Which prospect invited to camp are you most looking forward to seeing this spring?
Max: Pat Light. The hard-throwing right-hander is one of the few pitchers in the organization who can top 100 MPH on the radar gun. Although he had an up-and-down season across Portland (AA) and Pawtucket (AAA) last year, it was his first as a relief pitcher. His swing-and-miss stuff is undeniable and there are reports he may have been tipping pitches, which they have since fixed. He may be a dark horse candidate to beat out Barnes and Wright for the final spot in the bullpen.
Drew: I would like to see if Brennan Boesch can regain his 2010-12 form when he was hitting 10+ homers and 20+ doubles in 500 plate appearances a year for the Tigers. We are always looking for this year’s Mike Carp.
Samantha: If Josh Rutledge can find the same power at the plate that he possessed in 2012 and 2014, he could have some fun at-bats this spring. Additionally, he is only 26-years-old, so there could be some untapped potential there.
Brandon: If Andrew Benintendi comes to camp, he might make some of the Red Sox brass drool with his potential. Instead of worrying whether Jackie Bradley Jr. or Rusney Castillo can play defense and offense at the same time, Benintendi could make them think 2017 is the Year of Andrew.
Sean: 20-year old Yoan Moncada’s timetable doesn’t project him to make it to the big leagues in 2016, but you have to be enticed by his talent. He showed up to camp with a sculpted physique that leaves us to wonder if he may not be that far off from Fenway after all, which seems preposterous for a player his age that has a mere 71 games of Class A ball under his belt. He has superstar upside that may not blossom for a few more years, but if he continues to impress in camp then don’t be surprised if he flies through the system.
Next: Vazquez or Hanigan?