Red Sox select ten rookies for development camp

Mar 3, 2014; Bradenton, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox catcher Blake Swihart (80) works out prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at McKechnie Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Blake Swihart, 22 years old, acquired in the first round of the 2011 draft, has seen action in both Double-A and Triple-A. He is Baseball America’s top-ranked Red Sox prospect entering the new year. Swihart has been noted for his exceptional athleticism behind the plate, and the ability to produce as a switch-hitter. Unless Christian Vazquez and or Ryan Hanigan are injured, Swihart is expected to remain in Triple-A Pawtucket for most of the season

Next: Sean Coyle, 2B

Jul 13, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; USA infielder Sean Coyle flies out in the first inning during the All Star Futures Game at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Sean Coyle, 22 years old, was acquired in the third round of the 2010 draft. A smaller build, like Dustin Pedroia, Coyle is a right-handed bat with power, but needs to stay healthy if he wishes to make a splash in the big leagues. He’s seen time in High-A Salem, as well as Double-A Portland.

Next: Mookie Betts, OF

Sep 24, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox second baseman Mookie Betts (50) throws over Tampa Bay Rays left fielder Brandon Guyer (5) to complete a double play during the second inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Mookie Betts, 22 years old, was the center of “Mookie Madness”, one of the more exciting parts of an otherwise lackluster Red Sox season. Mookie has seen little trouble while sailing through the lower leagues into the Majors. Bett’s has exceptional hand-eye coordination, and had an OPS+ of 128 in the Majors last season. He’s one of only 30 players in MLB history to have an OPS+ of 125 or better as a 21 year old rookie or younger. Mookie will have an opportunity to earn a spot on the MLB roster this spring.

Next: Rusney Castillo, OF

Sep 27, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox center fielder Rusney Castillo (38) hits an RBI single during the second inning against the New York Yankees at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Rusney Castillo, 27 years old, signed a seven-year, 72.5 million dollar contract with the Red Sox in August, and saw some success in ten major league games last season. With impressive offensive abilities, and impressive speed in the field, Castillo has the potential to make a big splash in the Major Leagues this season in Boston.

Next: Henry Ramos, OF

Henry Ramos, 22 years old, was acquired in the fifth round of the 2010 draft. Prior to sustaining a stress fracture in his left knee (which ended his season), Ramos had been off to a great start at Double-A Portland. With offensive potential, and range in the outfield, Ramos could become an everyday Major League outfielder.

Next: Eduardo Rodriguez, LHP

Nov 2, 2013; Surprise, AZ, USA; Baltimore Orioles pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez against the East during the Fall Stars Game at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Eduardo Rodriguez, 21 years old, was acquired in the Andrew Miller trade in July of last season, and is one of the most exciting prospects entering the system. Two powerful pitches (a fastball capable of reaching 97 mph, as well as a breaking change-up) combine with a consistent slider to create top-starter potential in the young left-hander. With proper work ethic, Rodriguez could certainly become a depth-option for the Red Sox this season.

Next: Brian Johnson, LHP

Brian Johnson, 24 years old, was chosen in the first round of the 2012 draft, had an exceptional end to the 2014 season, allowing just two runs of fewer in 22 of his 23 starts. With a lot of maturity on the mound, Johnson has found success pitching to locations with his fastball, slider, change-up, and powerful curve.

Next: Edwin Escobar, LHP

Aug 27, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Edwin Escobar pitches in eighth inning against Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Blue Jays won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Peter Llewellyn-USA TODAY Sports

Edwin Escobar, 22 years old, came into Boston as part of the Jake Peavy trade in July of last season. With mild potential as either a back-end starter, or an option in the bullpen, Escobar could be an option for the Major-League squad this season. However, with a couple of stronger left-handed options in the system, Escobar is likely to be seen out of the bullpen.

Next: Heath Hembree, RHP

Aug 24, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox pitcher Heath Hembree (37) delivers a pitch during the sixth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

Heath Hembry, 25 years old, was also acquired in the Peavy trade last July. Hembree could see action as a reliever with a mid-90’s fastball, and slider, which were powerful against right-handed hitters.

Next: Zeke Spruill, RHP

September 9, 2014; San Francisco, CA, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Zeke Spruill (52) delivers a pitch during the third inning against the San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park. The Giants defeated the Diamondbacks 5-1. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Zeke Spruill, 25 years old, was acquired in December, and will also be an option for bullpen depth. Hembree could see Major League action with his sinker, change-up, and slider.