June 15, 2010 at 9:40 PM
Red Sox sign four, send Mendez to Lowell
In addition to the signings of Kolbrin Vitek and Bryce Brentz, SoxProspects has learned that four additional 2010 draftees have signed. Garrett Rau, a righty selected in the 12th round out of California Baptist, was 5-1 with a 4.66 ERA and 51 strikeouts in 56 innings this season. He also played infield for the Lancers, posting an OPS of 1.078 in 2010 after transferring from Ventura College. Keith Couch, a 13th round pick out of Adelphi, struck out 83 in 76.1 inning while posting a 2.24 ERA in 2010. Third basemen Nick Robinson, taken in the 39th round out of North Central College, led his team with a .427 batting average and a 1.039 OPS. He is also the nephew of Red Sox amateur scout Jim Robinson. Jayson Hernandez, selected in the 41st round out of Rutgers, hit .312 with an OPS of .824 as the Scarlet Knights' starting catcher. All four players will open their professional careers next week with Lowell.
Joining them with the Spinners will be pitcher Roman Mendez, who has struggled so far this season in Low-A Greenville. Mendez, a 2010 SoxProspects.com Pre-Season All Star, was 0-2 with an ERA of 11.40 in 6 starts with the Drive, posting a WHIP of over 2 and giving up 5 home runs in 15.0 innings pitched. He will look to regain the form that saw him strike out 47 batters in 49.2 innings with a 1.99 ERA in the Gulf Coast League last season.