Red Sox Prospect Watch: Minor League regular season is over

Double-A (Portland Sea Dogs)

Bryan Mata twirled an absolute GEM this week. The 20-year-old tossed a career-high seven innings. He walked five, but only allowed one hit en route to giving up zero runs. He also struck out a career-best nine batters. It was the perfect way to end his season – but also kind of frustrating because it was the best start of his career but he won’t get to build off of it.

El Idolo finished his season with a lights-out performance, so how did Baby Bartolo do? Dedgar Jimenez gave up runs in each of his last two outings but still finished with a 3.78 ERA and went 10-for-10 in save opportunities. This switch to closer seems to be serious and Jimenez has proven it was a good move.

Eduard Bazardo will be in the Majors next year – mark it down. His stuff is electric and he was nothing short of dominant this year. After posting a 1.76 ERA in Advanced-A, the righty had a 2.78 in Double-A. In 73 1/3 innings combined, Bazardo struck out 88 batters and had a .206 BAA.

Durbin Feltman had a bad year, with a 5.26 ERA and 1.42 WHIP. He had 54 strikeouts in 51 1/3 innings though and had a solid .223 BAA. Most importantly, the reliever finished the year strong. In his last three outings, Feltman threw five scoreless innings, allowing three hits while walking none and striking out six.

Denyi Reyes had a 4.16 ERA and 1.18 WHIP on the year. He only struck out 116 batters in 151 1/3 innings but racked up nine over seven innings in his last start. This is definitely not up to par with his last season, but he did that in Full-A and Advanced-A. Overall, this wasn’t a bad year for a 22-year-old getting his first taste of Double-A.

Jake Cosart hasn’t pitched in Double-A since June 28 due to injury. He only made one appearance in Short-A while rehabbing too. That outing saw him go 1/3 of an inning (scoreless) – so he hasn’t really pitched in a while. Cosart had a 0.00 ERA in Short-A (that 1/3 inning), a 1.83 ERA in Advanced-A and a 1.59 ERA in Double-A.

All that combined for a 1.72 ERA over 31 1/3 innings. Cosart struck out 36 batters in that time and had a .183 BAA. The 25-year-old should have an increased role at a higher level next year.

Jarren Duran hit .250 over 82 Double-A games but still hit .303 on the year total. Combined between Portland and Advanced-A Salem, the outfielder had 90 runs scored and 38 RBI. He also had 24 doubles, eight triples, and five home runs. Most importantly though, he plays great defense and had a ridiculous 46 steals.

Marcus Wilson was a great acquisition for the Red Sox. The outfielder plays stellar defense and had a career-year at the plate. Wilson slashed .269/.357/.492 with 28 doubles, two triples, and 18 homers. He stole 13 bases and had 65 runs scored and 58 more driven in. The doubles, homers, runs scored and RBI were all career-highs.

Austin Rei was hurt for most of the year. When he returned, the catcher hit .175 with six doubles and one homer. He also had 13 RBI, 11 runs scored and 14 walks in 33 games. The catcher’s year shouldn’t be based off his numbers though. He returned from injury and was getting back into the swing of things. I sincerely want the 25-year-old to get considered for the backup role next season in the Majors. He plays great defense, has a good eye at the plate and is growing offensively.