This was a pretty mundane week for the Red Sox farm system. Trends set in the recent weeks pretty much stayed the same, and said trends are mostly positive with Jackie Bradley Jr. really starting to get going for Pawtucket while Garin Cecchini (Salem) and Anthony Ranaudo (Portland) continue to roll. The only issue recently has been a mini slump for Xander Bogaerts, but he should start going again soon. Overall not a whole lot of change this week, but still a productive week generally speaking.
The Pitchers:
- Allen Webster saw a step in the right direction after a few erratic starts. His walks have been a bit out of hand since his demotion to Pawtucket, but he only walked 2 while allowing 2 runs on 4 hits in 5.2 innings on Friday. Webster also struck out 4 and he continues to put together a very strong season down on the farm; he now is 4-0 with a 2.52 ERA and 42:17 K:BB ratio in 35.2 innings. He will remain the starting depth down in Triple-A for the Red Sox.
- Matt Barnes has continued to recover from his bad start, and did so again in his Wednesday start. Barnes didn’t have his best outing, but he was solid in allowing 3 runs (2 earned) on 7 hits and a walk while striking out 5 in 5 innings. He lowered his ERA to 4.50 and his 50:14 K:BB ratio in 42 innings is nothing short of spectacular. His peripheral statistics are phenomenal enough that he could even earn himself a promotion if he continues to pitch the way he has in recent weeks.
- Anthony Ranaudo’s Friday start is of the kind that is only disappointing when put in perspective with his season so far. He only allowed 1 run on 4 hits and 2 walks while striking out 4 in 4.2 innings. The amazing part of his outing is that nearly every one of his season statistics worsened after this start. That is a real testament to just how good Ranaudo has been this season, and he is deserving of a promotion very soon.
The Hitters:
March 24, 2013; Clearwater, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox center fielder Jackie Bradley (74) works out prior to the game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Bright House Networks Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
- Xander Bogaerts has been slumping at the plate a little bit lately. This week he only batted .185 with 1 double, 1 triple, and 4 RBIs. However, despite this shaky week, he is still having a very respectable season down in Portland. He is slashing to the tune of .275/.351/.419 with 8 doubles, 5 triples, and 2 home runs. While the power has been a bit disappointing so far, the walks and triples have been a pleasant surprise so far and hopefully the rest of Bogaerts’ game will catch up soon.
- Jackie Bradley Jr. has been the polar opposite to Bogaerts this week. While Bogaerts has struggled, Bradley is having an excellent week in Pawtucket as he has batted .470 with 1 home run and 3 RBIs and he has had two hits in every game he’s played in this week. That brings his season slash line at Pawtucket up to .343/.443/.478 and given the state of health with the Red Sox, Bradley could be back in the majors before too long.
- Garin Cecchini has gotten to the point where he gains nothing by staying and raking down at Salem. He stroked to the tune of .300 with 1 RBI and now stands at .375/.486/.632 with High-A Salem. The 22 year old is coming into his own and will likely be promoted sooner rather than later.