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Red Sox Prospect Watch: Benintendi sizzles, Devers struggles

By Drew Peabody

Jun 13, 2015; Omaha, NE, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks outfielder Andrew Benintendi (16) hits a sacrifice RBI against the Virginia Cavaliers in the third inning in the 2015 College World Series at TD Ameritrade Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 13, 2015; Omaha, NE, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks outfielder Andrew Benintendi (16) hits a sacrifice RBI against the Virginia Cavaliers in the third inning in the 2015 College World Series at TD Ameritrade Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 9, 2016; Bradenton, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox infielder Yoan Moncada (22) waits for the ball as Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Starling Marte (6) slides into second base in the second inning of the spring training game at McKechnie Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 9, 2016; Bradenton, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox infielder Yoan Moncada (22) waits for the ball as Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Starling Marte (6) slides into second base in the second inning of the spring training game at McKechnie Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports /


High-A Salem Red Sox

Rafael Devers ( #4 rated by SoxProspects.com) has struggled mightily in his advance to Salem. The 19 year old third baseman is hitting just .151/.262/.280. This should be expected of someone three years younger than the average player in his league. Last year in Dominican Winter Ball he was fine, slashing .279/.340/.349 in 47 plate appearances. The young Dominican is starting to turn things around this year with a four for 17 stretch with three walks, a triple and eight RBI over the last week.

Andrew Benintendi (#2 prospect) is one of the hottest hitters anywhere in baseball. The Arkansas product, picked #7 by the Red Sox in the first round of the 2015 draft is living up to that slot, currently posting an fantastic .381/.442/.681 with 11 doubles, a remarkable seven triples, and a homer in just 105 plate appearances at Salem. It cannot be very long that he is at this level. He is riding a 23 game hit streak (hitting an otherworldly .450 over the last ten games), going an incredible 48 swings without a miss while striking out just seven times so far this season. The centerfielder could be in Boston before the end of the season at the rate he is going.

Yoan Moncada has been nearly as spectacular as Benintendi with the bat. The 20 year old Cuban second baseman (turns 21 on May 27) has posted a scorching .344/.475/.527 batting line with 11 extra base hits in just 93 plate appearances. Moncada has stolen 19 bases on the season as well. The Red Sox top rated prospect also has a strong throwing arm which should enable him to adapt to any position on the field as he goes through the minors. Over his last five games, he is seven for 19 with 11 runs scored, three steals, one homer and six RBI. He also, should not be at this level for much longer.

Next: Low-A Greenville Drive

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