It may seem as if President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski dumped all the strong pieces in the farm system, however, the Red Sox still do have some valuable prospects in the minor leagues.
As we get into the full swing of things down in Spring Training, most of the young talent in the Boston Red Sox organization will be on display.
Here are some of my predictions on who these Red Sox prospects draw comparisons to other players inside Major League Baseball.
5. Brian Johnson, LHP
MLB Player Comparison: Scott Kazmir
Left-hander Brian Johnson has battled some injuries throughout his early years in professional baseball as he got hit with a line drive in the head a few years back and dealt with anxiety issues last season.
However, the former University of Florida standout has some impressive numbers. Johnson holds a 2.60 ERA in 425 innings pitched, primarily as a starter.
Johnson has a above-average three pitch mix with his low to mid 90’s fastball, a big sweeping curve and a plus change-up to keep hitters off balance. Johnson’s stuff equals to a middle of the rotation type guy. He will be the one to go out every fifth day, compete, throw strikes and eat up innings for the Red Sox staff.
His comparison to Kazmir is a lofty expectation considering Kazmir has always been a consistent left-handed pitcher. However, his ability to throw strikes with all this pitchers while not throwing an over-powering fastball makes me think of Kazmir when I watch Johnson pitch.
With the Red Sox major league rotation so crowded, expect Johnson to start the year off in Pawtucket. However, if starting pitchers get hurt or become needed at the Major League level, expect Johnson to be one of the first pitchers called up.