Boston Red Sox potential spring training prospect surprises
By Rick McNair
Jun 28, 2015; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox hat and glove lay in the dugout against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Logan Allen will not be in the main camp in spring training, but will be relegated to the other side of the baseball tracks with the usual bundle of minor league talent that runs the spectrum from not a chance to future star.
Allen got my attention during 2015 with his Gulf League and small sample (4.1 innings) at Lowell in A- ball performance. The 18-year-old left-hander, an eighth-round draft choice in 2015, tossed 24.1 innings and allowed a grand total on one walk while striking out 26. That certainly makes for an impressive WHIP.
The velocity is in the low 90s and considering his age and speed, both have that attractive number to be at in promising baseball terms. Allen is also 6’3” and tips the scales at 200 pounds so this lad is big and with room to physically grow. A power left-hander is certainly a premium find, and thoughts of Billy Wagner do surface in my mind.
Do not expect Allen to get much PR push unless he starts to throw some quality heat with excellent location. The buzz will start for Allen just as it has for Anderson Espinoza, so keep a watch full eye on Allen who I expect to generate some real hype.