Boston Farm System Still Flush With Prospects

Young, homegrown talent played a significant part in the Red Sox title run last year led by Dustin Pedroia winning the Rookie of the Year and Jonathan Papelbon definitively closing out games. Clay Buchholz pitched a no hitter in his second major league start, Jacoby Ellsbury stepped in when he was needed and became a vital part of the offense, and Jon Lester got the win in the World Series clincher. All are expected to be key contributors to the team this season. However, this influx of talent from the minors has not left this cupboard bare as Boston’s farm system still ranks in Baseball America’s top 5. Here are some of the next big prospects to keep an eye on in camp this spring and follow their progress this summer.

Presently a shortstop at Pawtucket, the switch hitter is the most major league-ready position player in the Boston farm system. Always sure-handed and quick on the double play, Lowrie has worked hard to increase his range and is now projected to be an adequate major league shortstop despite early thought that he would have to move to second base. Offensively, Lowrie lacks power but should hit a lot of doubles and for high average. He also possesses excellent plate discipline, which Boston values highly. While he could start right away for a number of other big league clubs, he will begin the year at AAA with a likely midseason callup and could put Boston is position to decide between him and Julio Lugo the following season.

Masterson is Boston’s most major league-ready pitcher. Primarily a starter in college and the minors, there is hope that he can start in the majors, though his future most likely projects to the bullpen. Masterson throws from a three-quarters arm slot and generates a lot of sink on his fastball which he throws in the high 80's to low 90's, resulting in a lot of ground balls. His out pitch is a plus a slider, however, his changeup has been slow in developing. We will definitely see him out of the Boston bullpen this season.

Anderson has the highest power ceiling of any prospect in the Red Sox system and many scouts feel he has the potential to consistently hit 30 plus home runs per year and be a number 4 or 5 hitter for a big league lineup. Still only 20, the 6-4 first baseman has room to develop both physically and at the plate and probably won’t really begin to realize his power for another year or so. He has demonstrated plate discipline and pitch recognition that belie his age, and has also shown the ability to hit for average and to all fields. He will likely start this season at AA Portland and is at least a year and a half away from the majors.

Bowden is a big (6-3, 220 lbs) right handed power pitcher with big strikeout potential. He great command of the plate and throws a low to mid 90's fastball with movement, slider, 12-6 curve and changeup. The slider is his next best pitch and the curve and changeup still need to be developed. Bowden also needs to learn to how to mix his pitches as he has relied on his fastball to heavily in the past. He has consistently posted high strikeout numbers through the minors, but started to get hit more when he moved up to AA last summer. That is where he will likely start the season and could move up to AAA this summer and is probably a couple of years from the majors.

Hagadone was the Red Sox’ first round pick in the 2007 amateur draft. The 6-5 lefty throws hard (mid 90's with the ability to reach the high 90's) with movement and also has a nasty slider. He was a closer in college, though he could move to starter if he can develop his changeup. He will probably start the year at A Greenville.

Still just 19, Kalish is an excellent athlete with tons of potential. He could develop into a leadoff hitter with decent power. He has shown excellent range in the outfield and fairly strong arm and could potentially be a major league centerfielder. Kalish has also demonstrated a good approach at the plate and the ability to steal bases. Most likely he will start the year in Greenville.