Welcome to the first edition of the Fire Brand Minor League Round-Up. Throughout the season we’ll be looking at what’s going on around the Red Sox’ minor league system, update you on how players are doing, tell you what players are screwing up, and what players should be getting called up.
The Week In Summary: After a week of Spring Training, the Sox boast a 3-2-1 record. After starting the spring season 3-0, they have gone 0-2-1 since. Forgive me for not being too concerned. The good news is that two of those wins were against the Twins, meaning the Sox have an early 2-0 advantage in the chase for the Mayor’s Cup, probably the best news I’ve heard since learning that the Sox had signed Carlos Silva.
Stock Rising:
Will Middlebrooks: Just when you thought it couldn’t get higher. Regarded as the best prospect in Boston’s system, Middlebrooks is off to a good start this spring, collecting four hits in his eleven at bats. That being said, all four hits are singles, and he has yet to draw a walk. The greatest criticism against the young third baseman has been his inability to recognize pitches. It would be nice to see him raise his OBP as the spring continues.
Michael Bowden: If you count the Northeastern game, Bowden has thrown 4.2 perfect innings so far this spring. With no options remaining, it would not be a surprise if he ends up as one of the final pitchers in the bullpen when camp breaks, especially if he continues to pitch like this.
Lars Anderson: It’s been six long years in the minor leagues for Anderson, but it seems like he may finally be ready to breakout. He’s 3-7 with a home run, four RBI’s, a walk, and two strikeouts. The only problem for Anderson is that Boston already has a pretty decent option at first base. Remember, he was the player that was going to be traded for Rich Harden before the deal fell apart last July, he could turn out to be even better trade bait this year if he continues hitting well.
Brandon Duckworth: Granted, he’s 36 years old and no one was really expecting anything out of him, but this is a signing Boston may luck out on. He’s pitched three perfect innings in the past week. He has yet to strike anyone out, but this may be a player to keep an eye for the rest of camp.
Stock Falling:
Alex Wilson: Sure, he’s only pitched one inning, but it was about as bad an inning as they come. He gave up five hits, walked two, and allowed four runs. It’s hard to criticize Wilson for only an inning of work, but this was a player I was hoping would have a breakout Spring. So far, not so.
Vicente Padilla: He pitched well in first outing, going two scoreless innings, but he didn’t fare nearly as well last night against the Pirates. In two innings, he surrendered four runs, giving up five hits and striking out no one. It will take a few more innings to figure this guy out.
Jose Iglesias Watch: This all would have been easier if the shortstop phenom had just hit poorly this Spring. Instead, he’s started off the Spring by going 2-7 with a bases clearing triple, a stolen base, and a walk. Valentine will certainly have a tough decision come the end of March. I still think Aviles will be the starting shortstop on Opening Day in Detroit, with Punto backing him up.
This Week In Guessing Who The Fifth Starter Will Be: Keep in mind that Aaron Cook still has yet to throw a pitch this Spring and he’s still a good bet to compete for the fifth spot. That being said, Andrew Miller started his campaign off well with two scoreless innings and three strikeouts. New Pitching Coach Bob McClure has a nice approach on Miller, “Keep him more simple rather than try to change a couple of things. Whatever he’s able to do well, just do that. Hopefully that clears his thought process.’’ Can’t argue with that.
Felix Doubront had a pretty rough week, giving up two runs in two innings of work, also issuing three free passes. He did strike out two though. With no options remaining, he’s almost a sure bet to make the team one way or the other (starting or relieving) by the time camp is over.
This And That:
Outfielder Alex Hassan has a .000 average this Spring, but a .417 OBP.
The Red Sox beat Northeastern 25-0 last Saturday.
Vicente Padilla threw a pitch that clocked in at 56 MPH on the gun.
Andrew Bailey will pitch for the first time this Spring on Monday Afternoon.
Tim Britton of the Providence Journal counted out Boston’s pitching schedule, and it looks like Jon Lester is set for to receive the nod on Opening Day.
Watching: This. Very well done.
Listening To: Apartment Story by The National. “Stay inside ‘til somebody finds us, do whatever the TV tells us.”