Scouting the Boston Red Sox's Newest Prospects

The Boston Red Sox have rebuilt their farm system over the past few years into one considered among the strongest in baseball. Many of their prospects make one of their first professional stops in Lowell to play for the short-season Spinners in the rookie level New York-Penn League.

There is a lot of coaching going on to get these players acclimated to professional ball, but Spinners manager Joe Oliver has tried to simplify the instructional philosophy, explaining, “I don’t really think it’s too difficult here. It’s basically just trying to relay consistent mechanics, staying in a consistent routine, and really tweak the style that they have to throw or hit, and just try to modify it.”

Everyone in the minors is a superior athlete with varying levels of baseball ability. Being able to harness those attributes and have them translate during actual games is what sets the true prospects apart.

Lowell hitting coach Noah Hall believes that even the simplest adjustments can dramatically impact hitters. “The one skill at this level, cause it’s the rookie level, first, second-year guys is just controlling their effort level. It’s plain and simple. Everybody here has a nice swing; they all have the ability to have success and hit the ball hard but what holds them back is their effort level. The guys that can control it at this level, it’s something special. Usually guys aren’t doing that until early twenties, mid-twenties to late twenties, and learning to really control it.”

It’s always exciting to see the newest crop of Red Sox prospects. Although many have started to generate buzz, they are also at the point of their careers where the possibilities of what kind of players they will end up becoming are limitless.

The Spinners played a three-game series in Burlington, Vermont June 27-29 against the Vermont Lake Monsters. Here are some observations about a number of Boston’s youngsters I was able to see during that time.

First Baseman Sam Travis: The 2014 second-round pick made a big splash during the series, including hitting his first professional home run, which was a moon shot to left field. He finished with seven hits, six RBIs and a second home run in the three game series.

Prior to the first game, the 20-year-old out of Indiana University discussed the biggest adjustments he’s had to make since being drafted. “There’s a lot more hours at the field, but then again, I love coming to the park so it is obviously a good time. Maybe getting adjusted to wood bats. We used the aluminum bats. Other than that, it’s the same game; it’s just going out there and having fun.” Clearly, he is learning quickly and if his production is any indication, he is having a great time!

Making comparisons can be an iffy proposition but Travis is very reminiscent of Mike Napoli with his build, big power and extremely quick wrists.

Right-Handed Pitcher Willie Ethington: The 2012 17th-rounder received a $200,000 bonus and posted a sub-3.00 ERA in his first two professional seasons in the Gulf Coast League. Unfortunately he had his worst outing of 2014 against Vermont, allowing six hits and four runs (three earned) in 4.2 innings. He struggled with his command, hitting the first batter of the game. His fastball sat in the 86-88 mph range—touching 89-90 occasionally (which was a notch lower than SoxProspects.com’s scouting report). A comebacker to the mound off his pitching hand resulted in him leaving the park with a wrap (however he later confirmed it was not a serious injury).

Second Baseman Raymel Flores: Signed to a $900,000 bonus out of the Dominican Republic in 2011, the 19-year-old switch-hitter has been handled carefully. Flashes of what made him so intriguing to the Red Sox came out in the two games he played against Vermont, as he lined his first career professional home run to right, smacked a triple, stole a base and looked very slick on defense.

Outfielder Bryan Hudson: Blazing fast, the 19-year-old has just one stolen base in three attempts in 13 2014 games. However, he legged out an infield single on a relatively routine grounder to shortstop and generally flew around the field. If he continues to develop as a player, he could be a difference maker based on his legs alone. It doesn’t seem like the left-handed hitter will ever have much power but the nine walks he has already drawn this season is a positive sign of plate approach for someone his age.

Right-Handed Pitcher Karsten Whitson: The 10^th overall selection of the 2010 draft (to the San Diego Padres) elected to attend the University of Florida instead of signing.  He struggled with injuries over the next few years, including missing the entire 2013 campaign before rebounding with a solid senior season and getting selected by Boston in the 11th round of this year’s draft.  

SoxProspects.com describes the 22-year-old’s arsenal as including a low-90s fastball and a slider and changeup that have the potential to be plus pitches. He has yet to make his professional debut but is pleased with the work he has been putting in. When asked which of his offerings he is currently happiest with he responded, “Probably my changeup. I was able to throw it a lot in college while progressing through my throwing program and coming off shoulder surgery. It’s a pitch I really worked on, and I’ve thrown it my first three of four bullpens and it’s been working really good for me, so hopefully I can continue that.”

It will be a long road to get back to top-prospect status but he is already thinking about how he can best finish 2014, explaining, “I think for me, getting back on the mound and having some fun, competing and getting an opportunity to go out there and pitch. I don’t really have any specific goals; I just want to command the strike zone and throw all of my pitches for strikes if I can.”

Right-Handed Pitcher Jason Garcia: A year removed from Tommy John surgery, the 21-year-old looks like he is roaring back with a vengeance in his fourth appearance since the procedure. Starting Game 2 of the series, he registered 93 mph on his first pitch and scattered two hits (including one infield dribbler) over six shutout innings. He was consistently sitting 92-95 mph, and mixed in an effective changeup and slider. He punctuated the performance by blowing away Vermont outfielder Justin Higley with a 96 mph fastball on his final pitch.

Since being taken in the 17^th round of the 2010 draft, Garcia has matured physically and could be poised to make a leap forward among Sox pitching prospects in the next year.

He exuded positivity in talking about coming back from the difficult injury. “Rehab, the last half year has been going great. It’s tough at first but the hard work seems like it is paying off. My goal right now is just to continue to work on that command with my off-speed. My fastball command has gotten a lot better. I’m just trying to get that confidence back with slider and changeup. Hopefully finish out the year in Salem or Portland.”

Outfielder Danny Mars: It’s easy to see why Boston likes this year’s sixth-round selection out of tiny Chipola College. He’s a hard-nosed grinder who plays his heart out every second he is on the field, showing off solid fundamentals by laying down a great bunt, taking pitches and showing smart overall play during the series.

When asked what his greatest attribute as a player is, the 20-year-old switch-hitter didn’t pause before explaining, “I come out every day and I play a hundred percent. I give it all I have, and it kind of shows, diving and sliding head first. I love the game and I never take any day for granted.”

Although he has good plate patience and some speed, he doesn’t stand out in any one area. However, players with his kind of motor and heart often exceed expectations, so it will be interesting to see how he progresses.

Third Baseman Jordan Betts: The power-hitting infielder started his pro career off with a splash, quickly belting three home runs out of the gate. However, as he explained, the transition to the Boston organization was anything but easy. “The first couple of weeks, coming from college baseball with metal bats and also not playing for three weeks after my last game at Duke, it was just getting used to the timing of the game, getting back to the game rhythm, and getting used to wood bats.”

The right-handed former Blue Devil has a long swing (14 strikeouts in 12 games) but if that can be corralled he has the power to make some noise in the system.

Right-Handed Pitcher German Suarez: Living up to his reputation of a big arm, the 21-year-old hit 97 mph during his two-inning appearance on the 28th. Overall, it wasn’t an especially impressive performance, as he allowed a run on two hits and a walk. He is striking out a batter per inning thus far this season but has a long way to go to start getting the hype to match his fastball.

Shortstop Mauricio Dubon: Last year’s 26th-round pick had an up-and down series. The painfully slender infielder showed some ability with a glove and smacked a triple to deep right-center off Oakland Athletics’ 2014 second-rounder Daniel Gossett. He was also picked off from first and had some other at-bats where he looked a bit overmatched. Just 19, there is plenty of time for him to develop.

Infielder Nick Longhi: The Red Sox thought enough of the right-handed hitter to give him a $440,000 bonus after taking him in the 30th round in 2013. Still just 18, he is leading Lowell with a .347 batting average, and has the kind of projectable frame to indicate room to grow as a hitter- especially in the power department.

Statistics via milb.com

Disclaimer: Author is not a professional scout but has followed and written about baseball for more than 25 years.

********************************
You can check me out on Facebook or follow me on Twitter @historianandrew

Boston Red Sox Face Major Free Agent Questions

This piece was originally published on SportsReelBoston.com.

Following their capture of the 2013 World Series trophy, the Boston Red Sox have limped into 2014 the tune of an uninspiring 36-44 record that has them sitting in fourth place in the American League East. Other than a seven-game winning streak in late May, the team has won as many as three consecutive games just one other time.

The lackluster performance has stifled high hopes of another postseason run this autumn. Although the season cannot be chalked up as a lost cause just yet, the slow start will likely be a determining factor next offseason when the team decides what direction it wants to take. However, the biggest questions will come from the slew of players set to become free agents, and the decisions Boston will have to make on whether they should be retained as part of the future.

Let’s take a look at the Red Sox players in their contract year and review how they may or may not fit into long-term plans.

Starting Pitcher Jon Lester: The reported wide gulf in previous negotiations between the veteran left-hander and the team has been widely discussed. The fact of the matter is Lester is in his prime, has proven his ability to lead a rotation in Beantown (winning two World Series) and has been extremely durable (well on pace for his seventh consecutive season of at least 191 innings). The Red Sox don’t have another pitcher behind him with his experience, ability and track record, so if he is allowed to leave, there will be an enormous hole to fill this offseason.

Verdict: A must to re-sign unless the dollar amount gets too out of hand.

Catcher A.J. Pierzynski: The 38-year-old receiver is hitting .250 with four home runs and 31 RBIs in his first season with Boston. He has drawn just seven walks, has a disappointing 75 OPS+ (100 is league average) and has caught just 21 percent of base stealers. If you throw in his higher veteran salary and the questions that have come up regarding his compatibility with the pitching staff, it seems likely he won’t have an extended stay in Boston. With highly-regarded catching prospects Christian Vazquez and Blake Swihart getting steadily closer to being MLB-ready, it would be a surprise to see Pierzynski return.

Verdict: Do not re-sign.

Starting Pitcher Jake Peavy: The former National League Cy Young winner is a combined 5-7 with a 4.57 ERA since joining Boston in a mid-season trade last year. The once overpowering right-hander is primarily an innings eater at this stage of his career. With youngsters like Brandon Workman and Rubby De La Rosa having strong showings with the big league team in 2014, Peavy doesn’t have the upside and low salary to be kept around.

Verdict: Do not re-sign.

Outfielder Jonny Gomes: The heavily bearded and tattooed slugger has been a beloved member of Red Sox Nation since joining the team prior to last year. He personifies a team-first atmosphere but has hit just .243 with 18 home runs in 176 regular season games with Boston. About to turn 34, and with defensive skills that can be charitably called adventurous, it’s hard to imagine him having a large role with the team beyond this year.

Verdict: Love him, but unless he signs a minimum contract and earns a spot in spring training it’s probably time for him to go.

Shortstop Stephen Drew: Thought to be gone after not re-signing with the Red Sox last offseason, the 31-year-old veteran ended up returning on a pro-rated contract last month. Although he is still working his way into mid-year form, he has barely made a blip in 2014, hitting just .135 (including a recent 0-for-29 stretch) with one RBI in 15 games since his return. Since Xander Bogaerts has held his own at the MLB level this year, he will continue to be groomed as the shortstop of the future and force Drew to find a new home in 2015.

Verdict: Do not re-sign.

Relief Pitcher Craig Breslow (Team holds a $4 million option or must pay a $100,000 buyout): After a stellar 1.81 ERA with Boston in 2103, the 33-year-old lefty has seen that figure jump to 4.39 in 27 2014 games, along with an unsightly 6.1 walks per nine innings. He has not locked down lefty hitters (.765 OPS against him this year), so it seems the team would be able to find a younger and cheaper replacement once his contract expires.

Verdict: Do not re-sign.

Relieve Pitcher Burke Badenhop: The right-handed pickup from last offseason has been a revelation, posting a 1.77 ERA in 35 appearances—often spanning more than one inning. He consistently keeps the ball in the ballpark, and with rising salaries for relievers, he stands to make good money on his next contract. The Red Sox certainly have the money to keep him around but may be better served rolling with a cheaper option.

Verdict: Re-sign if the price is right.

Relief Pitcher Andrew Miller: The former top starting pitching prospect finally found his niche in the Boston bullpen as a shutdown southpaw reliever. He has struck out over 14 batters per nine innings during the past two years, and is holding left-handed hitters to a ridiculous .453 OPS in 2014. While paying big bucks for relievers is always an iffy proposition, Miller has emerged as one of the best in the game.

Verdict: Re-sign even if it costs a little extra.

Catcher David Ross: The 37-year-old backup has slipped this season, hitting just .174 and throwing out only 19 percent of base runners in 27 games. An outstanding teammate and handler of pitchers, those qualities alone are worth keeping him around to help groom the young receivers coming up through the system.

Verdict: Re-sign.

Relief Pitcher Kohi Uehara: The 39-year-old right-hander has been essentially historic since joining the Red Sox last year. In 107 regular season games, he has a 1.15 ERA, 37 saves and 11.94 strikeouts per nine innings. Throw in a 2013 ALCS MVP, and he has been one of the team’s best players in recent memory. Despite his age and past injury issues, he is not a flame thrower, so he may be able to sustain his success a bit longer. It’s unlikely he will get a monster offer from another team, making a return to Boston all the more probable (perhaps one a one or two-year deal) as long as they can find common ground. As the old adage goes, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

Verdict: Re-sign.

Statistics and contract information via BaseballReference.com.

********************************
You can check me out on Facebook or follow me on Twitter @historianandrew

Luis Lopez: Baseball's Timeless Wonder

With rapidly escalating salaries, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to keep in mind that people play baseball for reasons other than a paycheck. The love of the game is still strong with many, and perhaps none more so than Luis Lopez, who has played for over 20 different teams in his career, is currently in his 20th season and still going strong.

The right-handed Lopez went undrafted following a solid career with Coastal Carolina University but latched on with the independent leagues, suiting up for two teams in 1995. Playing third base, he batted an impressive combined .325 with seven home runs and 39 RBIs in 59 games, which earned a contract with the Toronto Blue Jays.

Over the next eight years, Lopez put up outstanding numbers, including a 1997 season that ended with a .358 batting average, 11 home runs and 99 RBIs. However, he became stuck at the Triple-A level until 2001 when he finally made his MLB debut with Toronto. Appearing in 41 games, he batted .244 with three home runs and 10 RBIs.

Among Lopez’s highlights in Toronto were his second major league hit being a home run off the Seattle Mariners’ Jamie Moyer on May 13, and a three game series against the Tampa Bay Rays from July 3-5 that saw him go a combined 8-for-12 with two doubles, a home run and three RBIs.

Despite proving he could play in the majors, his only other time on the game’s biggest stage was an 11 game stint with the Montreal Expos in 2004. He has played in the organizations of the Atlanta Braves and the Oakland Athletics, and also spent time playing in Japan and Mexico but returned to the independent leagues- where it all started for him- in 2007 and has been there since.

Now 40, Lopez is still plugging away, playing for the Bridgeport Bluefish of the Atlantic League. He is in his seventh season with the team, the longest tenure he has ever had with any one stop in his career. Although he has perhaps slowed down a bit from his headier days, he still sees regular playing time. In 53 games, he is hitting .218 with two home runs and 18 RBIs, and was even recently managed for a day by Pete Rose, who made a promotional appearance with the team.

Lopez’s major league stats (.228, three home runs and 10 RBIs in 52 games) may seem meager but what he has done in his other opportunities show the impact he has had on the game. In his 2,154 career non-MLB games, he has hit a combined .293 with 170 home runs, 1,253 RBIs and 2,346 base hits, all while garnering numerous awards and distinctions. For more information on his career numbers, make sure to check out his BaseballReference.com page.

Back in 2011, I had an opportunity to ask Lopez some questions. Check out what baseball’s timeless dynamo had to say—and don’t count out seeing him play for a team near you sometime in the future.

Luis Lopez Interview:

Who were your favorite team and player when you were growing up, and why?: The Yankees. I have a few players; Edgar Martinez, Julio Franco, Tony Gwynn, Juan Gonzalez, Cal Ripken; because they all played hard and all could hit.

Can you describe what your first signing experience out of college was like?: Thank God for independent leagues. If not I would have never had a chance.

Who has been your most influential coach or manager, and why?: Wow! There are a few. If it wasn't for minor league managers like Rocket Wheeler and JJ Cannon, I never would have gotten a chance. Then there's Buck Martinez, my first big league manager. Also, our assistant GM was Dave Stewart. He felt I should have been in the bigs way before I got there.

What is your favorite moment from your playing career?: Playing in Yankee Stadium in front of about 30 family members. Growing up in New York, it was a dream come true. 

How much does the thought of getting back to the majors drive you to continue playing?: Every day. I know I still can hit and I have the mentality to be able to come off the bench or spot start. A lot of my friends in the bigs still feel I can do it at that level. 

If you could do anything differently about your baseball career to date, what would that be?: I probably wouldn't have left Atlanta to go to Japan. It was a great experience but I went there too young. Atlanta wanted me to be the righty off the bench, and they let one of the players I looked up to walk; Julio Franco. He signed with the Mets. 

Can you describe what your experience was like during your stints in the majors?: Great! Everything you worked for. I have great stories. One I will always remember was my first at bat. I was intentionally walked! Hahaha.

How long do you think you will continue to play professionally?: As long as I keep producing and that fire is there, I will play. And it's still there! 

********************************
You can check me out on Facebook or follow me on Twitter @historianandrew

The MLB All-Underrated Team

This piece was originally published on SportsReelBoston.com.

Baseball is a game of stars. The likes of Derek Jeter and David Ortiz, who make their mark in the flashiest of ways have a knack of sticking around the limelight throughout their careers. While they may get the bulk of the attention, there are certainly many underrated players who can be just as valuable, yet toil away in relative obscurity.

Although there are many worthy candidates, here are my picks for the 2014 MLB all-underrated team.

Catcher- Jonathan Lucroy, Milwaukee Brewers (.338, 8 Home Runs, 38 RBIs): The 28-year-old can flat out hit, and is quite possibly the best hitting catcher in the game today. Since the start of the 2012 season, he has hit a combined .306 and seen a spike in his power numbers. He doesn’t have the strongest arm (25 percent career caught stealing) behind the plate but is overall a solid defensive receiver.

First Base- Brandon Moss, Oakland A’s (.259, 17 Home Runs, 55 RBIs): A classic pick-up from the scrap heap, he was a prospect of moderate expectations who showed little in stints with three teams prior to arriving in Oakland in 2012. His calling card is his power, which has resulted in 51 home runs his previous two seasons combined. His ability to play the outfield and first base, and more than hold his own against southpaw pitchers (.847 OPS in 2014) as a left-handed batter only adds to his value.

Second Base- Daniel Murphy, New York Mets (.300, 5 Home Runs, 26 RBIs): The 29-year-old left-handed hitter is a jack of many trades and a master of none. He can hit a little (.291 career), has a little pop (.758 career OPS but never more than 13 home runs in any one season) and can swipe a bag when needed (double digits in steals the past three seasons). Not the strongest defensive player, his 110 career OPS+ on a generally weak Mets’ lineup during his six year career is what makes him particularly underrated.

Shortstop- Alexei Ramirez, Chicago White Sox (.304, 7 Home Runs, 36 RBIs): Perhaps overrated during the first six years of his major league career, he is now well under the radar despite being in the midst of a career season. He remains an effective and flashy defender, and his 12 stolen bases to date indicate he still has game-changing speed even as he enters his mid-30s.

Third Base- Adrian Beltre, Texas Rangers (.307, 8 Home Runs, 35 RBIs): Now in his 17th MLB season, and looking like a strong candidate for the Hall of Fame, it’s funny to think he is underrated. However, it is an unfortunate truth. He is still a plus defender at the age of 35, and as long as he stays healthy should surpass big career milestones like 2,500 hits and 400 home runs this year. He already went past the 500 double mark, and his career WAR of 72.4 is the best of any third baseman of all-time who is not in the Hall of Fame (except for Chipper Jones who is a mortal lock for enshrinement as soon as he is eligible in 2017).

Outfield- Alex Gordon, Kansas City Royals (.290, 8 Home Runs, 39 RBIs): A converted third baseman, the 30-year-old is now one of the strongest defensive outfielders in the game, with 73 assists in five seasons. With a career .784 OPS and 111 OPS+, he can also hit a little. Although he was the second overall pick in the 2005 draft and has never become a superstar, he is far from being a bust.

Outfield- Michael Brantley, Cleveland Indians (.326, 11 Home Runs, 46 RBIs): The 27-year-old has already surpassed the career of his father, former outfielder Mickey Brantley. Now in his sixth season in the majors, he has gotten better with each passing year and has been at his best in 2014, already surpassing his previous best in home runs. The left-handed hitter has just a .664 OPS against lefties in his career but has seen that figure skyrocket to .872 this season.

Outfield- Angel Pagan, San Francisco Giants (.307, 3 Home Runs, 19 RBIs): He has made a career on doing the little things, as evidenced by his .283 batting average, 144 stolen bases and strong defense over nine major league seasons. The 32-year-old switch hitter hasn’t lost a step and is having a prototypical year for the National League West front-running Giants. Pagan may not get a lot of attention but he is often in the thick of the action for his team.

Starting Pitcher- Dallas Keuchel, Houston Astros (8-4, 2.63 ERA): After posting an ERA of over 5.00 his first two major league seasons, the southpaw has made a huge leap in 2014. He has significantly cut his walks while allowing fewer hits and home runs, and posting the  best strikeout rate of his career. Just 24, he was never a major prospect but appears to have made himself into a frontline starting pitcher. He doesn’t throw especially hard but has a varied arsenal that allows him to keep hitters off balance. His steady results on a rebuilding team have been invaluable, as he has pitched at least five innings in every one of his starts this year.

Relief Pitcher- Wade Davis, Kansas City Royals (5-1, 1.11 ERA in 29 Games): Once a highly regarded prospect, the big right-hander had several decent seasons in Tampa Bay before coming over to the Royals in the James Shields/Wil Myers trade in 2012. A miserable 8-11 record and 5.32 ERA last year pitching primarily as a starter was erased by his triumphant move to the bullpen this year. Now used exclusively in relief, he has become a shutdown option, striking out 54 while permitting just 13 hits in 32.1 innings. Now that he is pitching in shorter stints, his velocity is up (averaging a career-high 95.2 MPH on his fastball). If the team ever decided to trade All-Star closer Greg Holland, Davis would be the logical choice as successor.

Statistics via BaseballReference.com

********************************
You can check me out on Facebook or follow me on Twitter @historianandrew