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Red Sox Prospect Watch: Players starting to heat up

By Mike El-Far

Mar 11, 2017; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox infielder Rafael Devers (74) throws to first base in the first inning of a spring training game against the Minnesota Twins at CenturyLink Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2017; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox infielder Rafael Devers (74) throws to first base in the first inning of a spring training game against the Minnesota Twins at CenturyLink Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 15, 2017; Port Charlotte, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox first baseman Sam Travis (59) against the Tampa Bay Rays at Charlotte Sports Park. The game ended in a tie 3-3. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 15, 2017; Port Charlotte, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox first baseman Sam Travis (59) against the Tampa Bay Rays at Charlotte Sports Park. The game ended in a tie 3-3. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

Pawtucket Red Sox

While I was just praising the skills of Marco Hernandez, I do have to criticize another top 10 prospect. Sam Travis, who many see as the future first baseman for Boston, has not looked good over the past couple weeks.

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In just 11 games, Travis is hitting just .175. While he does have a home run in that span, it is mostly doubles. There is no denying that Travis’ best feature is his power. If that power disappears, then the expectations for him needs to be tempered.

Another alarming statistic from Travis is his high strikeout rate. Currently, his K rate is a staggering 37.5%. Also, look at his strikeouts compared to other numbers. Travis currently has over two times the amount of K’s as hits. Also, his strikeout to walk ratio is currently 5:1.

Obviously, it is way too early to call Sam Travis a bust. But, the Red Sox have been pleasantly surprised with the production of Mitch Moreland. If Travis spends most, if not all, of this season struggling, a decision to extend Moreland might have to be made.

But, not all is negative in Pawtucket. Brandon Workman, a fan favorite of the 2013 World Series Champion team, has looked sublime this year. In 3 relief appearances over 7 innings, he has been virtually perfect. Workman has only allowed one walk and hit each, while striking out 10 batters.

Most bullpens in baseball go through trial and error for some relievers. I think Workman has a real shot to break the major league roster sooner rather than later. Players like Heath Hembree and Fernando Abad, who have not looked good for Boston in the past, could have a short leash. If they struggle, expect Workman to take their spot.

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