Boston Red Sox potential spring training prospect surprises

Aug 7, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; A general view of a baseball and glove prior to a game between the Kansas City Royals and the Chicago White Sox at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

Rising rapidly in the system is always a promising sign. Just look at Mookie Betts and his almost overnight jump up the prospect charts and into future stardom. Will the same happen to Sam Travis?

Travis signed in 2014 as a second round draft pick and the now 22-year-old started at Lowell in A- and finished off 2015 at Portland AA. Expect Travis to be assigned to Pawtucket for 2016 or at least part of the season at Pawtucket. A poor spring or regression during the season could mean a return to Portland. Further positive development and Shaw could become a very promising prospect coveted by other teams.

A right-handed hitting first baseman with excellent contact skills, developing power and plate discipline. And that contact was on display at Portland with a .300 average in 65 games. In 2015, Travis had nine home runs and 78 RBI in duty between the SeaDogs and A+ Salem. Everywhere Sam has played Sam has hit and that is always a positive sign.

For a negative don’t expect Travis to win any sprints as speed is not his game, nor is defensive versatility, so his limitations may be first base and DH.

I expect Travis to impress in spring training since he is a contact hitter with a good understanding of the strike zone. You may see Travis is getting some serious early spring playing time and that could increase with some judicious line drive hits. This is a kid I expect to be noted in spring training and a hot spring will only intensify Travis as being on the potential fast track.