Red Sox Prospect Watch: Positive and negative trends to look for

May 13, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox third baseman Deven Marrero (17) hits a RBI double during the fifth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
May 13, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox third baseman Deven Marrero (17) hits a RBI double during the fifth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-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 Marrero and Velazquez have had a positive impact, the same cannot be said about this current PawSox player. Sam Travis, the number 3 prospect in the system, has under-performed this season.

On May 30th, it will be the one year anniversary of Sam Travis tearing his ACL. As he was running past first base, it snapped and he proceeded to miss the rest of the season. It was a critical blow to his progression, as he had 6 home runs in as many weeks.

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Entering this Spring, many wondered if Travis was going to be productive as being only 9 months removed from the injury. He was able to slug a couple home runs in his limited time at JetBlue Park. In Pawtucket, that has not been the case.

In over 100 at-bats, Travis’ average has been a paltry .252. While hitting for average has never been his strong suit, his power has apparently been zapped from him. Travis only has two home runs, and he has been without a home run for over 50 at-bats. With power being the best tool he has, this is a cause for concern.

Sam Travis is a shoe-in to make his MLB debut this September when the rosters expand, barring injury. But, if Travis struggles for the entire season, Boston might have to rethink their first baseman situation. It is clear that Hanley Ramirez playing first is going to be a rare occurrence.

Mitch Moreland complicates things. He is currently on a one-year deal in Boston. If Moreland struggles while Travis continues, the Red Sox might have to find another player to man first. If Moreland tears it up, it really does not matter what Travis does, as Boston will try to extend Moreland.

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