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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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Mar 1, 2017; Sarasota, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox pitcher Jalen Beeks (52) throws a pitch during the third inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Ed Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 1, 2017; Sarasota, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox pitcher Jalen Beeks (52) throws a pitch during the third inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Ed Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Portland Sea Dogs

In Portland, there is one man who has gotten all of the hype. The number one prospect in the system, Rafael Devers is deserving of all the praise. But, this week there is another top-20 prospect who has been just as dominant as Devers.

The 2014 MLB Draft was very fruitful to Boston. Sam Travis was their second round pick, and 4 of their top-20 prospects were a result of that draft class. In a shocking turn of events, one of their best players from that class was their 12th round pick, Jalen Beeks.

Beeks is a left-handed pitcher who has been lights out in his time in Portland. He has started 7 games this season, and is 5-1. He has been able to make batters miss, registering 48 strikeouts in only 39 innings.

Finally, many analysts view WHIP as one of best measures of a pitcher. WHIP(Walks+Hits/Innings Pitched) shows the true dominance, or lack thereof, of a pitcher. Jalen Beeks currently has an impressive 1.04 WHIP. Clearly, Beeks has been a dominant pitcher in 2017.

Beeks spent 13 starts in Portland last season, and was wildly ineffectively. He had an ERA over 4.5, and had a WHIP over 1.50. This trend seems to speak to the development of Beeks, as he looks to have turned the corner and had some success in AA. Realistically, Beeks should spend the rest of the season in Portland to continue developing. There is a chance he gets called up to Pawtucket later in the season, but his chances to make Boston’s roster are virtually zero.

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