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Red Sox Prospect Watch: Young players are the future

By Mike El-Far

Mar 21, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox first baseman Sam Travis (59) is tagged out by New York Yankees third baseman Ronald Torreyes (74) as he tries to steal second base in the third 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) is tagged out by New York Yankees third baseman Ronald Torreyes (74) as he tries to steal second base in the third inning of a baseball game during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 18, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Brian Johnson (61) pitches to the Toronto Blue Jays during the second inning at the Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 18, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Brian Johnson (61) pitches to the Toronto Blue Jays during the second inning at the Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Pawtucket Red Sox

While Travis gets called up to Boston, this week’s featured PawSox player should follow suit soon. Brian Johnson, the once highly-touted prospect, should be getting called up to Boston on Saturday. Johnson will take over the 5th rotation spot until David Price is able to make his 2017 debut.

In Johnson’s only start for Boston this year, he only managed to go 5 innings, while surrendering 4 earned runs. But, things have been different in Pawtucket for the former Florida Gator.

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In 7 starts, Johnson is 2-0 with a 2.82 ERA. During his 44 innings pitched, Johnson has only allowed 2 home runs while striking out 37. Clearly, there is a talent difference between AAA and the major leagues. But, it is very encouraging to see Johnson being borderline dominant in Pawtucket.

As long as David Price can stay healthy when he returns, Brian Johnson will not be in Boston for long. But, if he can string together one or two successful starts at the major league level, they could be real building blocks for him. With the inconsistency of Drew Pomeranz, if Johnson can pitch well at this level, Boston might have to go to Johnson instead.

Finally, this could be an audition for 29 other organizations. When the rotation is fully healthy, it will be very hard for Johnson to crack. The 3-headed monster of Porcello, Sale, and Price will all feature at the top. And one of the most consistent players on the Red Sox, Eduardo Rodriguez’s production has been a pleasant surprise. With pitching being at a premium in today’s game, there is a good chance that Johnson could be involved in a trade at the deadline.

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