Sox Prospecting: Bogaerts looks ready; Pedro works with Rubby; Barnes rocked; keep an eye on Mooky
The Guru
Contributing Writer
Portland Sea Dogs shortstop Xander Bogaerts continues to dominate minor league pitching. Bogaerts went 2-for-4 yesterday, and he’s now 12-for-20 (.600) his last seven games raising his average to .298. He has 21 extra-base hits in 47 games. With Stephen Drew and Will Middlebrooks struggling could a call-up to the big club be coming? Red Sox manager John Farrell has suggested Jose Iglesias could stay even when Will Middlebrooks returns from the DL Saturday. Why not let Middlebrooks get some at-bats in Triple-A to find himself and give Bogaerts a shot? Probably won’t happen anytime soon. Bogaerts is just 20 years old. But expect Bogaerts to get promoted to Pawtucket and a call up come September.
PawSox pitcher Rubby De La Rosa struggled in his first three starts this year. De La Rosa, acquired from the Dodgers in the mega-trade last summer, gave up 10 runs in just 6 1/3 innings. According to WEEI.com, that is when current special assistant to the GM and Hall of Famer Pedro Martinez entered the picture. In seven outings since working with Pedro, De La Rosa has a 1.01 ERA with 30 strikeouts and 11 walks in 26 2/3 innings, with opponents hitting just .179. It’s great to have Pedro back with the Sox. It’s also good to see his role is not just one of good Red Sox PR.
Pawtucket infielder Brandon Snyder’s stock is rising. In his last 12 games, Snyder is hitting .404 with two homers, four doubles and a triple. On the year, the 26-year old is slashing .307/.393/.553.
Sea Dogs pitcher Matt Barnes endured the worst start of his pro career Sunday. Barnes gave up a career high seven earned runs, three homers, lasting only 1 2/3 innings. Hopefully this is just a minor setback for the Red Sox top 5 prospect. Barnes has 53 strikeouts in 48 2/3 innings with only 14 walks.
Third baseman Garin Cecchini, High-A Salem, leads all Sox minor leaguers with a .358 avaerage. Cecchini was ranked as the 23rd-best prospect in all of baseball by ESPN's Keith Law on May 28.
Keep an eye on Low-A Grenville’s second baseman Mookie Betts. After batting .157 in April, Betts exploded in May slashing .356/.472/.663 with six home runs and 13 doubles. The 20-year-old earned a base hit in 23 of 26 games, had a 19-game hit streak and has been on-base in 27 straight games. Mookie is one to watch. A promotion to Salem or Portland could be the next step.
Questions and comments encouraged below. Follow The Guru on Twitter @TheGuruGS
More musings from The Guru.
Contributing Writer
Portland Sea Dogs shortstop Xander Bogaerts continues to dominate minor league pitching. Bogaerts went 2-for-4 yesterday, and he’s now 12-for-20 (.600) his last seven games raising his average to .298. He has 21 extra-base hits in 47 games. With Stephen Drew and Will Middlebrooks struggling could a call-up to the big club be coming? Red Sox manager John Farrell has suggested Jose Iglesias could stay even when Will Middlebrooks returns from the DL Saturday. Why not let Middlebrooks get some at-bats in Triple-A to find himself and give Bogaerts a shot? Probably won’t happen anytime soon. Bogaerts is just 20 years old. But expect Bogaerts to get promoted to Pawtucket and a call up come September.
PawSox pitcher Rubby De La Rosa struggled in his first three starts this year. De La Rosa, acquired from the Dodgers in the mega-trade last summer, gave up 10 runs in just 6 1/3 innings. According to WEEI.com, that is when current special assistant to the GM and Hall of Famer Pedro Martinez entered the picture. In seven outings since working with Pedro, De La Rosa has a 1.01 ERA with 30 strikeouts and 11 walks in 26 2/3 innings, with opponents hitting just .179. It’s great to have Pedro back with the Sox. It’s also good to see his role is not just one of good Red Sox PR.
Pawtucket infielder Brandon Snyder’s stock is rising. In his last 12 games, Snyder is hitting .404 with two homers, four doubles and a triple. On the year, the 26-year old is slashing .307/.393/.553.
Sea Dogs pitcher Matt Barnes endured the worst start of his pro career Sunday. Barnes gave up a career high seven earned runs, three homers, lasting only 1 2/3 innings. Hopefully this is just a minor setback for the Red Sox top 5 prospect. Barnes has 53 strikeouts in 48 2/3 innings with only 14 walks.
Third baseman Garin Cecchini, High-A Salem, leads all Sox minor leaguers with a .358 avaerage. Cecchini was ranked as the 23rd-best prospect in all of baseball by ESPN's Keith Law on May 28.
Keep an eye on Low-A Grenville’s second baseman Mookie Betts. After batting .157 in April, Betts exploded in May slashing .356/.472/.663 with six home runs and 13 doubles. The 20-year-old earned a base hit in 23 of 26 games, had a 19-game hit streak and has been on-base in 27 straight games. Mookie is one to watch. A promotion to Salem or Portland could be the next step.
Questions and comments encouraged below. Follow The Guru on Twitter @TheGuruGS
More musings from The Guru.
