Boston Red Sox Predictions: Top-5 September call-up options
By Sean Penney
Jun 26, 2015; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox shortstop Deven Marrero (16) works out prior to the game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Deven Marrero
Deven Marrero made his big league debut earlier this year, appearing in 6 games and recording 1 hit in 7 trips to the plate. That won’t get anyone too excited about a potential call-up, but if he does join the Red Sox later this season it won’t be because of his bat.
The 25-year old has had a decent season in Pawtucket, hitting .251 with 6 homers, 11 doubles and 10 steals. Marrero isn’t blessed with blazing speed, but he has good instincts on the base paths and will swipe the occasional bag. He may never contribute much at the plate, but he is known as a plus defender capable of playing either middle infield spot and could serve as a pinch-runner late in games.
The scouting report on Marrero describes him as an athletic infielder with plus range, a strong throwing arm and soft hands. He is fundamentally sound in the field with exceptional body control that allows him to make throws on the run. If given the chance to play everyday, he would have potential Gold Glove upside as a defender.
The Red Sox won’t likely be able to afford him the opportunity to play everyday, but he could still serve as depth in an area the team is currently thin at. A bit of a down season has dropped Marrero out of the top-10 on most prospect lists for the organization, but he remains a valuable asset. If he can impress enough with his glove in the limited playing time he may get then it could help him build some trade value.
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