Most Red Sox fans that have access to a computer and understand the basic structure of a message board are well versed in the next wave of prospects ascending to the major leagues. I??m talking about the Buchholz??s, the Ellsbury??s, and the Michael Bowden??s of the world. These players have all been spotlighted in the Globe or on NESN, and have become fairly recognizable to most fans in The Nation. However, as all teams do, the Sox have several players tucked away in the minors who excite scouts and people within the organization. I??m going to spotlight 3 of those players:
Kris Negron– Though he played high school ball in NoCal; Negron is originally from New Jersey. A fantastic athlete, Negron lettered in baseball, football, and track Vanden High School in Fairfield, CA. Negron started his collegiate career at California Davis, where he red-shirted his freshman year. He transferred to Consumnes River Community College (alma mater of The Fernando Vina) his sophomore year. To say he came out of his shell at Consumnes River is an understatement. In 2006 he set records for AB??s and runs in a season and was successful in 31 out of 34 stolen base attempts. To cap off his season, Negron earned the Big 7 Player of the Year honors and was named the 25th best JuCo prospect by Allan Simpson. Sox scout Blair Henry tracked Negron throughout the season and with his recommendation, the Sox drafted Negron in the 9th round of the draft.
Negron started off the season in the GCL (rookie ball). While playing quality defense on the left side of the diamond, primarily at 3rd, Negron showed enough to earn a late season promotion to short-season Lowell. At Lowell, Negron turned heads. Spinners?? manager Bruce Crabbe said regarding Negron??s play, ?
