Red Sox Minor League RoundUp: March 2015
Feb 24, 2015; Ft. Myers, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox pitcher
Henry Owens(76) during workout drills at JetBlue Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Double-A: Portland Sea Dogs (Eastern League)
Last Season:
Lefty starting pitcher Henry Owens took his 6’6″ frame and dominated in Portland so much, he was sent up to Pawtucket for his efforts. He earned a record of 14-4, with an earned run average of 2.60 and 126 strikeouts to only 47 walks. Owens also had three complete games and two shutouts.
This effort helped the Sea Dogs earn a record of 88-54, clinching the top spot in the Eastern division. The team was pretty even home(46-26) and away (42-28). However, the Sea Dogs lost in the EL semifinals to the Binghamton Mets 3-2 in a five-game series. Even within that short span, the team showed its power by hitting 9 home runs and 25 RBIs. The Sea Dogs slugged for .480, which helped their .272 batting average. Their regular season batting average was not much different at .268, to rank fourth in the EL.
The pitching staff, with and without Owens, was potent, as well. They earned the top spot in the EL with a 3.41 team ERA, 9 complete games, 14 shutouts, and gave up the fewest total runs (461). However, they were in the middle of the pack for both strikeouts (992) and walks (362).
This Season:
Much of last season’s offence had to do with players like Mookie Betts, Blake Swihart, and Travis Shaw, all of whom have moved up to either Boston or Pawtucket. Henry Ramos was also a big help and may likely be with Portland this summer. In 48 games, Ramos hit .326, with a .368 on-base percentage, 2 home runs, and 23 RBIs. The 22-year-old right fielder will look to continue his quick rise to success in 2015, after spending only one season in Class-A (Advanced) before making the leap in 2014 to Portland.
Click on the link for a complete 2015 schedule: 2015 Portland Sea Dogs
First Away Game of 2015: April 16th vs. Trenton Thunder
First Home Game of 2015: April 9th vs. Reading Fightin’ Phils