Red Sox Quick Hits
Here are some Red Sox stories and links that caught my eye.
Middlebrooks Ready
Will Middlebrooks has declared himself healed from the wrist injury that knocked him out last season.
Middlebrooks says he is “beyond ready” for Spring Training to start – with a top goal of cutting down on the number of times he strikes out this season.
The big question is: What can the Red Sox expect from Middlebrooks in his sophomore year?
If he produces numbers like the ones Bill James projects, the Red Sox will be quite happy.
They are: .277 AVG, 29 HR, 75 RBI. I think he will do better.
Red Sox Prospects
Been reading Jonathan Mayo’s review series on the top MLB prospects – by position.
The Red Sox have been faring okay – not great – so far.
Of course, Xander Bogaerts shows up well – coming in at # 4 among all shortstop prospects. Keep in mind, this is a stud position – so # 4 is excellent.
It was great to see Henry Owens land at # 9 for lefty pitchers. Especially since Matt Barnes did not make the top 10 grade for right-handed pitchers.
Blake Swihart also placed at # 9 – in the catcher category.
Only first base and outfield are left – so the next player to watch for is Jackie Bradley Jr.
Speaking of Bradley, if you want to get to know him better, check out this MiLB video interview.
MiLB.com also posted interviews with pitcher Allen Webster and catcher Dan Butler – both are expected to join Bradley in Pawtucket this coming season.
Welcome Back Pedro
Yes, it was great news to see Pedro Martinez rejoin the Red Sox organization.
In addition to having awesome talent, Martinez always showed himself to be a true craftsman on the mound. Hopefully, he can translate his pitching smarts into teaching prospects and identifying young players.
Plus, all-time greats like Pedro need to remain part of the organizations where they best stood out.
Written by Albie Jarvis
January 26, 2013 at 8:50 pm
2 Responses
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Albie Jarvis
I hope you are right on Middlebrooks. If we cant obtain a young firstbaseman, wouldnt it be wise to move him to first? Bogaerts, Cecchini, Vitek all can play third. Also what about obtaining Mike Olt for a pitcher and Ells. We have depth. That way your 2014 infield is Olt, Bogaerts, Pedroia, Middlebrooks, Lavarnway.
Sean
January 27, 2013 at 9:31 am
I agree – if the Red Sox prospects come through (and that’s one of Cherington’s big tests over the next few years – can he identify the ones that will really stand out) – it gives the team all kinds of flexibility. They could have low-cost talent that allows them to remold the team (like moving Middlebrooks to first – if needed). It will also keep the payroll in position so they can sign the mega-free agent they need to put the team over the hump.
Albie Jarvis
January 27, 2013 at 9:37 am