Pawtucket Red Sox review: Any Boston help for ’16?

Sep 24, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Edwin Escobar (71) delivers against the Tampa Bay Rays during the ninth inning of Boston

The Peavy deal had a second pitcher that was part of the package – another high ranked Giants prospect and that player is 23-year-old Edwin Escobar – a left-handed pitcher who was and is being groomed for relief after a lengthy minor league career as a starter.

Escobar was seen in Boston in 2014 for a brief two game and two inning visit in which he allowed a run. Then came an injury that has put the kibosh on 2015 for Escobar until recently.
Escobar has a three pitch portfolio that is highlighted by a fastball that can top out in the mid-90s. The track record from the minors is a pitcher who has a BB/9 of 3.1 and a K/9 that is 8.7.

Escobar also gives up hits at a rate in excess of one an inning, but those statistical notations also must take into account the development process.

At Pawtucket the recovery stage is still an ongoing process and the stats can be examined as the tail end of the season progresses. Examining the numbers one would toss Escobar into the reject bin, but the talent was there at one point. Too young and too good an arm to give up on.

Expect Escobar to do some fall and possibly winter league work as the Sox will undoubtedly rebuild the train wreck bullpen. There is always opportunity for left-handed specialist and that may be the direction Boston is looking at for Escobar.