hellacious run,” wrote Baseball America back in December 2021.

 

Arias comes to his third organization after spending parts of seven seasons in Cleveland and the White Sox system. The Florida native is excited about his new opportunity with the Red Sox organization and is prepping for spring training.

 

“Right now I’m still waiting on a report date to spring training. The offseason has been going very well and I’m ready to get going with an awesome organization,” said Arias. “This game can be very challenging and you have to learn to enjoy the ups and downs and learn from it. I’m very excited to meet my new teammates and coaching staff.”

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

https://www.milb.com/player/skylar-arias-670404

 

The Red Sox signed left-hander Skylar Arias to a minor-league contract for the 2023 season, per the club’s transaction’s log. He will be assigned to Double-A Portland and he awaits his spring training date assignment.

 

Arias comes to organization drawing comparisons to another big time left-hander in Chris Sale. While playing at Tallahassee Community College, his coaches compared his delivery to that of Sale’s.

 

“I think it’s pretty cool. To be compared to someone who’s had success at the highest level for such a long time,” said Arias.

 

“That’s kind of been my comparison for awhile now. I don’t see it but maybe the arm slot and we both throw weird.”

 

Even me with my defective skills can read between these foul lines.

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

Bleis makes the MLB Top 100 Prospects at #93. He's one of only four 18 year-olds on the list. The only outfielder his age ahead of him is Chourio of Milwaukee (signed as a shortstop).

[mvp 78]

Even me with my defective skills can read between these foul lines.

 

I'm sure I will have completely forgotten about Arias in a few weeks.

[notin]

I'm sure I will have completely forgotten about Arias in a few weeks.

 

Who?

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

Ceddanne Rafaela came out of nowhere to land in the MLB top 100 list. He features Gold Glove defense in the outfield and the infield, but was also leading the minors in extra-base hits last summer... and not just because of his sprinting speed; he lined balls to the walls with hand-eye quickness.

 

Players make major jumps every year. Gunnar Henderson went from #64 overall to #1 in one season. Mayer is already at #9 preseason...

 

... can a guy like Miguel Bleis have a monster year and blast past him? No prospect has a higher raw power rating in the system than Bleis, including Anthony, Jordan, Hickey, Brannon, Kavadas, Binelas, Valdez, Scott. And at 170 pounds, there is still room to grow...

[moonslav59]

Ceddanne Rafaela came out of nowhere to land in the MLB top 100 list. He features Gold Glove defense in the outfield and the infield, but was also leading the minors in extra-base hits last summer... and not just because of his sprinting speed; he lined balls to the walls with hand-eye quickness.

 

Players make major jumps every year. Gunnar Henderson went from #64 overall to #1 in one season. Mayer is already at #9 preseason...

 

... can a guy like Miguel Bleis have a monster year and blast past him? No prospect has a higher raw power rating in the system than Bleis, including Anthony, Jordan, Hickey, Brannon, Kavadas, Binelas, Valdez, Scott. And at 170 pounds, there is still room to grow...

 

I think our farm is loaded with players who are poised to make a big step up in 2023. Of course, some won't.

 

We even have guys like Yorke, who maybe took a step down, last year, but who could rebound strongly and get into the top 100 by mid season of this time, next year.

 

We also just graduated Bello.

[Larry Cook]

I think our farm is loaded with players who are poised to make a big step up in 2023. Of course, some won't.

 

We even have guys like Yorke, who maybe took a step down, last year, but who could rebound strongly and get into the top 100 by mid season of this time, next year.

 

We also just graduated Bello.

 

I wonder how much Yorke’s wrist injury played into his down year.

[moonslav59]

I wonder how much Yorke’s wrist injury played into his down year.

 

We may get an answer to that in '23.

[Larry Cook]

We may get an answer to that in '23.

 

So you do not put much stock in his arizona league performance?

[moonslav59]

So you do not put much stock in his arizona league performance?

 

Not really, but I do expect him to do well in '23.

[sk7326]

https://theathletic.com/4132943/2023/01/30/top-100-mlb-prospects-2023-keith-law/

 

The Athletic rolling out Law's prospect material - from the top 100

 

11. Marcelo Mayer

 

Mayer had a tough full-season debut in 2022, as he missed a month with a sprained wrist in the first half and struggled to drive the ball for four or five weeks after he returned, and then fought through some back tightness in July that may also have hurt his power. (I saw him twice, once when he first tried to come back from the wrist sprain and wasn’t ready, and the other in the game when his back tightened up on him. Perhaps I should never try to see him again.) The good news is despite the injury troubles, he still showed an extremely advanced approach at the plate, even when he wasn’t at full strength, and finished strongly in Low A and after an early August promotion to High A, hitting .287/.435/.492 from July 1 through the end of the season. Mayer has a smooth left-handed swing that should get him to plus power when he fills out, with loft in his finish and evident hand strength already. I haven’t seen great bat speed from him, bearing in mind I am putting a rare Sicilian curse on him any time I’m in the ballpark, and he might be a high-OBP, 25+ homer guy who doesn’t hit for high averages if that’s the case. He’s a no-doubt shortstop with great actions and quick hands — at least, when I haven’t graced him with my presence and caused his vestigial organs to turn necrotic mid-play — and a plus arm. I know I haven’t seen his best, and I take responsibility for my actions. I still think he’s going to be a star.

 

37. Ceddane Rafaela

 

Rafaela is one of the smallest players on this ranking, listed at 5-8, 152 pounds, and that’s not that far off from reality, but he was the big breakout guy in Boston’s system this year after he started driving the ball a lot more often and emerged as a potential 70 or 80 defender in center. Rafaela, who was born in Curaçao, swings first and asks questions later, with a very fast bat and excellent bat control that helps him make contact even on pitches out of the zone, although it also leads to a lot of weaker contact on those same pitches. He doesn’t miss fastballs and actually hangs in there (pun intended) well on curveballs, but given how high he starts his hands, he doesn’t always have time to adjust on other pitches, and he’s going to have to start to pick them up sooner out of pitchers’ hands. His defense is elite and he’s a 70 runner as well, so he doesn’t have to hit that much to be a solid big leaguer, and he could be an above-average regular as a low-OBP, 20+ homer guy. The hope is that he improves the choices he’s making as a hitter and that he recognizes pitch types sooner with experience and reduces some of that chase to give himself a chance to be a high-average hitter and potential star on both sides of the ball.

 

40. Triston Casas

 

Casas is a boring prospect, but not in a bad way; he projects as an above-average or better regular at first base and he’s ready to take over in Fenway right now, but he doesn’t have a huge tool, no 80 power or elite defense and definitely not big speed. He’s patient, disciplined, and has very good feel to hit, with hard contact that so far has produced a ton of doubles although there’s no real reason to think he can’t put more of those balls over the fence. Casas is big and very strong; his swing makes excellent use of his upper and lower half as he rotates his hips to get more power from his legs. Boston tried him at third base but let’s just pretend that never happened. He’s a first baseman who rakes, and should be the traditional slugger for that position, hitting for some average with a ton of walks and either 40-odd doubles or 25-plus homers.

 

72. Miguel Bleis

 

Bleis is still growing into his frame, but shows exceptional ability to handle the bat, with the potential for huge power and lots of hard contact, and has a chance for every tool to end up above-average. He’s an outstanding athlete who could stay in center depending on how he fills out and whether he stays an above-average runner. Right now he’ll show big raw power, less in games, but it’s clearly coming once he gets stronger and perhaps if he cuts down on some of the extra hand movement he has before he gets the barrel moving towards the zone. He needs to be more selective at the plate, with a little more swing and miss and a little less ball/strike recognition than you’d like, but it also comes with the enormous upside. He actually would be a perfect guy for short-season ball this year if that still existed, and I won’t be shocked or too dismayed if he struggles early in Low A as an inexperienced 19-year-old. The high-average/25 homer upside is still there.

[sk7326]

So you do not put much stock in his arizona league performance?

 

AFL success is nice - but not worth overthinking. These dudes have played a whole season and are often exhausted.

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

AFL success is nice - but not worth overthinking. These dudes have played a whole season and are often exhausted.

 

So, guys that succeed should be even better after a long winter's nap.

[sk7326]

Kiley McDaniel, ESPN, Top 100 https://www.espn.com/mlb/insider/story/_/id/35490487/top-100-mlb-prospects-list-2023-kiley-mcdaniel

 

7. Marcelo Mayer

 

Reminds me of: Christian Yelich, but at shortstop

 

The easy comparison as a 6-3, lefty-hitting shortstop is Corey Seager, but I don't think Mayer has the frame or projectability to get to the Seager or Carlos Correa level of power while also playing shortstop. That's no problem, though, as Mayer is one of the best track-record shortstops in recent draft history, with scouts circling his name in their programs since early in his high school career. He held serve all the way to draft day in 2021 as a toss-up with Jordan Lawlar for best prospect in the draft. For still unclear reasons, both players slid out of the top three (Henry Davis, Jack Leiter, Jackson Jobe went with those picks and are all much lower on this list or just off of it).

 

Mayer has the choice to lean more into power or contact, but either way he will come with defensive value, like Yelich did in the outfield. I'll split the difference and call both Mayer's hit and power tools 55-grade ability (.270 with 20-25 homers), but either could also be a 60, and there are no concerns that he can post at least average defensive performances at shortstop. Mayer isn't a burner and isn't traditionally explosive in the "I'd love to see this guy at an NFL combine" way, but he has all the little baseball-specific skills that are required to be a perennial All-Star.

 

37. Triston Casas

 

Type: Similar to Anthony Rizzo at the plate, but less talented in the field.

 

Like Crow-Armstrong, Casas was well-known early in his prep career, showing plus power at the same high school that produced Eric Hosmer. He also played with current Mets 3B Mark Vientos and likely 2023 1st rounder Enrique Bradfield Jr. (Vanderbilt). Casas has held serve due to a sweet swing and an elite hit/approach/power combination that has continued to make him look like an above-average everyday player even while he has long shown little to no speed or defensive value. Like Peraza, Casas is likely to break camp with the big league team after a successful 2022 audition: I'd expect 20 homers and a strong on-base percentage in 2023

 

95. Miguel Bleis

 

Type: Explosive bat speed and big power potential, but it's early

 

Bleis is still 18 years old for another month and has been drawing buzz for his past two summers, in the Dominican Summer League in 2021 and the domestic complex league in 2022. That's only 76 pro games in total, but he was a notable amateur prospect, signing for $1.5 million in 2020, and the tools are obvious.

 

He has easy plus bat speed and power potential along with a strong sense of the strike zone for a prospect of his age. Again, it's still early as he has faced only the lowest levels of the minors, but the pieces are here. The upside is limited a bit by his average speed and likely long-term fit in right field.

 

Ceddane Rafaela is in the just missed list.

[moonslav59]

SP's has Theo Denlinger on the 2024 Rule 5 Eligibility List.

[moonslav59]

The projected Woo rotation is all on the 40:

 

(with some selected quotes from SPs)

 

Mata Will show the potential for a true four-pitch mix with two potential plus offerings. Has shown the ability to miss bats with all four pitches at various points in his career. Harnessing command of his arsenal will be key for his development.

Walter Ceiling of a mid-rotation starter. Will show a starter's arsenal with three average-or-better pitches and the ability to turn over a lineup, but does not have a typical starter's delivery. Control is already above-average-to-plus and command should get to at least average.

 

Crawford Ceiling of a high-quality swingman, capable of pitching in short or long relief outings with the occasional spot start as well. Has the potential for two above-average offerings in his fastball and curveball and a solid third pitch with his cutter, but command needs refinement.

 

Winckowski misses more bats than his changeup at this point, but still does not at a very high level. Margin for error is slim, as he has to rely on commanding his pitches and generating weak contact. To stick as a starter long-term, needs to make strides with his command and improve his slider to the point where it can be counted on as a consistent bat-missing pitch at the major league level. Can effectively tunnel his fastball, sinker, vertical slider and changeup, with all moving in similar ways, but could stand to mix in more of his cutter or a horizontal slider to give hitters a different look. Very competitive. Really thinks about pitching and is always trying to refine his craft.

 

Murphy Ceiling of a back-end starter. Lacks a standout pitch, but has three averageish pitches and a fourth that can be effective when used on occasion. Needs to improve consistency with secondary pitches and command to allow him to work deeper into games and develop into a consistent starter. Chances of starting are better now than in the past now that he has shown he can consistently get right-handed hitters out, something he really struggled with coming into 2022. Showed inconsistent ability to miss bats in 2022 and will need to show more consistency there if he is to stick as a starter.

[moonslav59]

Two fringy prospect SP'ers who may make a run at ML time in 2023 or 2024:

 

Victor Santos Potential solid organizational starter. Ceiling of an emergency up-and-down depth arm. High floor/low ceiling. Potential for two average secondary pitches, but lack of fastball potential limits ceiling. Has solid feel for pitching and an advanced command profile. Will throw strikes, but lacks put-away stuff against minor league bats and will struggle even more against more advanced hitters.

 

Shane Drohan Potential up-and-down depth arm. Ceiling of a back-end starter or, more likely, middle reliever. Athletic left-hander who will show a three-pitch mix, but needs to develop physically and add velocity. Has more upside remaining than a typical college draftee. Has the type of athleticism you look for in a pitcher. Has shown a general feel for pitching and a repeatable delivery. Fastball command needs improvement, but changeup development and left-handedness give him a chance, most likely in a bullpen role.

[moonslav59]

Some Relief help from the farm?

 

(Note: Mata, Crawford, Walter, Wink and Murphy may all play a role in the 2023 Red Sox pen as converted starters.)

 

Zach Kelly Projects as a middle reliever. Ceiling of a consistent seventh-inning arm. Likely lacks late-inning upside due to inconsistent command, but could stick around for a while as a sixth-inning arm. Fastball and changeup both project as plus pitches, with changeup showing true bat-missing ability. Cutter is more of a pitch-to-contact offering at present, but if it improves, would give him a third pitch that can miss bats. Late bloomer who could continue to improve and see his stuff take a step forward again[/i

 

Kaleb Ort Potential up-and-down reliever. Ceiling of a fifth-/sixth-inning arm who slots in as one of the last few members of a pitching staff. Future potential is tied up in improving his command. Has MLB-quality stuff, but command needs to take a step forward.

 

Not on 40 man, (Spring Training Invites) as of now...

 

Durbin Feltman Projects as a high-minors depth arm. Stuff and command and control have regressed across the board in 2022. Now projects for an average fastball and fringy secondaries. Unlikely to be able to regain stuff he showed initially after signing at this point. Candidate for a change of scenery where hearing other voices could help him regain his past form.

 

Chase Shugart Projects as a solid organizational depth arm. Ceiling of an emergency major league depth reliever. Fastball and curveball show the most potential in arsenal. Athletic and repeats delivery well, but lacks consistency and may not miss many bats against major league hitters.

 

Taylor Broadway Intriguing arm with a power three-pitch mix that could profile in a major league bullpen role. Has shown premium bat-missing ability, but also been hit very hard. Developing command and consistency are key for him to reach his potential.

 

Ryan Sheriff Emergency lefty relief arm. Two-pitch pitcher might benefit from adding his changeup back to his arsenal. Could settle in at the back end of a major league bullpen if he can hone his control issues.

 

Matt Dermody Emergency Triple-A depth lefty bullpen arm.

 

Oddanier Mosqueda Projects as organizational bullpen depth. Ceiling of an up-and-down reliever. Has improved year after year and shown bat-missing ability. Secondary pitches and command and control need refinement. Will show intriguing spin rates on fastball and slider. Comes from a very tough angle for left-handed hitters and has excelled against them so far in the high minors.

 

Norwith Gudino Projects as high minors depth with a chance to hone his three pitch mix to get a shot in the majors.

 

Dan Altavilla Big fastball slider combo. Ceiling of a mid leverage bullpen arm if he comes back healthy. Control has been an issue in the past.

[moonslav59]

Everyday Farm Help:

 

Enmanuel Valdez (DH/1B/2B/LF?) Potential up-and-down, platoon bat. Ceiling of a bat-first utility player. Makes hard contact and has a decent approach against right-handed pitchers, but struggles against lefties. Has moved around the diamond, but that is driven by him being below-average defensively and trying to find where he will best fit rather than true versatility. Will have to hit to hold value given defensive limitations.

 

Ceddanne Rafaela (CF/SS/2B) Potential bench utility player. Ceiling of an everyday regular who adds considerable value on defense and also contributes some at the plate. Defensive ability and versatility and speed give him a high floor. Could be a plus defender at every position except catcher and first base. Bat lags behind, but has improved considerably in 2022. Approach is what holds him back now and will determine his ultimate value at the plate. Needs to cut down on chasing pitches out of the zone and improve swing decisions and quality of contact.

 

 

Bobby Dalbec (DH/3B/1B/2B/LF?) Projects as a valuable role player on a contending team. Ultimate future potential depends on how his hit tool develops. Has the ceiling of an everyday regular with average defense who hits 30-plus home runs in his best seasons if he proves he can make enough contact against advanced pitching. If his hit tool doesn't progress he could struggle to make enough contact and become more of an up-and-down player. 2019 improvements helped to address these concerns, but needs to show those are real and not just a one-year aberration. He has worked hard cut down his strikeout rate as he has moved up the system and has improved considerably since he joined the organization as someone who came with more risk than a normal college performer. Tweaked swing mechanics and sole focus on hitting - no longer having to pitch - have helped. Has the potential for two plus-to-better tools in power and arm. Unlikely to ever hit for a high average and will always have a lot of swing-and-miss in his game, but teams will be able to live with that given his power potential.

 

David Hamilton (IF) Potential organizational utility player. Ceiling of an emergency up-and-down utility type. Could stand to remake his swing in order to prioritize line drives and hitting the ball on the ground more in order to better utilize his speed. Lack of defensive ability limits upside. Projects as below-average in the infield and could stand to move to the outfield, where his speed and athleticism would be better utilized.

 

Wilyer Abreu (OF) Potential organizational outfielder. Ceiling of a major league reserve outfielder. Development of hit tool will determine his long-term potential. Has raw power and will take a walk, but needs to cut down on his swing-and-miss and show he can consistently make contact and impact the baseball.

 

Non 40 man roster...

 

Jorge Alfaro © Major league catcher. May not be an everyday players due to strikeout numbers. But should stick on a major league roster due to his power, defense, energy, and arm strength.

 

Raimel Tapia (OF) Profiles as a reliable fourth outfielder and pinch runner. Value comes in his bat-to-ball skills, speed, base running, and versatility in the outfield.

 

Greg Allen (OF) Solid Triple-A depth and 4th outfielder option.

 

Christian Koss (IF) Potential emergency up-and-down utility infielder. Ceiling of a utility infielder. Hit tool development will be key to reaching his potential. Has enough defense and power to profile in a bench role, but upside is limited if he cannot make more contact.

 

Narisco Crook (DH/OF) Triple-A depth. Said to be a fantastic clubhouse presence and a very well-liked player. Potential to be an emergency corner outfielder in an injury situation due to his defense and power. Contact skills limit upside.

 

Others:

Caleb Hamilton C

Ronaldo Hernandez C

Stephen Scott C

Ryan Fitzgerald IF

Nick Sogard IF

Matt Lugo IF

Delvin Granberg OF

 

(M Mayer- late in the season?)

[moonslav59]

soxprospects.com...

 

er signing a minor-league deal with the Red Sox two weeks ago, infielder Edwin Diaz has been added to Puerto Rico's roster for the upcoming Caribbean Series in Venezuela. The right-handed hitting 27-year-old was named LBPRC MVP after batting .229/375/.418 with eight homers and 29 RBI over 48 games (192 plate appearances) for the Criollos de Caguas this winter.

[moonslav59]

Will we see much change in the soxprospects rankings list from the end of year to the opening day 2023 list. Looking at past lists, there usually is little change near the top.

 

They had already "graduated" Wong and Ort in December. I'm not sure why they were then, while Bello was in October. Recents grads are:

Wong & Ort 12/22

Bello 10/22

Wink 9/22

Crawford 8/22

Duran 7/22

Houck 9/21

Whitlock 6/21

Dalbec 5/21

 

I'm not sure how much fall and winter performances affect player rankings, but I'm guessing we don't see much movement or highly ranked additions from IFA signings or trades.

 

Here's my guess:

1. Mayer

2. Casas (will likely graduate in '23)

3. Bleis

4. Rafaela

5. Yorke

6. Mata

7. Romero

8. Walter

9. Anthony

10. Perales

11. Paulino

12. Gonzalez

13. Lugo

14. Murphy

15. Jordan

16. EValdez

17. Bonaci

18. Hickey

19. Rodriguez-Cruz

20. Kavadas

21. Yoeilin Cespedes (IFA)

22. Coffey

23. Drohan

24. Franklin Arias (IFA)

25. Kelly

26. Yoiber Ruiz (IFA)

27. Abreu

28. Brannon

29. Paez

30. Ro. Hernandez

31. Uberstine

32. Hamilton

33. Guerrero

34. Encarnacion

35. McDonough

36. Koss

37. Binelas

38. Theo Denlinger (German Trade)

39. Alcantara

40. Fernandez

41. Salazar

42. Meidroth

43. Luis Arrendondo (IFA)

44. Argeny Sanchez (IFA)

45. S Scott

 

 

 

[moonslav59]

There has been some talk about just how much credit Bloom should get for building up the farm. Some seem to doubt he's built much up, at all.

 

Almost every trade Bloom has made, even for ML talent, included a prospect or two coming our way. It doesn't seem like any of those trades have led to concrete positive results, to date, but the jury is still out on many prospects.

 

Prospects traded for:

 

Wong and Downs (with Verdugo) for Betts, Price and cash

Jeffrey Springs (prospect?) for Sam Travis

Hudson Potts & Jeisson Rosario for Moreland

Jacob Wallace for Pillar

(Wyatt Mills for J Wallace)

Winckowski, de la Rosa, Gambrell, F Valdez (with Cordero) for Beni

Seabold (with Pivetta) for Workman & Hembree (Seabold traded for PTBNL or cash)

F German (with Ottavino) for cash

Theo Denlinger for F German

Ronaldo Hernandez & Nick Sogard for Springs & Mazza

Christian Koss for Yoan Aybar

David Hamilton & Alex Binelas (wtih JBJ) for Renfroe

Enmanuel Valdez & Wilyer Abreu for Vazquez

Max Ferguson & Corey Rozier (with Hosmer) for Groome

Minor deals: Leon for Adenys Bautista and Osich for Zach Bryant plus others

 

The trade addition outlook still has some promise, but we have yet to see anything good at the ML, yet.

 

MiLFA/Waivers/Rule 5...

Garrett Whitlock

Zach Kelly

Rob Refsnyder (not a prospect)

Kaleb Ort

 

Pretty good group of players, here.

 

Drafted (SP ranking) Pretty nice list

1. Mayer

5. Yorke

7. Romero

9. Anthony

15. Jordan

18. Hickey

19. E R-C

20. Kavadas

21. Coffey

23. Drohan

27. Brannon

29. Uberstine

 

IFA (SP ranking) Nice list with more to move up, this year

3. Bleis

28. Paez

 

Not Traded (DD's kids) Very nice job by DD

2. Casas

4. Rafaela

6. Mata

8. Walter

10. Peralez

11. Paulino

12. Wikelman

13. Murphy

14. Lugo

16. Bonaci

[mvp 78]

Dombrowski had no say in those INTL guys. That's 100% on the scouting department. Aside from Casas and Mata, it's really hard to give him ANY credit for the players left over. The guys in the group were highly unlikely or ineligible to be traded back in 2019.

[moonslav59]

Dombrowski had no say in those INTL guys. That's 100% on the scouting department. Aside from Casas and Mata, it's really hard to give him ANY credit for the players left over. The guys in the group were highly unlikely or ineligible to be traded back in 2019.

 

My comment about "not being traded" was from the Bloom perspective. Part of farm building or usage involves trading for and trading away prospects. Bloom's biggest trade aways were Aldo Ramirez and maybe Jay Groome. The Whitlock "get" on Rule 5 may be partially offset by the "give" of TWard.

 

Part of the reason the farm has grown stronger, IMO, is due to very few trades of prospects since DD's last year here.

 

I agree about who gets the credit for IFA signings, but ultimately the scouts are hired or kept in the system by the GM.

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

What are the chances Mayer ends up playing short in Boston by the end of '23?

 

The current big league shortstops include Kike and Mondesi, the projected starter coming off a hip injury and a speed guy who blew out his knee. It's possible either or both experience setbacks. It's also doubtful Story returns to the line-up and plays shortstop, with his Tom Jon brace (modified Tommy John option).

 

If Mayer progresses to Portland and crushes Double A -- and the Red Sox are in a wild card race and need a spark -- it could happen. If Boston is out of it, look for stop-gaps to fill in and finish out the year: Arroyo, Goodrum, Cora, etc.

[mvp 78]

What are the chances Mayer ends up playing short in Boston by the end of '23?

 

The current big league shortstops include Kike and Mondesi, the projected starter coming off a hip injury and a speed guy who blew out his knee. It's possible either or both experience setbacks. It's also doubtful Story returns to the line-up and plays shortstop, with his Tom Jon brace (modified Tommy John option).

 

If Mayer progresses to Portland and crushes Double A -- and the Red Sox are in a wild card race and need a spark -- it could happen. If Boston is out of it, look for stop-gaps to fill in and finish out the year: Arroyo, Goodrum, Cora, etc.

 

I'm on the record as saying it will happen this year. This is similar to the path that Devers followed. It just entirely depends on him mashing early on. I don't think they should promote him due to injury, but due to him being ready. I've heard that his approach is good enough to work at higher levels, so I think it wouldn't set him back.

 

It's more likely that he finishes this year in POR, but I'm still leaning towards him having a monster year.

[moonslav59]

I'd love to see Mayer, this year, and yes, not because of injury, but we did see what happened with Bogey. If we are in the hunt, anything goes.