Red Sox Prospect Watch: Positive and negative trends to look for
There are a handful of Red Sox prospects who have made an impact. Both positive and negative, there are trends that should be noticed.
With over six weeks of the 2017 season completed for the Boston Red Sox organization, players have started to get their footing under them. Some have had success this year, while others have not. But one thing is for sure, the trends that have started this year are very telling of how their year is going to go.
In the business of player development, progress is the number one goal. It is key to see the players keep adapting to the higher levels of the minors in the hope that one day they play a part in the major league team. At the very least, you want to decide who in the organization would benefit your team. Also, you want to deal the right players for assets, both at the major and minor league level.
With Major League Baseball being one of the most competitive professional sports in the world, every organization tries to find an edge that sets them apart. In this week’s Prospect Watch, Boston has found a new way to try and find talent.
Also, featured in the slides are the state of affairs of two of the three top prospects in the farm system. Finally, what two prospects are intertwined for more reasons than one? All can be discovered here.
Boston Red Sox
There is no arguing that the Red Sox have been hit by the injury bug this season. Before Spring Training, both Tyler Thornburg and David Price were hit with serious injuries. Recently, Drew Pomeranz left a start with triceps tightness. In the least shocking news ever, Pablo Sandoval couldn’t make it a month into the season before he ended up on the DL.
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This week, let’s focus on those two aspects. First, I have to mention the great work that Deven Marrero has done at third. With Panda, Marco Hernandez, and Brock Holt all currently on the DL, Josh Rutledge was supposed to be the guy to fill-in. But, his defensive miscues opened up the door for Marrero.
Marrero has been nothing but great defensively. For a team that at one time this year led the league in errors, his promotion is very valuable. While Marrero will be optioned to Pawtucket once Holt and Sandoval come off the DL, he is reclaiming some of the hype that surrounded him as a former 1st round pick.
Many Red Sox fans have never heard of Hector Velazquez. The 28-year old spent the last 7 seasons playing professionally in his home country of Mexico. He signed a professional contract with the Red Sox in the spring, and has been lights out in Pawtucket. Velazquez has 1.55 ERA in 29 innings this year. Also, his strikeout to walk ratio is a very impressive 4:1.
While Velazquez should not spend a lot of time this year, hopefully he is able to string together an impressive start. He should be viewed as a low-risk, high-reward type. If he is unable to effectively pitch at the MLB level, he will cost Boston next to nothing. If he pitches well, he could be an effective back-end of the rotation piece.
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.
Portland Sea Dogs
This year, Rafael Devers seems to be a (young) man among boys. The number 1 prospect in the system, and the 14th overall prospect in all of baseball has had a great 2017 so far. In over 100 at-bats, Devers has an amazing .329. Add 7 home runs to that, and Devers is proving how special his bat is.
The profile on Rafael Devers starts with his bat. Someone who can hit both for average and power, he seems to have one of the most advanced bats in all of minor league baseball for someone his age. What really makes the 20 year-old special is the bat speed he generates. It does not matter what the pitch is, Devers will be able to turn his hands and make solid contact.
While Devers is a great hitter, he does need to work on his defense. In only 69 chances this season, he has already committed 4 errors. But, it is not like Boston is used to having a defensive wizard at third base. Third is clearly the one position in Boston that is lacking talent, and this bodes well for Rafael Devers.
Temper your expectations, though. At the absolute earliest, Rafael Devers will be called up in August. But, he is destined to make his MLB debut in September when the rosters expand to 40 players. And even though Boston needs help at third base, I doubt Devers is the everyday third baseman to start 2018.
It is clear that Boston wants to take their time with Devers. If the aforementioned scenario plays out, he will be only 22 years old when he takes over in 2019. So there is no need to rush someone who could emerge as one of the best young players in baseball.
Salem and Greenville
While the players who inhabit A-ball are a while away from being a part of a major league roster, it is a true glimpse into the future of an organization. In Salem, the corner infielders are both trending towards major league production in the next couple years.
First, Josh Ockimey could be a diamond in the rough for the Red Sox. The 5th round pick in 2014, the first baseman has had a great season so far. Hitting .308 with 4 home runs, it is clear that Ockimey is able to hit effectively at this level. As with other players in the system, Ockimey’s bat is his best tool.
The 21 year-old spent his time in A level Greenville last year, so it seems that he will spend most, if not all of the season in Salem. Obviously Ockimey is not close to being a part of the Boston Red Sox. But, if Sam Travis continues to struggle, the front office might turn their future plans at first base over to Ockimey.
Josh Ockimey’s teammate in Salem shares more than just a clubhouse in Virginia. They are forever intertwined as members of the same draft class. While Ockimey was drafted in the 5th round, Michael Chavis was the first pick by Boston in 2014.
Chavis was a high school infield prodigy who was valued high by many draft experts. A player who excels on both sides of the ball, he has many expectations on his young career. The third baseman is hitting .333 in 99 at bats, and has slugged 7 home runs. Clearly, Chavis has lived up to his expectations in 2017 so far.
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Chavis could realistically play second base, as well as the corner outfield positions. While it is still very early, if Chavis continues his success he could factor into Boston’s plans in a couple years. There even is a chance he could take over the position from the player who he was compared to on draft night: Dustin Pedroia.