Minor League Update: Webster, Owens Excel In First Starts

Here on BoSox Injection, I’m going to be starting a weekly running series called “Minor League Update” where I post highlights from the weeks of the top Red Sox prospects. The series will be posted every Sunday, starting here after the first week of the season.

The Pitchers

Feb 17, 2013; Fort Myers FL, USA; Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Allen Webster (64) poses during photo day at JetBlue Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Allen Webster started Opening Day for the Triple-A Pawtucket Red Sox and did quite well in his start. Although he did walk 3 batters, he allowed just 2 hits and struck out 5 in 5 shutout innings to start the year. Webster was great in spring training and a shift in mechanics which could improve his control, although not evident in this start, could make him an elite prospect.

Henry Owens was just as good in his first start of the year for the High-A Salem Red Sox, as he went 5 shutout innings, allowing 2 hits and 2 walks while striking out 4. As a tall lefty with phenomenal stuff, a good performance this year could vault him well into top prospect rankings and this was a good start.

Brandon Workman threw his first game of the year for the Double-A Portland Sea Dogs and was not quite so good as Webster and Owens. Although he did strike out 9 batters in his 5 innings, he also allowed 4 runs on 3 hits and a walk. A few mistakes were enough to cost Workman, who normally relies on his control and ability to not make mistakes.

The Hitters

• Xander Bogaerts did not get off to a great start in his first week of games in the 2013 season. Playing in his second go-around with Portland, he batted just .214 (3-14) with an RBI, although he did go 2-5 today against the Trenton Thunder. Hopefully Bogaerts gets hot soon and can earn himself a promotion to Triple-A Pawtucket.
• Bryce Brentz, on the other hand, has gotten off to a very good start in his first four games. The Pawtucket right fielder has batted .368 (7-19) with 3 RBIs and has flashed some power with 4 doubles so far. If the Red Sox have injuries in their outfield, it’ll likely be Brentz that they call upon first.
• Garin Cecchini hasn’t gotten off too a great start at the plate in his first games as a Salem Red Sox. He came through with his first hit of the year today in a 1-4 effort, but is only hitting .091 (1-11) on the year. Cecchini is a few years away, but he’s an exciting prospect no doubt.
• Deven Marrero, alternately, has gotten off to a great start at the plate in Salem. He is currently batting .333 (4-12) with a double and an RBI on the young season. Marrero is known for his defense, so a major offensive output from him would be a huge boost to the Red Sox of, say, 2016.