Red Sox prospect watch: Who is hot and not
By Rick McNair
Jun 3, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Practice balls in a bin prior to game one of a doubleheader between the Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Mauricio Dubon – Not!
The 20-year-old Dubon is a native of Honduras and a 26th round draft selection in 2013 out of California – where Dubon had relocated to refine his baseball skills. No Honduran has ever played MLB baseball, so Dubon does have a potential goal to attain.
Defense is not the issue as Dubon can play both short and second with above-average skills. But the hitting?
In Greenville Dubon slashed .301/.354/.425 and hit four home runs and had 29 RBI. Dubon also swiped 18 bases in 22 attempts and had a respectable 13K% in his 58 games. That warranted a promotion to the next level, so on to Salem A+ for the Red Sox 18th ranked prospect.
The sample is small with only nine games and a paltry 30 at bats, but the slash of .133/.250/.167 has been a disappointing beginning and within that number is a potential red flag – BABIP. At Greenville the BABIP was .338 and now it is .160 despite no deterioration of contact.
Is size the issue? Dubon is a lithe 6’ and 160 pounds and may need to develop a bit more muscle. This is somewhat reminiscent of former Sox farm hand Jose Iglesias, who took some extra time developing. Jose is now an All-Star.