Jun 24, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; A general view of Fenway Park as the Boston Red Sox take batting practice prior to a game against the Baltimore Orioles. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Hitters
Sam Travis is a first baseman has advanced through the Red Sox system as they would hope for a 2014 second round selection. Travis was promoted to Portland almost a month ago. While he does not project to hit for power, the Indiana University product (12 homers was his best season in college) has posted a .293/.355/.402 batting line. For his 155 game professional career his slash line is .312/.363/.458. He has good hands, but not likely to move to another position due to limited foot speed.
Carlos Asuaje was promoted to Portland this season based on a tremendous offensive campaign in single A ball last season. In 130 games, the five foot nine infielder, who was drafted in the 11th round of the 2013 draft, drove in 101 runs while pounding out 65 extra base hits to compile a .927 OPS. This year has been a regression for the 23 year old Venezuelan who has been able to manage just a .718 OPS while driving in just 40 runs in 86 games. They may be trying to groom the next Brock Holt, since Asuaje has played 117 games at second base, 85 at third base and 37 in left field in his minor league career. The Red Sox don’t need another Holt barring injury, but that versatility could help in his value as a trade chip.
Stay tuned around this time next month as BoSoxInjection checks in again with the Red Sox AA affiliate Portland Sea Dogs.