Red Sox Prospect Watch: First week of Spring Training

Feb 24, 2017; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox left fielder Andrew Benintendi (16) runs out of the dugout to start the game against the New York Mets at JetBlue Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 24, 2017; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox left fielder Andrew Benintendi (16) runs out of the dugout to start the game against the New York Mets at JetBlue Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
3 of 5
Feb 26, 2017; Port Charlotte, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox center fielder Marco Hernandez (40) at bat against the Tampa Bay Rays at Charlotte Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 26, 2017; Port Charlotte, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox center fielder Marco Hernandez (40) at bat against the Tampa Bay Rays at Charlotte Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Hitters

The first week of Spring Training is the biggest week of overreactions in the entire baseball season.  Keeping with that theme, let us look at some  of the prospects that have been playing since Thursday.

More from Red Sox Prospects

Marco Hernandez is hoping to ride the wave of super-utility players into a possible roster spot.  At the very least, Hernandez seems like the first player to get the call from Pawtucket if/when an injury happens.  While Hernandez has the ability to make the Opening Day roster, it is highly unlikely due to Brock Holt.  There usually is only one bench spot for a utility player.

The other player who is trying to fight to make the Opening Day roster is Deven Marrero.  The former 1st round pick has had ups and downs in his time in the farm system.  Now, Marrero is trying to branch out from his natural position of shortstop.  He has played second base, third base, and the outfield.

Marrero, in a very limited time, has been one of the best players this spring.  He is hitting .750 (3 for 4) and was able to work a walk in one of his plate appearances.  Hopefully he can take this early success and parlay it into a breakout spring.

Marrero is a player who realistically will never be a regular player for the Boston Red Sox.  He has shown that he is not able to be a consistent offensive force.  Marrero has the ability to be a plus defender, but he is pretty much blocked at every possible position.  Dustin Pedroia will spend the rest of his career in Boston at second base.  Xander Bogaerts should be playing at shortstop for the next decade at Fenway.  And Rafael Devers seems to be the heir-apparent to take over third base, provided Pablo Sandoval doesn’t somehow do well this year.

Schedule