Podcast Ep. #150 - We know what a Roman numeral V is

Chris and Ian and all of us at SoxProspects want to thank you all for a great 2018. But before Ian sets off for the UK and Chris journeys to Florida, we wanted to leave a final (maybe) SoxProspects Podcast present for you. The guys review the Winter Meetings and the Rule 5 Draft. Chris addresses Dombrowski’s comments on the bullpen as he and Ian applaud how well positioned the team is on staffing the pen. They quickly run through the late year moves and transactions. Two excellent questions in the mailbag round out the show. Have a very happy holiday season, but before you do…

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Fall/Winter Roundup: Regular season ends in the Dominican; De Jesus struggles

This continues our weekly roundups of the Fall and Winter Leagues, highlighting performances from players in the Red Sox organization. Coverage will continue every Monday into January. For the full list of Red Sox prospects participating in these leagues, check out our Fall & Winter Leagues page, which will be updated continuously through January. This week's roundup covers the period of December 10-16.

Dominican Baseball League

Catcher Jhon Nunez was again the only player to appear in the league's final week. Nunez appeared in three games but only received two at-bats, going 0 for 2 with a strikeout which left his regular season slash line at .227/.277/.295 over 44 at-bats. Nunez's team, Toros del Este, finished the regular season on a four-game winning streak, and their 24-24 record was good enough to lock up the fourth and final playoff spot in the six-team league.

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Rule 5 Recap: Sox nab Gomez, Schwaab; Ockimey undrafted

The 2018 Rule 5 draft has come and gone, and the Red Sox were once again not involved in the MLB phase. The organization's action came in the Triple-A phase, in which they grabbed right-handed relievers, Anyelo Gomez and Andrew Schwaab, from the Yankees and Tigers organizations, respectively. They also lost outfielder Tyler Hill, who was picked by Detroit and then flipped to the Yankees in a trade. 

Boston not making a pick was not much of a surprise – their only major league Rule 5 pick this decade who was not part of a pre-arranged trade was infielder Josh Rutledge. Rutledge was something of a special case, as the Red Sox drafted him from Colorado just weeks after he'd departed the Boston organization for the Rockies as a minor league free agent. There was some feeling the team might take a flier on a reliever this year, with a spot open on the 40-man roster and the 2019 bullpen still a work in progress, but the team decided the talent pool did not have what they were looking for. Most teams seemed to agree: only 14 players were selected in the MLB portion, the fewest since 2014.

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Help Wanted: Web Editor & Copy Editor

SoxProspects is opening two positions for 2019! We’re looking for a Web Editor and a Copy Editor to join the Staff in January. We're seeking a commitment through at least the end of 2019, but ideally we’d find a couple new staffers who will want to stick around for the long-term if there is a mutual fit. 

Web Editor: The primary responsibility of the Web Editor will be updating certain pages of the site on a timely basis after transactions occur in the Red Sox system. The primary pages that need to be updated each transaction are the Transactions and Roster pages and each player’s page. Other pages occasionally need updating for a limited number of transactions, including the rankings pages, 40-man page, draft history and international signings pages, and the ex-players page. The hope is that the Web Editor will eventually take lead responsibility for these updates, with a handful of other web editors available to make the updates when needed. 

Applicants should have regular availability to perform the above tasks, including reasonable flexibility during business hours (ET) if needed. Overall, the estimated time commitment is about 3-4 hours per week during the season. The busiest time of year, by far, is from the June draft until the August 31 waiver trade deadline (extra backup is available during that time).

For requirements, we are primarily looking for someone with: (1) the availability and flexibility listed above; (2) a basic familiarity with SoxProspects.com and the Red Sox minor league system (you don’t need to be an expert); (3) a perfunctory knowledge of HTML or web editing programs; and (4) exceptional attention to detail. 

Copy Editor: The hope is that the Copy Editor will edit 3-4 Cup of Coffee columns per week and also about 25-35% of our other columns and features. In total, the commitment is maybe 2-3 hours per week during the minor league season, and much less in the off-season. 

Applicants should ideally have prior collegiate (or professional) writing or editing experience. It’s also very important that the applicant have a reasonable amount of availability to edit during business hours (ET), and the ability to edit the Cup of Coffee either early in morning (at or before 7 am) or late at night (often in the 11:00 pm hour) for 3-4 days per week. We also hope that applicants will have a very strong attention to detail, some knowledge of AP style, and a basic familiarity with SoxProspects.com and the Red Sox minor league system. Top-to-bottom expertise is not necessary, but the more background the applicant possesses, the better.

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Fall/Winter Roundup: Venezuelan Development Program ends, Juan Centeno hits

This continues our weekly roundups of the Fall and Winter Leagues, highlighting performances from players in the Red Sox organization. Coverage will continue every Monday into January. For the full list of Red Sox prospects participating in these leagues, check out our Fall & Winter Leagues page, which will be updated continuously through January. This week's roundup covers the period of December 3-9.

Dominican Baseball League

Jhon Nunez (pictured) was the only player to appear in the league in its penultimate week, hitting 2 for 8 with an RBI and three strikeouts in three games.

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Minor Notes: 40-man roster moves and minor league roster changes

Here are November's minor league notes:

• The biggest update from the last few weeks is the changes to the 40-man roster, including players protected (or not protected) from the Rule 5 draft. In the most recent episode of the SoxProspects.com Podcast Chris and Ian discuss these decisions, in addition to taking a final look at the Arizona Fall League (AFL) season. The guys also went through the current top 20 prospects and discussed which ones they see as 2019 contributors in Boston and which ones they see as possible trade bait. 

• Michael Chavis, Darwinzon Hernandez, and Travis Lakins were all locks to be protected from the Rule 5 draft so there was no surprise when they were added to the 40-man roster. Denyi Reyes (pictured, above) and Josh Taylor were toss-ups, but the Red Sox decided to protect them as well. Reyes was the 2018 SoxProspects.com Pitcher of the Year, and Taylor is a left-hander who has a fastball that can hit the upper-90s but has struggled with his control and command. Teams tend to take chances on players like Taylor in the Rule 5 draft and the Red Sox did not want to risk losing him.

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Fall/Winter Roundup: Acosta and Castellanos continue to dominate

This continues our weekly roundups of the Fall and Winter Leagues, highlighting performances from players in the Red Sox organization. Coverage will continue every Monday into January. For the full list of Red Sox prospects participating in these leagues, check out our Fall & Winter Leagues page, which will be updated continuously through January. This week's roundup covers the period of November 26 - December 2.

Dominican Baseball League

Domingo Tapia was due for some regression after entering the week with a 0.00 ERA over 12 innings, and it happened on Monday night. Tapia did not record an out and allowed three runs on three hits. He was able to bounce back with a scoreless inning with two strikeouts on Friday. Jhon Nunez appeared in three games, going 1 for 7 with a double and two strikeouts.

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Podcast Ep.# 149 - I’m not dead inside

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Thanksgiving leftovers linger in the fridge and the last of the pumpkin pies have been finally eaten. And with the calendar poised to turn to December, we toss another log on the fire turn our eyes towards that most magical of wintry festivals. Yes, the hot stove is crackling and the winter meetings loom on the horizon. Chris and Ian start off with the 40-man roster. They break down the players protected from the Rule 5 draft as well as the big name left exposed. They review the Arizona Fall League results. And then they take a look at the top 20 prospects and predict who gets dealt, who plays in Fenway next year and who stays down on the farm. Finally, we turn the show over to you and crack open the mailbag for some great questions.

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Fall/Winter Roundup: Victor Acosta stays hot; Christopher Acosta surprises

This continues our weekly roundups of the Fall and Winter Leagues, highlighting performances from players in the Red Sox organization. Coverage will continue every Monday into January. For the full list of Red Sox prospects participating in these leagues, check out our Fall & Winter Leagues page, which will be updated continuously through January. This week's roundup covers the period of November 19 - November 25.

Dominican Baseball League

Recently signed right-hander Domingo Tapia has been a staple in the Gigantes bullpen so far this fall, a trend that continued this week. Tapia made three scoreless appearances, allowing three hits. The longtime Mets farmhand has yet to allow a run in 13 appearances, holding opposing batters to a .233 batting average. Jhon Nunez was the only other player who saw action this week int he Dominican, going 3 for 9 with a walk, stolen base, and pair of runs scored.

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Fall/Winter League: Dalbec, Hernandez finish strong & Castellanos heats up

This continues our weekly roundups of the Fall and Winter Leagues, highlighting performances from players in the Red Sox organization. Coverage will continue every Monday into January. For the full list of Red Sox prospects participating in these leagues, check out our Fall & Winter Leagues page, which will be updated continuously through January. This week's roundup covers the period of November 12 - November 18.

Arizona Fall League

It was the final week of the Arizona Fall League with the Championship game taking place on Saturday. The Mesa Solar Sox went 2-2 on the week and just missed the playoffs by half a game, finishing 15-14-1. Third baseman Bobby Dalbec (pictured, right) finished his up-and-down AFL with a strong week, going 4-for-11 with a double, home run, 3 runs, 3 RBI, 2 walks, and 3 strikeouts. The other two field players both struggled this week. First baseman Josh Ockimey went hitless in 11 at-bats over three games with a walk, run and RBI to go with 6 strikeouts. Second baseman Esteban Quiroz only appeared in one game, going 0-for-4 with a strikeout.

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Fall/Winter League Roundup: Darwinzon Hernandez does well, VZ Development Program returns

This continues our weekly roundups of the Fall and Winter Leagues, highlighting performances from players in the Red Sox organization. Coverage will continue every Monday into January. For the full list of Red Sox prospects participating in these leagues, check out our Fall & Winter Leagues page, which will be updated continuously through January. This week's roundup covers the period of November 5 - November 11.

Arizona Fall League

Bobby Dalbec had a cold week, going 1 for 10 with an RBI single, three walks and four strikeouts. He's now up to 29 strikeouts in 62 at-bats this year. However, the other top prospect who is spending his fall in Arizona, Darwinzon Hernandez, grabbed three strikeouts against one hit in 1 1/3 innings in his only appearance on the week. Hernandez has 21 strikeouts in 10 1/3 frames of work and he's six strikeouts back of the league lead, despite each of the four pitchers ahead of him recording at least seven more innings. Michael Chavis has also left Mesa due to an injury

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Podcast Ep. #148 - Not a bad investment for a buck

Give it up for your 2018 World Series Champion Boston Red Sox. Chris and Ian get together to share the latest news from the system. After a quick recap of the Arizona Fall League and the goings on in Venezuela, they get down to how to assemble a World Series title team. They review the top player development stories in the system. They review the draft to end all drafts - 2011. They laud the deep scouting work done that brought guys like Robby Scott and Hector Velazquez. And finally, they take a short look at what the offseason ahead brings.

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Minor Notes: New rankings and Scouting Scratches

Here are November's Minor Notes:

• The Fall Stars game in the Arizona Fall League was November 3 and the Red Sox had two participants, Bobby Dalbec and Darwinzon Hernandez. SoxProspects.com's Jim Crowell has the details in this week's Fall/Winter Roundup.
• The previous week in the Arizona Fall League, Michael Chavis was removed from the Mesa roster with an injury. SoxProspects.com's James Dunne has the scoop as well as news on all of the other Sox Prospects getting addition reps in during the fall.
• The 147th edition of the SoxProspects.com Podcast dropped on October 19 and Chris Hatfield, Ian Cundall and Mike Andrews discussed the season-end rankings, including why some guys moved up the rankings so quickly they don't even have headshots.
• SoxProspects.com's Ian Cundall released a Scouting Scratch the day prior as well on three young pitchers in Zach Schellenger, Joan Martinez and Yasel Santana, all three of whom Cundall got a look at during Instructs.
• Chase Shugart and Andrew Politi, each of whom were selections in June's draft, also got the Scouting Scratch treatment from Cundall. Both pitched in Lowell during the year and showed something more at Instructs.
• Transitioning from a center fielder with a live arm to a pitcher with a potentially more live arm, Yoan Aybar earned himself a write up by Cundall on October 9 due to the quick progress he made in six months since the position change.
• On November 7, the team announced multiple changes in the front office, including the promotions of Eddie Romero, Jr. and Brian O'Holleran to Executive Vice President/Assistant General Manager. Both Todd Claus and Rolando Pino will become co-Directors of International Scouting. Brian Abraham is now the Director of Minor League Operations.
• Raquel Ferrera was also promoted to Senior Vice President/Major and Minor League Operations while Chris Becerra was hired as a Special Assistant, International Scouting. 
• On November 1, the Red Sox reinstated Dustin Pedroia, Austin Maddox, Carson Smith and Marco Hernandez from the 60-day disabled list. The team also outrighted Tony Renda and Justin Haley as well as Smith from the major league roster. All three chose free agency and the 40-man roster stands at 34.
• The following day, 10 other minor leaguers elected free agency in Yankory Pimintel, Ivan De Jesus, Kyle Wren, Mike Olt, Josh D. Smith, Fernando Rodriguez, Anuery Tavarez, Dan Butler, Mike Miller and Mike Ohlman.
• Ian Browne of MLB.com named their winners of Prospect and Pitcher of the year, tabbing Dalbec and Denyi Reyes, respectively.
• Jim Callis of MLBPipeline.com wrote about his 10 standout players from the Fall Stars game and Hernandez, who touched 98 mph with his fastball, was among them.
• Callis also outlined how crucial the 2011 draft was to this year's World Series squad, as four draftees were on the roster in addition to a fifth that was a trade piece for another player.
• Down in the Arizona Fall League, Callis has the story on how Dalbec is working on his approach to potentially remove some of the swing-and-miss from his game.
• After this year's Gold Glove awards were released, Baseball America took a look at how each of the winners fared in the field as minor leaguers, including Mookie Betts and Jackie Bradley, Jr.
• Baseball America's Kyle Glaser welcomed Alex Speier to discuss the Red Sox farm system on their podcast on November 3. 
• Draft grades are out and Baseball America released theirs for Boston as well.

Photo Credit: Darwinzon Hernandez by Kelly O'Connor

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Fall/Winter League Roundup: Fall Stars recap and the Liga Paralela resumes for Boston

This continues our weekly roundups of the Fall and Winter Leagues, highlighting performances from players in the Red Sox organization. Coverage will continue every Monday into January. For the full list of Red Sox prospects participating in these leagues, check out our Fall & Winter Leagues page, which will be updated continuously through January. This week's roundup covers the period of October 29 - November 4.

Arizona Fall League

It was another hot-and-cold week from Bobby Dalbec who went 2 for 12 with a home run, two walks, and three strikeouts. He also participated in the Fall Stars Game on Saturday where he went 2 for 2 but also committed an error at third base. Darwinzon Hernandez was the only other Red Sox prospect to appear in the Fall Stars Game, striking out one and allowing a hit in 1/3 of an inning. He reached 98 on the radar gun in this short stint. Hernandez got into one game during the rest of the week, striking out two while allowing a walk and a hit in a scoreless inning as he dropped his ERA to 2.00.

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Fall/Winter League Roundup: Chavis leaves AFL with injury

This continues our weekly roundups of the Fall and Winter Leagues, highlighting performances from players in the Red Sox organization. Coverage will continue every Monday into January. For the full list of Red Sox prospects participating in these leagues, check out our Fall & Winter Leagues page, which will be updated continuously through January. This week's roundup covers the period of October 22-28.

Arizona Fall League

Top prospect Michael Chavis (pictured) continues to match outstanding tools and production with a frustrating propensity to miss stretches of playing time, whether due to injury or his 80-game suspension for a positive PED test earlier this year. Chavis was hoping to make up for missed time with some reps in the Arizona Fall League, but a sore wrist kept him off the field and he was withdrawn from the Mesa roster last week. Right-handed pitcher Teddy Stankiewicz was also withdrawn from the roster. Stankiewicz appeared in just one game for the Solar Sox, allowing three runs in two innings on October 10.

In other news of note from the fall circuit, mercurial slugger Bobby Dalbec and left-hander Darwinzon Hernandez will participate in Saturday's Fall Stars Game. MLB Network will broadcast the game live at 8 p.m. ET, and MLB.com will stream the contest live.

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