Triple-A (Pawtucket Red Sox)
The Pawtucket Red Sox have quite a few high profile veterans that an eye should be kept on.
Sandy Leon is hitting .120 with no RBI to this point. Although his value comes from his defense and ability behind the plate and as a game caller, this is slightly problematic. If the Red Sox need Leon at some point, the hope would be that he could provide a little something at the plate.
Rusney Castillo‘s had two straight monster games and is now up to a .294 average with two doubles and two home runs, to go along with eight RBI and five runs scored. The outfielder routinely leads Pawtucket in multiple offensive categories. This year it’s already looking like he’ll produce big numbers again. Castillo’s definitely proven he deserves another chance in the Majors – maybe this is the year it happens.
Sam Travis is hitting .231 (with two steals??) but with a strong .355 OBP. He’s the Red Sox emergency plan at first base and will get another chance this year.
Josh Ockimey and Michael Chavis have both turned it around already.
Ockimey is up to .259 (.459 OBP) with two doubles and three home runs. He’s driven in seven runs and scored five more. The first base prospect is showing that power that’s been improving yearly.
Chavis is up to .258 (.351 OBP) with one double and three home runs. He’s driven in four runs and scored five more. So far, Chavis has appeared at first base for one game and third base for four games. The biggest surprise is that he’s played four games at second base as well. Boston’s clearly trying to find a way to get him to the Majors at some point this year.
Mike Shawaryn has a 3.18 ERA through two starts. He’s struck out 14 batters in 11 1/3 innings and has a clean 1.06 WHIP. The right-handed pitcher is Boston’s most Major-League-ready starting pitching prospect and should get a spot start this year.
Travis Lakins has a 3.60 ERA in five appearances. He’s thrown five innings and already has eight strikeouts compared to one walk. The right-handed pitcher could provide bullpen help for Boston this season.