A Red Sox fan’s minor league All-Stars
By Rick McNair
Jun 4, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; General view of baseballs that were signed by Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel for Boston Red Sox players prior to a game against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Manziel signed the game balls during a rain delay. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
The Red Sox have seen the outfield prospect list take a slip in 2015. The most significant prospects all have infield talent, but a few do stand out and the most notable is Manuel Margot – a 20-year-old right-handed hitter from the DR.
Margot has speed that is translated into steals, outfield skills and getting on base. Do not expect power as Margot had six home runs in his split season between Salem and Portland, but expect a developed understanding of the strike zone and the ability to make contact as Margot had 51 strikeouts in 480 plate appearances.
Plate discipline is valued in baseball and the 2015 number one pick, Andrew Benintendi, certainly demonstrated that in his inaugural professional season. Splitting the season between Lowell and Greenville, Benintendi walked 35 times while striking out 24 times.
The speedy 20-year-old left-hander also showed the same power he had in college with 11 home runs and 31 RBI in 54 games. Add on 10 steals in 13 attempts and some stellar defensive skills and the Red Sox may have a gem in Benintendi.
Nick Longhi is a potential power bat from the right side and that always gets attention with Fenway Park in mind. Longhi, a 30th round selection is 2013, drifts between first base and the outfield.
Longhi spend 2015 as part of the league leading offense of the Greenville Drive slashing .281/.338/.403 with seven home runs and 62 RBI. Longhi is considered an above average defensive player and will move on to Salem in 2016.
From Lowell is another Red Sox International Free Agent – Luis Alejandro Basabe. Basabe, a 19-year-old switch hitter, is rated as an excellent defensive player with a bat that needs developing.
Basabe slashed .243/.340/.401 for the Spinners with seven home runs and 21 RBI. In 56 games Basabe was 15-19 in steals.