Accentuate the Red Sox positive for 2016
By Rick McNair
Mar 24, 2015; Jupiter, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Brian Johnson (78) throws against the Miami Marlins at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Down of the farm
The Red Sox have a pipeline of projected talent in the system. Some names such as the Yoan Moncada were pricey additions from the international meat market. Others are starting to surface such as Anderson Espinoza and his maturing fast ball.
The Red Sox scouting department may have their own home run in the drafting of Andrew Benintendi who is already drawing comparisons to elite center fielders of the past and the present. Manuel Margot is – like Benintendi – a center fielder who is ranked among the Red Sox top prospects and certainly has the attention of other teams.
Trade talks with other teams will have names such as Michael Kopech, Rafael Devers, Javier Guerra and Brian Johnson mentioned since the upside is quite attractive. The abundance of young and promising talent allows some significant front office flexibility in player decisions. The farm system is in a sweet spot with the sudden surge of talent and that represents promise for 2016 and well beyond.