Red Sox Prospect Watch: Strong early impressions made

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BOSTON, MA – APRIL 20: A view of the bullpen, also known as Williamsburg for Ted Williams, during the game between the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox on April 20, 2012 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. Today marks the 100 year anniversary of the ball park’s opening. The New York Yankees defeated the Boston Red Sox 6-2. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

Salem Red Sox (Advanced-A)

Bobby Dalbec still isn’t hitting for average (.211). It’s hard to notice when he’s hitting the ball so hard though.

The right-handed hitting third baseman has five doubles and five home runs already on the year. He’s driven in 16 runs and scored nine more, while even stealing a base. The 22-year-old’s power is quickly morphing into next-level stuff.

Tyler Hill is slashing .255/.397/.294. The right-handed outfielder has just one extra-base hit (one triple), but he’s not here for power. His four steals in four attempts is the real draw here. That’s coming on the heels of a 42-steal season in 2017.

Santiago Espinal also has some steals on the season (2). The right-handed hitting 23-year-old is impressing more with the bat than anything though. He has a .310/.379/.466 slash line with five runs batted in and 16 runs scored. Errors have been a problem for the shortstop early on, but that’s something at should even itself out.

Daniel Gonzalez has looked fantastic on the mound. He’s thrown 15 1/3 innings in five relief appearances, going 2-for-2 in save opportunities. The right-hander has a 1.76 ERA and 1.04 WHIP. He’s also struck out 24 batters while walking just one. Impressive command for anyone, let alone a 22-year-old.

Bryan Mata is still ridiculous by the way. He has a 2.03 ERA in three starts (13 1/3 innings). There have been control problems for the 18-year-old (13 walks and two HBPs). His stuff is fun to watch though. His fastball moves a lot, and his changeup and curveball can both be deadly if he finds command of them.

Roniel Raudes bounced back from a poor start on April 16 to twirl a gem on April 21. You’ve got to love to see something like that from a 20-year-old. He has a 3.86 ERA over 18 2/3 innings but has suffered from walks as well.

The right-hander is another pitcher with electric stuff that is still growing tons. This could be a big year development-wise for Raudes.

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