DSL Red Sox preview

The 2009 Dominican Summer League Red Sox season got underway yesterday with a 5-4 win over the DSL Dodgers. With MILB.com and the official DSL website a little slow on the take for DSL Red Sox details, SoxProspects.com is your only spot for up-to-date info on the DSL Red Sox. Here’s a rough sneak preview of the 2009 DSL Sox roster.

Catchers
Aly Gonzalez – July 2008 signee, key player to watch ♦
Leonel Escobar (C/DH) – 2008 DSL All Star, player to watch ♦
Derwin Pinto – went to spring training in 2008, did not make GCL team

Infielders
Pedro Chourio (1B/3B) – big corner infielder returning for third year in the DSL
Lewis Urena (2B/3B/CF) – small, speedy utility player with some plate patience
Juan Ugas (3B) - $300,00 bonus baby from July 2008, key player to watch ♦
Heiker Meneses (SS/2B/3B) – another small, speedy utility player with some plate patience
Pedro Gonzalez (1B/OF/DH) – failed to impress in first two years in the DSL

Outfielders
Javier Gutierrez (LF/RF) corner outfielder with some power potential
Keury De La Cruz (CF) – March 2009 signee out of the Dominican Republic
Curtney Doran (RF) – January 2009 signee out of Curacao

Starting Pitchers (projected rotation)
Raynel Vellette – pitched with Sox in 2008 Instructional League, not invited to 2009 spring training, player to watch ♦
Danny Dilon – returning starter from 2008 squad (2.96 ERA, 5.71 K/9)
Javier Jimenez – impressive ERA numbers for two seasons, less then stellar peripherals
William Cuevas – July 2008 signee out of Venezuela, key player to watch ♦
Yunior Ortega - August 2008 signee, player to watch ♦

Bullpen
Antony Alvarado - highly touted July 2006 signee, missed 2007 and 2008 with arm problems (could break starting rotation)
Nestor Lastreto –lanky lefty with decent numbers (also could break rotation)
Wilfi Santana – converted outfielder was decent in 2008
Ronaldo Juan –conversion to the mound did not go well in 2008
Juan Rodriguez - nice pitcher’s frame, poor control
Eduardo Medina – January 2009 signee
Luis Diaz - January 2009 signee
Luis Bastardo – mediocre all around numbers
Israel Perez – once somewhat highly regarded, Perez was unimpressive in 2008
Alexander Mateo – also put up poor performance in 2008
Samuel Garcia - ditto
Ernesto Reyes – hasn’t shown much in first two DSL stints
Francisco Taveras - newly signed LHP

Might be back later in the season
Felix Sanchez – athletic centerfielder, growing into his frame, vying for GCL roster spot
Randy Consuegra – former $100K bonus baby missed most of 2008 for unknown reasons, also looking for spot on GCL roster
Rafael Espinosa (2B/SS) – July 2007 signee has failed to come as advertised, may also have visa issues

Skipping to the GCL
Oscar Perez - catcher received $712,500 bonus in July 2008 ♦

2008 DSL Players headed for the States in 2009
Manny Rivera – 2008 ML Latin Program Pitcher of the Year vying for a spot with Lowell ♦
Roman Mendez – similarly impressive prospect also looking for spot with Spinners ♦
Jose Garcia – highly regarded signee known for his defense, struggled offensively in 2008 ♦
Eddie Lora – struggled mightily in mid-season promotion to the GCL in 2008, no lock to make GCL squad in 2009

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