Spring Training: Red Sox Prospect Watch
Throughout the season we will be providing you with weekly updates on the Boston Red Sox top prospects, starting with in-depth coverage and analysis of the top prospects currently with the team in Spring Training.
The top 30 prospects currently in camp with the Red Sox include Yoan Moncada, Brian Johnson, Sam Travis, Deven Marrero, Marco Hernandez, Pat Light, Williams Jerez, Noe Ramirez, Bryce Brentz and Kyle Martin. All 10 have seen action in one or more of the Red Sox five (three official) games so far. Here is how they have fared:
1. Yoan Moncada (ranked #1 by Soxprospects.com and MLB.com)
The 20-year-old Moncada appeared in the Red Sox exhibition game against Northeastern, where he replaced Brock Holt at second base. He looked great at the plate, hitting a double and single in two at-bats. He made no errors in the field.
2. Brian Johnson (ranked #6 by Soxprospects.com and MLB.com)
The 25-year-old left-hander made his first appearance this Spring against the Twins on Wednesday. Given it was his first time on the mind since his season-ending surgery last year, this was all about getting through the outing healthy. Johnson got five outs and struck out two batters, but also surrendered one walk, two hits and two earned runs.
3. Sam Travis (ranked #7 by MLB.com and Soxprospects.com)
The 22-year-old first basemen, who hit .344 over 93 at-bats in the Arizona Fall League this past offseason, has gotten off to a great start for the Red Sox this Spring. Over four appearances and five at-bats, Travis is 3 for 5, with 3 doubles and 3 RBIs.
4. Deven Marrero (ranked #8 by Soxprospects.com and #9 by MLB.com)
The 25-year-old shortstop has appeared in four games this Spring. At the plate, Marrero is 2 for 7, with 3 runs scored, 2 RBIs, 2 walks and one strikeout.
5. Marco Hernandez (ranked #13 by MLB.com and #14 by Soxprospects.com)
The 23-year-old infielder has appeared in four of the Red Sox five games, including all of the official ones, mainly as a substitute at second base. Although Hernandez has committed two errors – one throwing and one fielding – he is also 3-6 at the plate, with 4 RBIs and one stolen base. The game will eventually slow down for him in the field, but it is encouraging to see his performance at the plate. The better Hernandez performs, the better the trading of Javy Guerra for Craig Kimbrel looks.
6. Pat Light (ranked #15 by MLB.com and #16 by Soxprospects.com)
The soon-to-be 25-year-old power right-hander has made one appearance for the Red Sox this spring, in the exhibition game against Boston College on Tuesday. He threw a scoreless inning, registering one strikeout and giving up one hit. He is scheduled to pitch tonight against the Yankees as well.
7. Williams Jerez (ranked #18 by Soxprospects.com and #20 by MLB.com)
The 23-year-old left-hander has made two appearances this Spring for the Red Sox. The 6’4 Jerez pitched an inning against both Boston College and the Twins. He pitched a clean inning against Boston College, registering one strikeout. However, he struggled in his inning against the Twins, surrendering a two-run homer.
8. Noe Ramirez (ranked #21 by Soxprospects.com)
The 26-year-old right-hander, with the deceptive delivery, has appeared in two games for the Red Sox this Spring. He pitched a clean inning in Wednesday’s opener against the Twins and Friday’s game against the Rays. Overall, his current stat line is 2IP, 0 ER, 2 H, 1 BB and 2 K.
9. Bryce Brentz (ranked #24 by Soxprospects.com and #30 by MLB.com)
The 27-year-old corner outfielder has demonstrated power through much of his professional career, but has yet to crack through the regular rotation in Boston. So far, Brentz has appeared in three games, playing both left and right field, and registering six at-bats. He is 1 for 6, with one HR, 2 RBIs, 3 BBs and 3 SOs. He also has an outfield assist, mowing a runner down at third base on a great throw from right field.
10. Kyle Martin (ranked #28 by MLB.com and #31 by Soxprospects.com)
The 25-year old right-hander has impressed in his two outings this Spring, and this comes after his strong showing at the Arizona Fall League, where he pitched 6 innings, struck out 7 batters and registered a 1.50 ERA. In his two outings this Spring, Martin has the following stat line: 2 IP, 1 H, 1 unearned run and 5 K.
Next: Hanley Ramirez asks for more practice defensively
*All prospect rankings provided by Soxprospects.com and MLB.com