Buyers or sellers? That’s the question that has come out of the mouths of almost every member of the Boston media, and really, of every baseball analyst across the country, this week. The Red Sox find themselves in a tough spot. They have a roster full of talented players, but are underachieving. Do they dump some of this talent just to shake things up? We’ll know soon enough, and here’s an update on some the prospects in Boston’s system that could be involved in potential trades.
Lars Anderson- He was nearly dealt at the deadline last year before Rich Harden failed his physical, so it seems fair to reason that he could be part of a small deal this year. Anderson is hitting .263/.363./421 this year at Pawtucket. That line certainly should not warrant many complaints, but the fact that he has only hit nine home should. It doesn’t seem like too long ago that people were plotting the departure of David Ortiz so that Anderson could inherit his role as the next designated hitter. How the time’s have changed. Anderson could probably still be a piece in a fairly big deal, but just two years ago, he probably would have been the main piece of any prospect package that Boston dealt.
Jose Iglesias- Apologies for just adding the same points to the Jose Iglesias debate that has been raging for almost two years now. He’s up to a .251 average at Pawtucket which…isn’t bad? Honestly, for a player that very well could become the best defensive shortstop in baseball, you’ll take .251. What really makes the case against Iglesias so strong is the fact that he only has a .298 OBP, and even more startling, a .285 SLG. Those numbers will not fly at the major league level. At this point, Boston has given Iglesias plenty of time to hone is offensive game in the minor leagues. At some point we have to accept Iglesias for exactly what he is: an offensively inept shortstop, but a hell of a shortstop at that. Can’t remember his value ever being this low. As mentioned around these parts before, he may not even be the best shortstop prospect in the Red Sox’ system anymore.
Matt Barnes- After a disasterous start on July 3rd, that saw him give up six earned runs, Barnes has rebounded nicely. In three starts since, he’s thrown 13 innings and only surrendered two earned runs, while striking out twelve batters. There’s no question by now that Matt Barnes is the most talented pitcher in Boston’s farm system, and considering the state of the rotation now (and based on what pitchers they have locked up long term), it would take a lot to pry Barnes away from Cherington and co.
Ryan Kalish- Since heading back to Pawtucket on July 12, Kalish has gotten a hit in every game he’s played save for one. While he doesn’t have any home runs, and has only collected three doubles, it’s just good to see Kalish healthy. This is a player who’s going to make a huge impact in the outfield for the Red Sox soon enough. I would highly advise against trading him.