scaffolds

With the end of March comes the start of the minor league season which of course means the end of Spring training for the minor leaguers and the end of this thread.

I was able to confirmed the release of luis Soto which by the way signed with the Cincinati Reds after a couple days after his release, also released are third baseman Scott White, SS Pedro Vasquez, catcher Dan Millano, catcher Steve Torrealba, LHPs Adam Blackley and Mike Conroy and RHP Ben Howard. The Sox have signed 27 yrs RHP James Russ recently released by the marlins and Russ will pitch at Lancaster and 25 yrs Venezuelan LHP Carlos Vasquez. back in camp from its tour in the Giants and Reds camp is Jose Capellan (before heading to Greenville) and like Vasquez will be on the Sox Extended Spring training for now. The Sox low A team (Greenville) is going to start is season minus 3 top prospects who will be in the DL, SS Oscar Tejeda who came to Spring traing with arm issues ( but schould start practicing in about a week) Ryan Kalish (who had wrist surgery) Kalish is already practicing and Carlos Fernandez (who broke his hand in a pool accident in Venezuela) and like Tejeda should start practicing soon all of them will be in Extended Spring training. Also in Extended Spring training because of injuries are C Juan Apodaca (broken hand/ had the cast taken off a couple days ago) LHP Kyle Fernandes and RHP Cody McCallister all of them from the Lancaster's roster, in addition RHP Bryson Cox and LHPs Andrew Dobbies, Thomas Hottovy from Portland's roster are also in Extended Spring training camp because injuries. The Red Sox isn't considering Jon Still a catcher anymore, but a first baseman at Lancaster and with top prospect Lars Anderson on its roster Still will have to DH most of the times. With Apodaca on the DL and Still not longer a catcher, Lancaster's catchers will be former infielder Zak Farkes and former Indepedent leaguer Bennis Blackmon. Also in Lancaster there was a couple of roster surprises when Jason Place beat out Josh Reddick (Greenville) and at third base when Puerto Rican Jorge Jimenez beat out Venezuelan Manuel Arambarris ( Greenville) The talk in baseball is that the Red Sox didn't want to send any of their top pitching prospects to Lancaster and with Richie Lentz and Jimmy James as their top pitching prospects on its roster it seems to back up that. At Greenville there weren't many surprises on its roster, but RHP Austin Bailey and catcher Wil Vasquez where one, in addition young outfielders David Mailman and David Marks took the opportunity of Kalish and Fernandez being on the DL. I will not post the Sox minor league rosters, don't know how much interest is there for it and there are some other boards that schould have it, but if there is any questions I will be glad to answer it.

Did anyone like Francona's move to bring Snyder in after taking a 3-2 lead? Snyder should never pitch with the Sox leading in the second half of a game.

There was a rumour flying around this afternoon that Luis Soto was released, i will double check it.

There are rumours that RHP Barry Hertzler and 2B Michael Chambers has been released, but haven't been able to double check it.

Chih-Hsiang Huang and Che-Hsuang Lin are back in camp after playing for Taiwan national team. Like i mentioned earlier Anthony Alvarado and Pedro Rodriguez who both missed 2007 with injuries will be playing in the Dominican (DSL) in 2008. Rosters haven't been set and most players are playing at least a level higher than they will be playing to start the 2008 season, however all could change this weekend and earlier next week when cuts should be made.

Minor league rosters should be set next week

Spivey future with the Sox could be very short unless there is a lot injuries. A note that i left out is that Australian Adam Blackley and Taiwan Chih-Hsien Chiang and Che-Hsuang Lin are not in camp and are playing for their country National team.

In addittion to the International players mentioned before the following minor league free agents (signed by the Red Sox over the Fall and Winter) are in camp. Mike Conroy LHP Ben Howard RHP Melvin Mancebo RHP*# Matt Miller RHP Junior Spivey OF Rich Thompson OF * Haven't been able to get much information on him. # Not longer in camp

Pitching prospects Caleb Clay and Wang-Yi Lin who had TJ surgeries in the Spring last year are ahead of schedule and have done bull pen activity. Venezuelan RHP Pedro Rodriguez who had his surgery in the Spring isn't in camp. Dominican bonus baby Michael Armanzar has made the switch to third base (from SS) and high regarded prospect Will Middlebrooks will stay at SS at least for now, by the way both Almanzar and Middlebrooks are shorter (6' 3") than originally reported. Because Middlebrooks is going to play SS in regular basis the Sox brass has made the decesion to play high touted SS prospect Rafael Espinosa in the DSL so he could play in a regular basis. Dominican RHP Manuel Jimenez like his fellow country man and Red Sox prospect Felix Ventura (RHP) didn't sign their profesional contract until turning 20 yrs (not very common for a Dominican prospect) because of their heights Ventura is 5'9" and Jimenez is 5'10" but both show promised as relievers. Jimenez showed a very live arm while throwing batting practice. Domincan outfielder Roberto Feliz also showed a very live bat as the ball exploded as it made contact with the ball in batting practice.

Spring traing at the Red Sox minor league complex is in full force. There are 55 Internationals players in the complex, not counting a full hand of Puerto Ricans. There are some players in camp who some people in the industry are surprised that they would had be in camp and some who aren't that they would had been expected. The first timers in Spring training are Dominicans: Michael Almanzar 3B Stolmy Pimentel RHP Cesar Cabral LHP Roberto Feliz LF Anataner Batista RHP Charlie Rosario RHP Manuel Jimenez RHP Wilfredo Pichardo 2B* Sandy Madera C # Miguel Asencio RHP# Venezuelans: Ronald Bermudez OF Yeiper Castillo RHP Leandro Marin RHP Joantoni Garcia SS* Maykol Sanchez C* Steve Torrealba C# Colombian: Randy Consuegra RHP Taiwan: Chia-Chu Chen C Australians: Michael Lennox (but as a pitcher and not as a third baseman) David Thorpe RHP German: Jennel Hudson RHP There was talk that recently signed Japanese catcher Hayato Doue was in camp, but I wasn't able to confirmed it. While Australian Lennox was in camp fellow countrymen David Harriott and Justin Eramus both RHP prospects wheren't. * Surprised that they are in camp. # minor league free agents. Players that aren't in camp Anthony Alvarado RHP Pedro Rodriguez RHP Rafael Espinosa SS Manel Rivera LHP Dennis Neuman RHP

Oscar Perez is a name on the rise for the July second date of the International signing period. Perez who is a 15 yrs Venezuelan catcher is getting a 20 days look in the Red Sox minor league complex.

The word is that it may take more than 3 Millions dollars to sign Michelle Inoa.

While its early a few names have been rumoured for the early phase (starts July second) of the 2008 International signing period. Dominican RHP Michelle Inoa is the hottest name around. Inoa who won't be 16 yrs until September is 6-7 200 has a 92-93 fastball. Carlos Perez also a Dominican is 6-2 180 and the LHP has a fastball in the 88-91 range. Venezuelans Johenser Ceballos and Yorman Rodriguez are the top names in their country. Ceballos a 6-5 200 RHP throws a 88-90 fatsball. Rodriguez a outfielder has plus-plus power potential and speed. A few other Dominican names that has been rumoured are 6-3 170 RHP Robinson Vargas, outfielders Gonzalo Briones, Randy Martinez, Hector Matos, Rafael Rodriguez and Edwin Matos, a 6-1 175 catcher Angel Reyes and 2B/SS Jonathan Baez and Anderson Lopez, Gustavo Pierre and Lorgie Pineda. Venezuelan Luis Pineda an outfielder also has been talked about. Puerto Ricans middle infielder Alexi Llanos, Luis Montanez and Bengy Gonzalez outfielders Danny Ortiz and Javier Rodriguez, catchers Antonio Jimenez, Felix Agosto and Hector Ortiz and RHP Julio Rodriguez and Ryan Gonzalez are names to keep an eye for the June 5-6 2008 draft.

Thank you, I get my info from friends and contacts in the industry. Dominican Outfielder Jose Jose who spend some time in the Red Sox Spring training minor league camp for a look and who's name became a house hold on the web have signed a profesional contract, while i haven't been able to double check the information its believed to have been with the Dodgers. Emilis Guerrero whom the Red Sox released over the Fall have signed with the Pirates. Dominican SS Rafael Espinosa who the Red Sox signed as a 16 yrs in July was the talk of the Red Sox Dominican academy in the Fall.

Espinosa, Perez, and Medoza would be next, but Venezuelans Joantoni Garcia and Javier Gutierrez are pospectto keep an eye on.

Like i have done for some time for my fellow minor league and international scouting followers a list of the international players that the Red Sox have signed for the 2008 minor league season. The latest prospects signed by the Red Sox are switch hitting Dominican outfielder Felix Sanchez who is 17 yrs, Venezuelan RHP Luis Bastardo also 17 yrs and 16 yrs Venezuelan shortstop Jackeen (I believe that's how his first name is spelled) Meneses. After the early signing period the Red Sox signed 17 yrs Venezuelan Catcher Leonel Escobar, 17 yrs Dominican RHP Samuel Garcia, 17 yrs Dominican RHP Alexander Mateo and 18 yrs Dominican RHP Danny Deleon Like I reported earlier in the early phase of the International signed period the Sox signed. Michael Almanzar Dominican 16 yrs SS Rafael Espinosa Dominican 16 yrs SS Israel Perez Dominican 16 yrs LHP Roman Mendez Dominican 16 yrs RHP Lewis Urena Dominican 16 yrs SS Chris De La Rosa Dominican 17 yrs OF Joantoni Garcia 16 yrs Venezuelan SS Javier Gutierrez 16 yrs Venezuelan OF Leonel Escobar 17 yrs Venezuelan C

Short Stop Rafael Espinosa has opened eyes this fall at Red Sox Baseball academy in the Dominican. Espinosa who the Sox gave him a $250,000 bonus to sign as a 16 yrs in July has been compare to a young Alfredo Griffin. Espinosa who's 5-10 160 and like fellow Dominican Short stop Oscar Tejeda is a top prospect, but unlike Tejeda his game is speed and quickness, with plus plus quick hands. There's a chance that Espinosa may skip the DSL and stat his profesional carreer in the GCL in 2008.

Ignacio "Iggy" Suarez was drafted by the Red Sox in the 24th round in 2003, at the time speculation was that he was Puerto Rican or Mexican descent, perhaps Dominican, well actually Suarez is Colombian born and came to the States when he was 19 yrs, his father was a well known pitcher in the Colombian leagues. Iggy as known by the minor league fans is also known for his glove work should go back to Portland to start the 2008 season.

According to BA the Red Sox have signed minor league free agents RHP Scott Atchinson, second baseman/outfielder Joe Thurston and SS Gil Velazque in addition to their ouwn minor league free agents 2B Tony Granadillo, 1B Jeff Baiey and C kevin Cash. There's speculation that the Sox also have signed own minor league free agents 3B Manuel Arambarris, 3B Chadd Spann, RHP Chris Smith, RHP Jose Vaquedano, RHP Charlie Zink and LHP Daniel Haigwood. Atchinson who will be 32 yrs in Spring training is 6-2 180 pitched in AAA in 2007, Thruston who is 28 yrs is 5-11 190 and a left handed hitter who played in AA in 2007, Velazque a 28 yrs SS is 6-3 180 and played in AA in 2007 also Keith Ginter who was signed earlier is a right handed hitter third baseman and would be 32 yrs in Spring training and is 5-10 195 played in AAA in 2007.

Let me start saying that I am not a bit surprised the way Clemens name has shown up in Mitchell's report, as a matter fact there has been some talk about this for years. I am not a Barry Bonds fan, as a matter fact far from it, but now that we have all this info isn't Clemens records as tainted as Bonds is? and their place on the history of the game?

The Red Sox hold a tryout recently for Cuban prospect Alexei Ramirez. Ramirez a 26 yrs scaped the communist island earlier in the year and recently was given the clearence to sign with a ML organization. Ramirez who had been one of Cuban top HR hitters doesn't project like a middle infielder like he played in Cuba but as a CF. The Red Sox who might loose Coco Crisp or Jacoby Ellsbury in a trade this off season might be interested in signing Ramirez as their back up CF.

The Red Sx have made some changes (Mgrs/coaches) in their minor league system. Pawtucket: Mgr Ron Johnson (4th season in Pawtucket) Hitting coach Russ Morman Pitching coach Rich Sauveur Morman is in his fifth year in the organization gets promoted after 3 years as Portland coach replacing Mark Budaska who was fired after being the Pawtucket's hitting coach for four years. Sauveur comes over to the Red Sox from the Brewers where he was the pitching coach in AA and replaces Mike Griffin who was demoted to Lancaster. Portland: Mgr Arnie Beyeler (second year) Hitting coach Dave Joppie Pitching coach Mike Cather (second year in Portland and third in the organization) Joppie gets promoted to Portland replacing Morman and was Lancaster hitting coach in 2006 and Wilmington's in 2005. Lancaster: Mgr Chad Epperson (second year and fifth year in the organization.) Hitting coach Carlos Febles Pitching coach Mike Griffin Febles in his second year in the Red Sox system was a part time hitting coach in Lowell, replaces Joppie who was promoted to Portland. Griffin in his 10th year in the organization and after 5 years in Pawtucket. Greenville: Mgr Kevin Boles (first year) Hitting coach Billy McMillion Pitching coach Bob Kipper Boles comes to the Red Sox from the Twins where he was their mgr in the FSL at Ft Myers. Kipper in his sixth year in the Sox organization goes back to Greenville where he was the pitching coach in 04-05 replacing Walter Miranda who goes back to Lowell. Mcmillion in his first year in the organization and as a coach replaces Randy Phillips. Lowell: Mgr Gary Di Sarcina (second year) Hitting Coach Luis Lopez Pitching coach Walter Miranda Miranda in his nineth year in the organization goes back to Lowell replacing Laz Gutierrez who goes back to scouting. Lopez in his first year in the organization comes to the Sox after being a coach at the puerto Rico's baseball academy replacing Alan Mauthe who while a hard worker had issues in communicating with the Latin players. GCL: Mgr Dave Tomlin (third year and 11th in the system) Pitching coach Glenn (Goose) Gregson second and seventh year in the organization. Hitting coach U.L. Washington third year and fifth in the organization. In addition the Sox's base running and outfield coach Lou frazier left the organization to be the Pirates first base coach. The Sox have hired Javier Hernandez to the Dominican Academy staff and U.S. scouts Matt Dorey, Chris Calciano and Chris Mears.