Minor League Update: Bogaerts, Cecchini Break Out Of Slumps

After a couple of flaky weeks in the Red Sox farm system, the major prospects finally came through this week. After a few struggles from the major offensive prospects (Xander Bogaerts, Garin Cecchini, Jackie Bradley Jr.) and the major pitching prospects (Allen Webster, Rubby de la Rosa, Anthony Ranaudo), those players all had decent weeks here.

The Pitchers:

• Allen Webster finally broke out of a very rough stretch in Pawtucket this week. In his sole start of the week, Webster allowed 2 earned runs on 3 hits and 3 walks in 6 innings pitched, fanning 4 batters along the way. This rough stretch has seen his ERA bloom, but it still sits at a respectable, if unspectacular 4.27 with a 71:31 K:BB ratio in 65.1 innings pitched.
• Rubby de la Rosa has also seen his ERA bloom in recent weeks, but he finally had a solid start for the first time in July this week. He only went 5 innings, but he allowed just an earned run on 3 hits and 3 walks, while gaining 3 strikeouts as well. He should continue to serve as a backup plan for the Red Sox, as his 3.75 ERA and 71:38 K:BB ratio (72 innings pitched) are both solid.
• Anthony Ranaudo has also seen his share of struggles in recent weeks, but he broke out of a slump just like the others. He allowed just a run on 4 hits and 4 walks in 5.2 innings pitched. The walks are a concern, but overall this season he has not had an excess of walks as his 99:39 K:BB ratio and 2.80 ERA through his first 103 innings are both very solid numbers for the recovering prospect.
• Henry Owens‘ insane streak continues; after tossing the first six innings of a no-hitter last week, he went out and did it again. Owens allowed a total of 0 hits and 0 runs in 5 innings on Monday, striking out 9 compared to 3 walks. The control issues are a tangible concern, but Owens is really letting his stuff play out in Salem with a 2.78 ERA and 10.76 K/9 this season.

The Hitters:

Jul 14, 2013; Flushing , NY, USA; World infielder Xander Bogaerts (2) reacts after scoring a run past USA catcher

(24) during the first inning of the 2013 All Star Futures Game at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

• Xander Bogaerts had seen his batting average dip a little the last few weeks, but he jumped back on the wagon this week. Playing everyday, he recorded a .409 batting average to go with 2 doubles, 1 home run, and 4 walks. After a hot start at Portland, Bogaerts– still 20 years old– is making a name for himself in Pawtucket, with a .273/.377/.476 slash line, good for a .853 OPS, and 8 home runs.
• Garin Cecchini has also broken out of a little dry spell at Portland. The young third baseman had a good week, batting .345 with 5 walks. He is having one of the best seasons in all of Minor League Baseball, and nothing has changed since joining Portland– he now has a .325/.426/.460 slash line as a 22 year old.
• Jackie Bradley Jr. has not had such a great week as the others stars in the Red Sox system. However, he wasn’t too bad as he hit an admittedly low .120, but reached base at a much higher (but still rough) .233 clip. Bradley has seen his stock lower in recent weeks, but is still having a good season in Pawtucket with a .274/.375/.491 slash line.