Red Sox make first cuts from Spring Training camp
By Drew Peabody
On Wednesday, the Red Sox reduced the number of players in major league camp from 57 to 51. Shortstop Sean Coyle and first baseman Travis Shaw were demoted to AAA Pawtucket. First baseman Bryan LaHair, and pitchers Keith Couch, Miguel Celestino, and Noe Ramirez were assigned to minor league camp.
Wherever they were assigned, with being sent to different camps, they will see more reps than if they stayed with the major league club. Ramirez, Couch, and Celestino each picked up a save in Red Sox camp, but only pitched one other game apiece. LaHair only managed one hit and two walks in 19 plate appearances, notching a single RBI. Coyle was two for seven (including a double) with three walks in his ten plate appearances, along with a stolen base.
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Shaw impressed in his 20 plate appearances, notching a homer, three RBI and a .350/.350/.600 batting line. Manager John Farrell praised the rising prospect.
"“He feels more confident as player and he swung the bat very well. Defensively, for a guy his size, he moves well, he’s got soft hands. He’s a very good defender, but we’re seeing the bat really start to makes some strides.”"
With only a half season of AAA under his belt, Shaw needs more seasoning there before the big league call, but the encouraging words tell you the chances are good we will see him at Fenway before too long. He is not
as a big power threat, but his 21 homers at AA and AAA and six foot four inch frame seem to indicate the potential is there.
Stay tuned to BoSox Injection for all the Red Sox roster moves as the team assembles its 25 man roster that will open the season at Philadelphia on April 6.