Minor League Update: Bogaerts, Swihart Getting Hot

A few hot streaks throughout the Red Sox’ system really made this week a good one overall. Xander Bogaerts, Blake Swihart, and of course Garin Cecchini all had excellent weeks. On the mound, the Red Sox saw good performances from Allen Webster, Brandon Workman, and Anthony Ranaudo. All things considered, this was one of the Red Sox system’s best weeks.

The Pitchers:

• Allen Webster fared well in his one start yesterday. He allowed 2 runs on 4 hits and 3 walks while punching out 6 batters in 6.1 innings in a Pawtucket win. Webster’s control issues have settled down a bit since immediately after he was demoted, but are still there as 3 walks in 6.1 innings is pretty lackluster. Still, he has been effective, as his ERA stands at 2.57 and his K/9 stands at 10.29, and he remains part of the first line of defense in case of injuries to Boston starting pitchers.
• Rubby de la Rosa made a pair of appearances this week. In his first outing on Monday, he allowed 1 run on 2 hits and 1 walk in 4 innings, striking out just 1 batter; in today’s appearance, however, he allowed 2 runs on 3 hits and 2 walks in 4.2 innings while fanning a whopping 7 batters. This week’s totals have brought de la Rosa’s ERA to 3.51 and his K:BB ratio to 37:17. Today’s 4.2 inning appearance marked his longest outing of the year as the Red Sox continue to stretch him out.
• Anthony Ranaudo’s win on Wednesday night was the best outing in what has been a spectacular season already for the 23 year old right-hander. On Wednesday night, Ranaudo allowed just 1 baserunner while striking out 8 batters over 7 scoreless innings. He continues to have a remarkable season as he lowered his ERA to a microscopic 1.48 and his 58:15 K:BB ratio in 54.2 innings is phenomenal as well. One has to imagine that it won’t be long before Ranaudo sees his first Triple-A action.
• Brandon Workman also turned in one of the best outings of his season in a two-start week here. On Monday, he allowed 3 runs (2 earned) while striking out 9 batters over 6 innings. However, last night he was absolutely marvelous as he allowed just a run on 3 hits and 2 walks while striking out 5 in 8 innings. Workman continues to have loads of success in the minor leagues as this week has brought his ERA to a very solid 3.43 mark to go with his excellent 74:17 K:BB ratio in 65.2 innings pitched.

The Hitters:

March 24, 2013; Clearwater, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts (72) against the Philadelphia Phillies works out prior to the game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Bright House Networks Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

• Xander Bogaerts enjoyed one of the best weeks of his life this past week as he flat-out raked the entire time. After slumping in the few weeks before that, Bogaerts shook off the rust to crush to the tune of .522 with 3 home runs, 3 doubles, and 9 RBIs. As one could guess, this week significantly bumped up his season stats to .302/.393/.490 with 11 doubles, 5 triples, 5 homers, 5 steals, and 30 RBIs. If he keeps up this hot streak, Bogaerts could ride it about 150 miles south to Pawtucket.
• Garin Cecchini’s banner year in Salem continued this week as he is seeing the ball incredibly well this season. This week, he batted .296 with 1 double and 1 RBI. It certainly wasn’t his flashiest week, but he continues to make solid contact with the ball. This brings his season slash line to .360/.463/.581 to go with his 5 home runs and 28 RBIs.
• Bryce Brentz continues to quietly put together a very solid season in Pawtucket. He is riding a little hot streak and this week he hit .269 with 1 home run and 6 RBIs. There haven’t been as many ups and downs this year and he has unspectacular but good numbers, hitting to the tune of a .275/.324/.485 slash line with 10 home runs and 39 RBIs.
• Blake Swihart has been the second hottest hitter in the system lately as his bat, prized highly in the 2011 draft, is finally coming to life. He hasn’t hit for much power, but it’s hard to complain about his .500 average, 3 doubles, and 3 RBIs this week. His season slash line is up to a respectable .287/.372/.419 and he is progressing as well as one can hope for a high school switch-hitting catcher.