Spring Training isn’t just a time for players to get in shape and go through the wonderful pitcher fielding practice drills. It’s also a time when young players can impress the coaching staffs and learn valuable information from the major league players. This article will take a look at several young players who impressed this year (and you’ll never guess who the first one is).
Stock on the rise: Jackie Bradley Jr.
Coming into Spring Training, Jackie Bradley Jr. was considered one of the top Red Sox prospects. He leaves camp as the likely starting left fielder. It’s been a remarkable rise, one fueled by an amazing performance this spring. It’s not just the batting average and OBP, it’s that he has excelled in every area. His defense has been tremendous, he’s hit with two strikes and against lefties, and he’s made a positive impression on the coaches and team with his work ethic and his desire to learn.
Even with all of this, I still don’t think he would have made the team if David Ortiz was ready to start the season. Spots on the major league roster aren’t always based on talent, but on talent and opportunity. With the American East seemingly up for grabs this season, I think Bradley Jr. makes the team better with Ortiz on the DL. What will be interesting later in the season is whether they will be able to send him down for the 20 days needed to push back his arbitration one year.
There are good arguments both for and against adding Bradley Jr. to the roster (like these here and here). I think the Red Sox are making the right move, and look forward to welcoming our new outfield overlord.
Stock on the rise: Allen Webster
In all the major prospect lists released this offseason, Allen Webster was ranked as either the Red Sox number one or number two pitching prospect. If the rankings were adjusted with Spring Training performance in mind, Webster would be the consensus top choice.
He dominated during his time in big league camp, striking out fourteen batters in nine innings while only walking one. The knock on Webster has been that his command hasn’t matched his top of the line stuff. However, some small tweaks to his mechanics may have gone a long way towards fixing his command issues.
Webster looks ready to pitch in the majors right now, but unlike Jackie Bradley Jr., a spot isn’t available. He will start the season at Triple A Pawtucket, ready for the inevitable injury to a member of the starting rotation.
Best throwing arm in the system? It might be Christian Vazquez. Photo by Kelly O’Connor, sittingstill.net
Stock on the rise: Christian Vazquez
Christian Vazquez caught the attention of players and coaches alike with his eye-popping defense this spring. Soxprospects.com has him ranked as the 27th ranked player in the Red Sox system, but he may have established a new prospect floor for himself as a player whose defense may already be good enough to be a backup catcher at the major league level.
Vazquez will likely start the season at Double A Portland as the everyday catcher. The big question mark for him is whether he can improve his offensive performance to match his defense. He does have some power, but hit only .238 last season in High A Salem.
Stock on the rise: Anthony Ranaudo
I’m cheating a bit here, as Anthony Ranaudo wasn’t invited to Major League camp. Still, several scouts have reported that Ranuado’s stuff has returned to the level it was at in 2011, when he was considered one of the Red Sox’ top pitching prospects.
He had a disappointing and injury plagued 2012 season, but if Ranaudo is fully healthy he could join the impressive starting pitching depth the Red Sox have built in the upper minors.