Welcome back to the Minor League Roundup. It’s been an eventful week in camp, at least as eventful as Spring Training can be. Let’s take a look at the latest goings-on:
The Week In Summary: The Sox went 4-2, beating the Yankees, Rays, Marlins, and Orioles. They lost to Minnesota and St. Louis.
Stock Rising:
Felix Doubront: Four shutout innings against a half-decent Yankees lineup (Gardner, Martin, A-Rod, and Teixeira)? Three strikeouts? Only one walk? If I didn’t know any better, I’d say we’re looking at the fifth starter.
Pedro Ciriaco: On Monday I wrote about how Spring Training stats essentially amount to nothing because of the small sample size. I used Pedro Ciriaco as the main example seeing as he had just hit a two run walk-off homer propelling the Sox past the Marlins. All of that being said, Ciriaco has looked very sharp this spring. He’s 9-14 with two doubles, a home run, and five RBI’s. On top of that, he’s stolen three bases. Definitely wouldn’t be surprised to see him sneak on the Opening Day roster as another backup utility man behind Nick Punto.
Alfredo Aceves: I’d hate to be the guy who has to tell Alfredo that he’ll be heading back to the bullpen to start the season. He’s given up only one run in the nine innings he’s thrown this spring, all while striking out eight and walking no one. Hard to ignore that.
Darnell McDonald: 8-16. Five doubles. Two home runs. A casual 1.188 SLG. Think he’s locked in? With Crawford on the disabled list to start the season, he’ll make the team as a reserve outfielder.
Aaron Cook: Two shutout innings in his Spring Training debut. Valentine has pretty much confirmed that he won’t be the fifth starter, at least when camp breaks, but he’ll make an impact one way or another this year.
Stock Falling:
Scott Atchinson: He pitched four innings this week, and only gave up one run, but he also gave up six hits, and walked two. I’d be surprised if he makes the team, but it’s always helpful to have depth down at Pawtucket.
Daniel Bard: He gave up seven runs in 2.2 innings, so he really has to make this list. That being said, it’s a little unfair to use the reliever you’re really trying to convert into a true starter in a relief role. That’s exactly what Bobby Valentine did Thursday against the Cards. Not to mention, Bard’s outing was interrupted just four pitches in by a fifteen minute rain delay. Now, I’m not making excuses for Bard but…well, that’s exactly what I’m doing. He threw three shutout innings against Tampa last Sunday, and I believe that Thursday’s start was nothing more than a series of unfortunate events.
Ryan Sweeney: He’s never been known for a being a wizard with the bat but 1-12? No walks? It hasn’t been a pretty spring for Sweeney. His stellar defense should be enough to keep him on the major league roster, but if this offensive performance keeps up, it’s going to become harder and harder to find reasons to keep him around.
Cuts: Che-Hsuan Lin, Will Middlebrooks, Drake Britton, and Oscar Tejeda were all optioned to Double-A Portland. Tony Pena Jr., Chorye Spoone, Alex Wilson, and Juan Carlos Linares were reassigned to minor league camp. None of them were expected to make the team, so no big news. Wilson and Middlebrooks could be in the majors later this summer.
Jose Iglesias Watch: Iglesias has been struggling with a groin injury all week. He was scheduled to return last night, but was scratched before the game. He made it through the first round of cuts, so clearly Valentine wants a better look at the young shortstop.
This Week In Guessing Who The Fifth Starter Will Be: Felix Doubront. He’d have to tank the rest of the Spring pretty badly to lose the spot. At this point, Alfredo Aceves is just too valuable in a bullpen that is already a little short handed. It’s too bad, because he’s pitching very well, but it’s just the reality of the situation.
This and That:
The Sox received Aaron Kurcz from the Cubs as the player to be named later from the Theo Epstein deal. Kurcz is 21 years old, has a 2.95 career ERA in the minors, and was taken in the eleventh round of the 2010 draft. The Sox still owe the Cubs a player to be named later to complete the deal.
Boston signed Simon Mercedes, a 20-year-old right handed pitcher.
Watching: Take Shelter. Small film that was overlooked last year. Powerhouse performance by Michael Shannon. Highly recommended.
Listening To: Simple Song by The Shins. “Love’s such a delicate thing that we do, with nothing to prove, which I never knew.”