2014 Minor League Report (April) - bayers3's Dynasty

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2014 Minor League Report (April)

Posted on May 29, 2014 at 09:29 PM.

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THE BOSTON GLOBE (RED SOX DYNASTY REPORT)

The season is well under way, so it's time to take a look at how Boston's future is shaping up. Overall, the Red Sox have one of the top farm systems in baseball with a good variety of depth and high-end prospects. They are especially deep in pitching, with a mix of LHP and RHP a few years away from being ready for the Majors. Considering the current roster, and the guys in AAA who wouldn't really be considered "prospects" at this point in their career, we probably won't see any of these guys in 2014 unless someone gets injured.

Player (Prospect Grade - John Sickels, Current Level)

3B, Garin Cecchini (Grade : B+, AAA Pawtucket)

Cecchini probably has the best shot at making the majors based purely on roster construction, but he is generally considered Boston's highest rated prospect who isn't currently in the majors. His hitting and plate discipline are very good, and should hold up at the next level, but he doesn't have as much power as you would like from a 3B. So far he has hit over .300, with a .322 mark in A-Advanced and AA during 2013, and steals an impressive number of bases. His 2014 season has started off a little slowly, hitting .267 with a single SB and a 10:14 BB:K ration.

LHP, Henry Owens (Grade : B+, AA Portland)

Boston's 1st round pick from 2011, and still just 21, Owens looks like the real deal. His walk rate moved in the wrong direction in 2013, but he can be a strike out machine at times. So far this season he is 1-1 with a 3.92ERA and 37K in 38.2IP. If Owens continues to pitch well he should see some time in AAA, but the Red Sox aren't in a hurry to get him to the majors so most expect him to have a better shot in 2016 after a full year in AAA.

RHP, Anthony Ranaudo (Grade : B, AAA Pawtucket)

Another solid pitching prospect who has a good 2013 season. Has some health concerns, but he if can perform well through this season he should have a shot at getting into Boston's rotation for 2015. Rough start to the season going 1-3 with a 5.54ERA and 34K in 37.1IP.

2B, Mookie Betts (Grade : B, AAA Pawtucket)

Betts, Boston's second best position player, is a bit of an enigma. After failing to hit a HR in his first 72 games in the minors he followed it up with a 15HR season between A-Advanced and A ball, so it's hard to tell which one is the real Betts. With Dustin Pedroia signed through 2021 it's hard to tell where Betts plays, he could make a move to the OF. Betts has started the season hitting .262 with a single HR and 14RBI.

C, Blake Swihart (Grade : B, AA Portland)

Swihart was a 1st rounder out of highschool in 2011 and the Red Sox have been bringing him along slowly, but the trade of Lavarway may have accelerated his time-table. He didn't show much power when he was drafted, but scouts have always felt he should develop some pop, and he has certainly shown that so far this season. Swihart has been hitting .351 for AA Portland, if he continues to play this well he should be promoted to AAA Pawtucket. He has always been good with his glove, so it will be interesting to see how well he manages games in AAA. With only AJ Pierzynski and David Ross above him, the Red Sox may need Swihart in the majors sooner than expected.

RHP, Allen Webster (Grade : B-, AAA Pawtucket)

Good arm strength with some command issues, but still a promising player. Started seven games (30.1IP) for Boston in 2013, but was brutalized by major league hitting. Has room to improve, best case scenario he becomes a useful starter or dependable reliever. Worst case scenario he gets lost in the shuffle and loses out to the bevy of pitching prospects around him.

RHP, Matt Barnes (Grade : B-, AAA Pawtucket)

Barnes is probably the first guy from this group to get called up, he could use some time in AAA to sharpen his approach, but Boston will probably start him in the pen before moving him into the rotation. Barnes has started the season 1-1 with a 2.36ERA and a 1.26WHIP.

LHP, Trey Ball (Grade : B-, AA Portland)

Athletic, throws hard, lefty, 7th overall in 2013, Ball has everything you could want in a pitching prospect. He starts off the season in AA, but he could push Barnes for first-to-the-majors if he has a spectacular 2014 season. Currently 2-1 with a 3.64ERA.