2023 Prospects

[moonslav59]

Teel and Garcia are the only guys that have the skills to be able to realistically field the position full time and not be an 8th or 9th of the order bat. I wonder if Teel pushes Hickey off C at some point next season or if they keep him there for the reps? I think they should consider getting Hickey a LFer glove to increase his utility. He has no chance of being an MLB C right now. 0 CS this year.

 

Good post.

 

Hickey could add to his value, if he could remain a viable 3rd catcher on a 26 man roster, especially if both are weak hitting catchers in front of him.

[mvp 78]

Good post.

 

Hickey could add to his value, if he could remain a viable 3rd catcher on a 26 man roster, especially if both are weak hitting catchers in front of him.

 

Hard to even be a 3rd C if you can't throw anyone out at all. His defense is really bad. His bat is really good though.

[Hugh2]

I'm all for letting Sox management pick the time they think Rafaela is ML ready. I'm even fine with the idea of delaying a ML ready Rafaela a little bit to gain a year of service in his prime.

 

I'm just saying, my gut says he will be fine at the plate, sooner than many might think he is. That's not saying I know more than them, or that I think they are wrong not to rush him.

 

Your gut feeling is pretty much buying a lotto ticket to say that the underlying data is wrong and Ceddanne will be the exception and not the rule. Entirely possible, but unlikely.

 

The problem with Rafaela is he has really good contact skills, he's really good at putting wood on the ball. This seems like the opposite of a problem but when you combine it with a high chase right it's not great. Because it means he's hitting pitches he might have been better off missing and puts weak contact into play. He has one of the highest rates of swinging at pitches out of the zone than any minor leaguer. MLB pitching will be able to take advantage of that MUCH better than AAA pitchers can.

 

And yes, there are guys that seem to be able hit MLB pitching great like that. But the fact that you have to name someon like Vladimir Guerrero proves it's the exception and not the rule. It's a huge red flag with Rafaela.

[Hugh2]

Hard to even be a 3rd C if you can't throw anyone out at all. His defense is really bad. His bat is really good though.

 

One of the many reasons I considered Johanfran the better catching prospect in our system before Teel was drafted.

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

Your gut feeling is pretty much buying a lotto ticket to say that the underlying data is wrong and Ceddanne will be the exception and not the rule. Entirely possible, but unlikely.

 

The problem with Rafaela is he has really good contact skills, he's really good at putting wood on the ball. This seems like the opposite of a problem but when you combine it with a high chase right it's not great. Because it means he's hitting pitches he might have been better off missing and puts weak contact into play. He has one of the highest rates of swinging at pitches out of the zone than any minor leaguer. MLB pitching will be able to take advantage of that MUCH better than AAA pitchers can.

 

And yes, there are guys that seem to be able hit MLB pitching great like that. But the fact that you have to name someon like Vladimir Guerrero proves it's the exception and not the rule. It's a huge red flag with Rafaela.

 

On the forums of most big league teams, this would be a very valid post. Gotta hit to stick in the Show.

 

Yet Rafaela already has a skillset all too rare on the Sox' MLB roster.

 

It's different here these days. The old adage -- shake a baseball tree, and 10 gloves fall out for every bat -- no longer applies in Boston... where most of those gloves are regularly dropped, booted and thrown away.

[Hugh2]

On the forums of most big league teams, this would be a very valid post. Gotta hit to stick in the Show.

 

Yet Rafaela already has a skillset all too rare on the Sox' MLB roster.

 

It's different here these days. The old adage -- shake a baseball tree, and 10 gloves fall out for every bat -- no longer applies in Boston... where most of those gloves are regularly dropped, booted and thrown away.

 

This is why I think Rafaela has such a high floor as a player. If he doesn't improve ONE bit at chasing and gets exposed at the next level, he's still a utility guy who can add substantial value in the field and on the bases, heck he still might be a starter in other cities and maybe even here in peak years. I think it's a guarantee (effectively) he's a MLBer in some capacity

 

But if he takes a step forward with his approach he could be a star. This is exactly why I think it's not a great ideal to rush him to the MLB level until he is ready. He certainly looks so by looking at the AAA stat line, but as we all know......AAA stats are not everything.

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

This is why I think Rafaela has such a high floor as a player. If he doesn't improve ONE bit at chasing and gets exposed at the next level, he's still a utility guy who can add substantial value in the field and on the bases, heck he still might be a starter in other cities and maybe even here in peak years. I think it's a guarantee (effectively) he's a MLBer in some capacity

 

But if he takes a step forward with his approach he could be a star. This is exactly why I think it's not a great ideal to rush him to the MLB level until he is ready. He certainly looks so by looking at the AAA stat line, but as we all know......AAA stats are not everything.

 

Way back... WAY back... DAL bec!

[moonslav59]

Your gut feeling is pretty much buying a lotto ticket to say that the underlying data is wrong and Ceddanne will be the exception and not the rule. Entirely possible, but unlikely.

 

The problem with Rafaela is he has really good contact skills, he's really good at putting wood on the ball. This seems like the opposite of a problem but when you combine it with a high chase right it's not great. Because it means he's hitting pitches he might have been better off missing and puts weak contact into play. He has one of the highest rates of swinging at pitches out of the zone than any minor leaguer. MLB pitching will be able to take advantage of that MUCH better than AAA pitchers can.

 

And yes, there are guys that seem to be able hit MLB pitching great like that. But the fact that you have to name someon like Vladimir Guerrero proves it's the exception and not the rule. It's a huge red flag with Rafaela.

 

Kinda the definition of "gut feeling." He reminds me a little of Vlad and Devers, who were considered undisciplined. Some still want to tweak Devers approach.

 

Before anyone gets their panties in a bunch, no, I am not comparing Rafaela to Vladevers, but I think he may surprise many of the experts, because he is so unique.

[moonslav59]

Hard to even be a 3rd C if you can't throw anyone out at all. His defense is really bad. His bat is really good though.

 

He already has more catching experience than most team;s 3rd catcher on the 26.

[mvp 78]

One of the many reasons I considered Johanfran the better catching prospect in our system before Teel was drafted.

 

#5 in FCL OPS. He had less than 100 AB's at the time of the draft, but the catching depth isn't very great.

 

Scott - late bloomer who is still learning on the fly, low ceiling

Brannon - very slow progression for last year's draftee, can hit the piss out of the ball when he makes contact

Lira - good defense, but bat is lagging

Hickey - all bat, no glove

 

Everyone else is an org profile.

[mvp 78]

Teel is catching and hitting 2nd tonight for GRE.

 

Perales is pitching.

[moonslav59]

Teel is catching and hitting 2nd tonight for GRE.

 

Perales is pitching.

 

Nice game to watch.

[moonslav59]

Woo won 10-9.

DHam 1-3 w 3BB (.809)

Rafaela 1-6 w 2B (1.049)

EValdez 1-2 w 3BB (.962)

Dalbec 1-3 w 2BB (.996)

Abreu 2-4 w BB (.804)

RHern 2-5 w 2B (.840)

Woo had 10 BBs and 12 Hits.

 

Denlinger blew up the pen just like the big club.

Wikelman was wild but went 4 with just 1 ER (2H, 5B, 8K)

Meidroth 2-4

Yorke 1-4 w 2B

Jordan 2-4

Lugo 2-5

 

GRE lost 14-8 as Perales struggled:

4.2 IP, 6H, 6ER, 3BB, 5K

Anthony homered (11th) and walked twice.

Castro homered

Teel went 3-5 in his GRE debut.

Ferguson 3-5

 

SAL won 9-8

Nothing major to report.

 

Edited August 9, 2023 by moonslav59

[Hugh2]

#5 in FCL OPS. He had less than 100 AB's at the time of the draft, but the catching depth isn't very great.

 

Scott - late bloomer who is still learning on the fly, low ceiling

Brannon - very slow progression for last year's draftee, can hit the piss out of the ball when he makes contact

Lira - good defense, but bat is lagging

Hickey - all bat, no glove

 

Everyone else is an org profile.

 

I think Teel really changes the outlook for catching depth in the organization.

 

Wouldn't change your summarization at all. I would add that with the changes in today's game, the bat-no-glove catcher is going to be less valuable. Especially if you can't control the run game, which leads me to believe that Hickey is effectively not a catching prospect at all. But between Teel and Garcia, the catching situation looks much better from top to bottom. Catchers do notoriously take longer to develop in the minors, so guys with potential such as Lira/Brannon are intriguing as well because of how young and raw they are. Brannon has a strong arm, and Lira despite the bat deficiencies seems to know the strike zone well. You can envision a scenario where he adds strength and bat speed and Brannon becomes more polished behind the dish.

 

I've always had a biased against catching prospects, but drafting Teel has sort of moved my stance on this.

[Hugh2]

Teel is catching and hitting 2nd tonight for GRE.

 

Perales is pitching.

 

Clocked with a 1.72 pop time. That would put him #1 in the majors this year....in front of J.T. Realmuto. If this dude can hit and throw runners out he is going to be a complete stud. There's also a very real chance there are robot umps in a few years, meaning having a catcher that can hit and throw runners out is going to be even more valuable. Aside from blocking skills, framing will be a lost skill with little meaning in that era.

[moonslav59]

Great stuff, Hugh. What Teel also does is possibly make the decision to move some guys off catcher, sooner- like Hickey help them learn their new positions, earlier and better.

 

It seems early to start anointing him a "can't miss prospect," but I can't help myself. He is!

[mvp 78]

I think Teel really changes the outlook for catching depth in the organization.

 

Wouldn't change your summarization at all. I would add that with the changes in today's game, the bat-no-glove catcher is going to be less valuable. Especially if you can't control the run game, which leads me to believe that Hickey is effectively not a catching prospect at all. But between Teel and Garcia, the catching situation looks much better from top to bottom. Catchers do notoriously take longer to develop in the minors, so guys with potential such as Lira/Brannon are intriguing as well because of how young and raw they are. Brannon has a strong arm, and Lira despite the bat deficiencies seems to know the strike zone well. You can envision a scenario where he adds strength and bat speed and Brannon becomes more polished behind the dish.

 

I've always had a biased against catching prospects, but drafting Teel has sort of moved my stance on this.

 

Yeah, Teel seems like the complete package when looking at poptimes and arm strength. I don't know what robo umps will look like and they may just go with a "challenge system" rather than full robo which would still make framing somewhat important. Even if Teel develops into a solid longterm starter, being able to develop Brannon and/or Garcia would be fantastic.

[Larry Cook]

Yeah, Teel seems like the complete package when looking at poptimes and arm strength. I don't know what robo umps will look like and they may just go with a "challenge system" rather than full robo which would still make framing somewhat important. Even if Teel develops into a solid longterm starter, being able to develop Brannon and/or Garcia would be fantastic.

 

I think we need to see if teel can hit left handed pitching

[Hugh2]

Yeah, Teel seems like the complete package when looking at poptimes and arm strength. I don't know what robo umps will look like and they may just go with a "challenge system" rather than full robo which would still make framing somewhat important. Even if Teel develops into a solid longterm starter, being able to develop Brannon and/or Garcia would be fantastic.

 

I remember reading that not too long ago, and I had forgotten. About the challenge system. So while pitch framing might lose it's value, it's still going to carry some.

[mvp 78]

I think we need to see if teel can hit left handed pitching

 

I mean, Roman Anthony isn't hitting LHP...

[mvp 78]

@jaketodonnell

New

@BaseballAmerica

Red Sox Top 10:

 

1. Mayer

2. Anthony

3. Bleis

4. Teel

5. Yorke

6. Rafaela

7. Perales

8. Gonzalez

9. Drohan

10. Hickey

[moonslav59]

@jaketodonnell

New

@BaseballAmerica

Red Sox Top 10:

 

1. Mayer

2. Anthony

3. Bleis

4. Teel

5. Yorke

6. Rafaela

7. Perales

8. Gonzalez

9. Drohan

10. Hickey

 

What's your read on Romero?

[mvp 78]

What's your read on Romero?

 

Late start to the year due to a back injury that is probably still bothering him. Most likely a lost year? He hit well last year, so we just need to look at this year like how we did with Yorke last season. Maybe the hope is he's some sort of Jed Lowrie supersub type that can really hit the ball well at times?

[mvp 78]

@Hunter_Noll

Boston Red Sox prospect Wilyer Abreu went 3-for-4 with a double (8), a home run (15), and three RBI (48) in Triple-A today.

 

Trade Verdugo. Give Abreu some run next season.

[mvp 78]

Coffey debuting for GRE tonight.

[moonslav59]

MLB names the Sox prospect that jumped the most- midseason:

Red Sox: Yoeilin Cespedes, SS

Cespedes received the largest bonus ($1.4 million) in Boston's 2023 international class because he was considered one of the more advanced hitters on the market, and he has lived up to that reputation in the Rookie-level Dominican Summer League. Cespedes is batting .359/.409/.594 with six homers in 41 games and also earning praise for his baseball IQ and work ethic.

Edited August 10, 2023 by moonslav59

[mvp 78]

MLB names the Sox prospect that jumped the most- midseason:

Red Sox: Yoeilin Cespedes, SS

Cespedes received the largest bonus ($1.4 million) in Boston's 2023 international class because he was considered one of the more advanced hitters on the market, and he has lived up to that reputation in the Rookie-level Dominican Summer League. Cespedes is batting .359/.409/.594 with six homers in 41 games and also earning praise for his baseball IQ and work ethic.

 

I believe he got the biggest bonus last signing period. He's been killing it this year. Hope he keeps hitting well next season at FCL/SAL.

[Dipre]

I believe he got the biggest bonus last signing period. He's been killing it this year. Hope he keeps hitting well next season at FCL/SAL.

 

Talked to a sports broadcaster here who's huge on farm systems. Says he thinks the initial Devers comparisons (from an approach standpoint) are valid. Kid can hit it a ton to all fields, and there's definitely room for growth.

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

Talked to a sports broadcaster here who's huge on farm systems. Says he thinks the initial Devers comparisons (from an approach standpoint) are valid. Kid can hit it a ton to all fields, and there's definitely room for growth.

 

Thank you for contributing to the thread. MLB.com just today also cited Cespedes' rep "earning praise for his baseball IQ and work ethic."

 

Adding a guy with those attributes seems even more important for a franchise with a big league roster marred by players making the dubious decisions we've seen on defense and on the basepaths this season.

[moonslav59]

He is just a suspect.