Boston Red Sox 2016 minor league All-Star predictions
By Rick McNair
Outfieldeld All-Stars
The Red Sox have some question marks in Boston with Rusney Castillo and Jackie Bradley. The next line of replacement parts is located in Pawtucket with Brentz, Ryan LaMarre, and even Chris Dominguez. If desperation strikes there is Allen Craig. The system at the lower levels is sparse with one notable exception – Andrew Benintendi.
Benintendi just may be a rare find with power, speed, exceptional defense, a great OBP and the ability to hit for average. The stats have been repeated endlessly and the 2016 progress report will be interesting. Benintendi progressed enough to trade off talent. Benintendi may even surpass Moncada during the season.
When we did daily results during the season Yoan Aybar came up frequently when examining the GCL Red Sox. The 18-year-old is a lefty and very raw, but the potential is being noted. Excellent defensive skills and virtually no power – yet.
Danny Mars has a great name and Mars is a 21-year-old switch hitter with no power. A good defensive player with an average arm capable of playing all three outfield spots. Mars uses his above average speed – 13 steals in 16 attempts – and is your basic contact hitter who may develop some gap power. I look for Mars – a 6th round selection – to work his way into the regular lineup and get a .300+ average in the books for 2016.
The Red Sox minor league system does have a sudden shortage of talented young players, but things can change rapidly during the season and with the draft.