Red Sox Prospect Watch: Start of Regular Season

Mar 13, 2017; Dunedin, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers (74) throws to first for the out on Toronto Blue Jays batter Kevin Pillar (11) in the fourth inning of a baseball game during spring training at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 13, 2017; Dunedin, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers (74) throws to first for the out on Toronto Blue Jays batter Kevin Pillar (11) in the fourth inning of a baseball game during spring training at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
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Mar 21, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox first baseman Sam Travis (59) fields a ground ball hit by New York Yankees center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury (22) in the first inning of a baseball game during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 21, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox first baseman Sam Travis (59) fields a ground ball hit by New York Yankees center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury (22) in the first inning of a baseball game during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports

Pawtucket Red Sox

Ah, Pawtucket.  The gateway to Boston.  Where the longest game in baseball history was played.  While AA is where you see the most talent, AAA is essentially where most players are “MLB-Ready”.  While that team is filled with prospects, let’s dive into two of the better ones.

First up is Sam Travis.  Travis is slated to be the future 1st baseman for Boston, but just has to wait one more year.  After tearing his ACL in May of last year, he came back with a vengeance this Spring.  He was able to hit a couple home runs, including this one.

It is clear that Travis has a great amount of power.  At the very least, he is someone who should be able to hit 20+ home runs in a full season.  The reason why the Sox didn’t have Travis take the everyday first baseman role this year is his contact.

In a little less than 50 games in Pawtucket last year, Travis hit .272.  Obviously that will get lowered when you get into the majors.  Hopefully this is the year where he can hit for average better, and will be playing everyday next year.

The other featured prospect is Marco Hernandez.  Personally, I think it is crazy that Hernandez is in Pawtucket to start the season.  He had arguably the best spring of any player in camp (.377/8 2B’s/5 3B’s).  Not to mention that the team currently has Brock Holt as the only backup for all infield positions except for first base.

While I don’t think Hernandez will be in Pawtucket for much longer, at least he is able to get to play every day.  Hopefully he gets the playing time he deserves, and soon it results into a call-up to the big leagues.

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