Red Sox rookie program starts up

Jul 14, 2013; Flushing , NY, USA; USA pitcher Anthony Ranaudo throws a pitch during the 2013 All Star Futures Game at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Boston’s annual rookie program – a week long program designed specifically for prospects close to being MLB ready – got started this week, according to The Boston Globe’s Pete Abraham. The program will include two workouts a day with a focus on conditioning and fundamentals. Abraham notes that the players will also take part in a few community orientated events, visiting Boston’s Children’s Hospital and the McKinley Middle School in Boston.

This year’s group includes a number of the team’s top prospects: pitchers Matt Barnes, Dalier Hinojosa, Henry Owens, Noe Ramirez, and Anthony Ranaudo; catchers Christian Vazquez and Blake Swihart; and infielders Garin Cecchini, Deven Marrero, and Travis Shaw. Most of this group is expected to join the team in Spring Training in roughly a month.

Abraham also notes that seven players from last year’s group reached the Major Leagues this past season – Xander Bogaerts, Jackie Bradley, Drake Britton, Rubby De La Rosa, Brock Holt, Allen Webster, and Steven Wright.

In addition to the organized workouts and community events, the group will also sit through a handful of seminars designed to help prepare them for life in the Major Leagues. Larry Lucchino, Ben Cherington, John Farrell, Greg Colbrunn, and Juan Nieves will all be in attendance to speak with the group. As will Boston Celtics Team President Danny Ainge.