Red Sox Pawtucket Prospect watch

Mar 19, 2015; Dunedin, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox pitcher

(76) pitches in the third inning of the spring training game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Florida Auto Exchange Park. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports

Red Sox fans are suffering the worst of the worst with an inconsistent rotation. Can anything be more frustrating to watch than a stellar performance followed by a clunker? That is Henry Owens in the early going.

The talent is there as Owens, 22-years old, is one of the highest ranked left-handers in the minors. His speed is just a shade over 90 MPH and that is a bit quirky since Owens is one tall pitcher. I thought Sam McDowell when I first saw his size.

Owens does it with stealth and the main ingredient is a very skilful change that he spots off his fastball. When you toss a 91 MPH heater after a 75 MPH change, makes his change his calling card. Development of another quality pitch and improved location is the key. Owens also has an attitude conducive to improvement. Last spring and this spring the bad outing did not send Owens into a funk. That, to me, is a key ingredient to his further development.

Owens has had three starts at Pawtucket and you will not get a quick shot in Boston if you walk more than you strikeout. Owens has allowed only nine hits in 16 frames yet has managed to walk 14 and punch out 13. Translation is simple: A WHIP that staggers in at 1.44.