2015 Minor League Report (April) - bayers3's Dynasty

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2015 Minor League Report (April)

Posted on July 3, 2014 at 04:59 PM.

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THE BOSTON GLOBE (RED SOX DYNASTY REPORT)

The Red Sox farm system is brimming with talent, it's no wonder management passed on free agent signings. It might be another year or two but Pawtucket and Portland have the makings for another decade plus of success. These guys have the rest of the AL East looking over their shoulders.

Player (Prospect Grade - John Sickels, Current Level)

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

Cecchini cannot catch a break, has basically nothing left to prove in AAA but gets another season before he can compete with Middlebrooks for the 3B job. Should start 2016 in the majors unless he experiences some serious regression, but may be used as a back-up / utility player until Middlebrooks is moved or traded. Some discussion of trading him, but most feel Boston would rather keep him and avoid developing another 3B after a year or two for the end of Middlebrooks' current contract.

SS, Chris Owings (Grade : B+, AAA Pawtucket)

The only reasons Owings is still on this list are named Dustin Pedroia and Xander Bogaerts. Owings looked good in spring training, but the Red Sox ultimately decided to give him extended playing time at Pawtucket vs. competing with Brock Holt and Mark Ellis for time at 2B/SS. Improved defense and plate discipline in 2014, hits left handers hard with 4 of his 6HR coming off southpaws, splits are only concerns as .268BA included a .301 mark against lefties.

RHP, Leonys Bravo (Grade : B+, AA Portland)

A little early for management to do a slow jog around the bases, but Bravo is looking like a grand-slam. 2014 first rounder (26th overall) absoluetly eviscerated three levels (Rookie, A, A-Advanced) with his plus fastball that looks like it could be graded as an 80 sooner or later. Worked on a circle change, which still needs improvement, but even a below average secondary pitch was devastating when paired with his fastball. Coaches refined his mechanics and got him working out, can hit 100 regularly but tends to tire late in games which isn't unexpected from a teenager. Starts off in AA where he will be forced to improve his circle change and slider.

RHP, Braden Shipley (Grade : B+, MLB)

Technically not a prospect since the Rule 5 Draft has him stuck in the majors for 2014 and his rookie status will expire, so this grade is more about his previous ranking. Will definitely struggle in pen, and will likely be reserved for situations where Boston is behind. Pitched well for Arizona at A South Bend and a short stint at AA Mobile before being traded to Philidelphia in the Cole Hamels deal. Played well enough for Philly to move him to AAA Lehigh Valley to start the season, but he didn't even get to put on a bacon hat before Boston snagged him as a Rule 5 pick.

LHP, Henry Owens (Grade : B+, AAA Pawtucket)

Looking to improve on his 2014 season, 2015-2016 will be key for him as slots will open up in the MLB rotation/pen. The better of Boston's two high-end LHP, with the loss of Jon Lester the rotation lacks a solid LHP starter and Boston could be more agressive with Owens.

LHP, Trey Ball (Grade : B, AAA Pawtucket)

Very similar situation to Owens, but younger and will probably struggle through AAA for at least this season. He will be passed over and stuck behind a number of pitchers farther along, but he will be highly valued just for being left handed.

RHP, Braxton Davis (Grade : B-, AAA Pawtucket)

Boston's second pick in the 2014 draft overpowered AA hitters in the second half of last season, management planned to start him off in AAA barring a total collapse in 2015. The MLB roster could use pitching depth, so there is a chance he could be a second half call-up if he pitches well. Fastball continues to be a plus pitch, cutter-change secondary pitches looked better than expected in AA and has continued to look sharp through spring training.

1B, Issac Koufax (Grade : B-, AA Portland)

Absolute revelation through three levels (Rookie, A, A-Advanced) in 2014. Taken in the 2014 draft as a plus-defense contact hitting 1B, showed some surprising pop (17HR) against lower level pitching and basically hit himself into AA to start the season with an eye watering .401 batting average. AA pitching should let coaches see if his power is real, there is nobody blocking a promotion to AAA if Boston feels like being agressive with him.

RHP, Allen Webster (Grade : C+, AAA Pawtucket)

Important season for Webster, really struggled down the stretch in 2014 and has been downgraded by most if not all rating services. Continued struggles may see him sent down to AA to try and get back on track, but he is in danger of getting lost in a very deep pitching class. Possible trade chip.

3B/OF, Rico Berroa (Grade : C+, AA Portland)

Didn't have much blocking promotion to AA, seamless adjustment to his new role as an OF player. Played well at 3B, but Boston is very shallow at OF and wants to reserve 3B for a more powerful hitter. Plus glove and speed (41SB) with decent plate discipline. Hitting needs work, but defense looks major league ready.

SS, Pedro Santana (Grade : C+, AA Portland)

Slick fielder played very well in what was left of the 2014 season, didn't blow anyone away at the plate but still managed to steal 46 bases through three levels (Rookie, A, A-Advanced) and earn a promotion to AA to start the season. Minors are depleted due to graduations, so in a sense he was passing tired horses, but he is still good enough defensively to play in AA.