SoxProspects.com Podcast #28: Year-End Edition

Hey, remember when we had a podcast? Well, we actually still do, although it's been a minute since the last episode. Chris Hatfield, Chris Mellen, Matt Huegel, and, eventually, Mike Andrews discussed the rising "new core" of homegrown Sox players, and how that core could be factoring in to the organization's planning. They also discussed their internal debates when ranking the system's top 10 prospects.

Links after the jump...

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Winter League Roundup: December 24-30

The Dominican Winter League playoffs began as the Mexican Pacific League and the Venezuelan Winter League Regular Seasons came to a close. 

Dominican Winter League

The Dominican Winter League's round-robin playoffs began this week as two Red Sox prospects saw action in the four team tussle.

Mauro Gomez (pictured) opened the playoffs in a big way with a 2 for 5 evening that included a solo home run against Aguilas. On Friday, Gomez was 1 for 5 with a home run, two RBI and a run scored against Estrellas. In his final two games of the week, Gomez was 1-6. Escogido is currently 2-2. 

Tony Pena Jr. made two appearances this week. On Thursday against Escogido, Pena tossed 3 innings, allowing two runs on four hits. In a short appearance on Saturday against Estrellas, Pena walked the only batter he faced.

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Red Sox acquire Hanrahan and Holt from Pirates for Pimentel, Melancon, Sands, and De Jesus

The Red Sox finalized their trade for relief pitcher Joel Hanrahan on Wednesday, acquiring the right-hander and infielder Brock Holt from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for right-handers Stolmy Pimentel and Mark Melancon, first baseman/outfielder Jerry Sands, and infielder Ivan De Jesus, Jr.

The trade filled off-field needs for both clubs: The Pirates shed Hanrahan's salary, which in his third year of arbitration was projected by MLB Trade Rumors' Matt Swartz to be just under $7 million, while the Red Sox open up a spot on their 40-man roster, which they immediately filled by announcing the signing of free agent shortstop Stephen Drew.

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Winter League Roundup: December 17-23

Mauro Gomez took home his second MVP award this season as the Dominican Winter League's regular season came to a close. In Panama, five Red Sox farmhands debuted as the league got underway on Tuesday.

Dominican Winter League

The Dominican Winter League's regular season ended this week and the playoffs will begin shortly. The top four teams (Aguilas, Estrellas, Toros and Escogido) will play a round robin 18-game schedule to determine the top two squads, who will play for the championship. 

Mauro Gomez (pictured) was awarded co-MVP honors this week along with former Red Sox farmhand Hector Luna.  Gomez was 2 for 14 with a home run and four RBI to wrap up the regular season. Gomez finished the regular season hitting .242/.370/.451 with eight home runs and 38 RBI. 

Alberto Rosario was 1 for 4 with a double in limited action. Rosario finished the regular season hitting .222/.329/.302 in 30 games.

Pedro Ciriaco saw his first game action since November 19 by 1 for 6 with an RBI and a run scored in three games this week. 

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Mauro Gomez wins another MVP in Dominican Winter League

First baseman Mauro Gomez (pictured), who took home the International League MVP award earlier this year for his performance with the Pawtucket Red Sox, won another Most Valuable honor on Friday, sharing the award in the Liga de Beisbol Profesional de la Republicana Dominicana (Dominican Republic Professional Baseball League) with a former PawSox, Hector Luna.

Gomez played in 49 games for Leones del Escogido (Escogido Lions), hitting .242/.369/.455 with 10 doubles, two triples, eight home runs, 33 runs scored, and 37 RBI in 178 at-bats. He led the league in runs scored and runs batted in, and had two game-winning grand slams.

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Pedro Beato clears waivers, outrighted to Triple-A

Perhaps validating the team's decision to wait until absolutely necessary to designate Pedro Beato for assignment, the right-hander has cleared waivers and been outrighted to Triple-A Pawtucket. The news was reported earlier today by Brian MacPherson of the Providence Journal. Beato was designated for assignment on Wednesday and apparently immediately was placed on waivers.

The Red Sox acquired Beato from the Mets for catcher Kelly Shoppach in an August trade.

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Sox announce personnel moves in baseball ops

The Red Sox announced several personnel moves in the front office on Thursday. The information below mostly mirrors the Red Sox press release.

Baseball Operations

Jared Banner has been promoted to Assistant Director, Player Personnel after serving as Coordinator, Amateur Scouting from 2011-12. Banner joined the organization as Red Sox Fellow in baseball operations in 2007 and served as Assistant, Player Development in 2008-09 and Assistant, Amateur Scouting in 2010.

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Pedro Beato designated for assignment

The Red Sox have announced that right-hander Pedro Beato has been designated for assignment. The move corresponds with today's official signing of Ryan Dempster. 

Beato, 26, came to the Red Sox in August as part of the trade that sent catcher Kelly Shoppach to the Mets. He made four appearances with the Red Sox after the deal, allowing four runs in 7 2/3 innings, winning his only decision. He also appeared in four games for the Triple-A Pawtucket Red Sox, giving up only one unearned run in 5 innings pitched.

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Winter League Roundup: December 10-16

Marco Duarte and  Ivan DeJesus highlighted Winter League action this week as they continued to put together stellar offseasons.

Dominican Winter League

Mauro Gomez started the week off hot with a grand slam against Gigantes on Thursday  followed up by a 1 for 3 evening the next night with with two runs scored against the same foe. After an 0 for 4 on Saturday, Gomez was 1 for 5 with an RBI double on Sunday. 

Alberto Rosario found his way into just two contests this week, going 1 for 5. 

Tony Pena Jr. tossed 2 2/3 innings of relief, allowing one hit and two walks, striking out six. Pena picked up his first save on Saturday against Escogido.

The Dominican Winter League's All-Star contest happened on Tuesday as they faced off against the Venezuelan League All-Stars. No Red Sox prospects appeared in the contest as the Dominican League prevailed, 8-2. 

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Red Sox sign infielder Jonathan Diaz to minor league contract

According to Baseball America, the Red Sox have signed infielder Jonathan Diaz to a minor league contract. 

Diaz, 27, was originally drafted in the 12th round of the 2006 amateur draft by the Toronto Blue Jays. In 2012, Diaz spent time with both Double-A New Hampshire and Triple-A Las Vegas, hitting .221/.339/.284 with four home runs and 40 RBI. A utility-man who has played second, short and third, Diaz figures to spend time with both Portland and Pawtucket in 2013.  

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Red Sox announce 2013 minor league coaching staffs

The Red Sox formally announced their 2013 minor league coaching staffs on Friday. The breakdown for each team is as follows:

Triple-A Pawtucket

Manager: Gary Disarcina
Pitching Coach: Rich Sauveur

Hitting Coach: Dave Joppie

Trainer: Jon Jochim

Disarcina returns to the Boston organization after spending the past two seasons with the Los Angeles Angels as special assistant to the general manager and field coordinator. Disarcina previously managed Short-Season A Lowell from 2007-2009, winning back-to-back division titles in 2008 and 2009. Sauveur enters his sixth season with the PawSox, while Joppie will be making his debut with Pawtucket after spending the past four seasons in the same capacity with Portland. 

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Red Sox players aim to strike out cancer at New Stars for Young Stars event

The Jimmy Fund Council of Greater Boston has announced that the annual New Stars for Young Stars event will be taking place on Saturday, January 19 at Jillian's.

The initial lineup includes: Red Sox pitchers Rich Hill and Craig Breslow, outfielder Ryan Kalish, 2012 Red Sox Minor League Pitcher of the Year Brandon Workman, and top prospects Anthony Ranaudo, Deven Marrero, Blake Swihart and Garin Cecchini. More players could be added as the date gets closer.

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Sandy Rosario gone again, claimed by Cubs

Sandy Rosario's waiver roller coaster continued on Wednesday, as the right-hander was claimed on waivers by the Chicago Cubs. It marks the third time this offseason that Rosario has been claimed on waivers and fourth time he has changed teams. To re-live his whirlwind offseason, see our post from Monday, when the Red Sox claimed him on waivers for the second time.

The Red Sox 40-man roster now sits at 38. With the pending additions of Mike Napoli, Shane Victorino, and Koji Uehara still to come, expect to see more roster movement in the next week or so.

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ESPNBoston: First look at DiSarcina's PawSox roster

As the Red Sox front office continues to build the major-league roster for the coming season, the roster for the Triple-A Pawtucket Red Sox also is beginning to take shape. After winning the Governor’s Cup in 2012, the 2013 team will be led by newly anointed manager Gary DiSarcina and will be built on a similar construct of major-league-ready prospects, former big leaguers and career minor leaguers with untapped potential. 

Many of this group will see time in Boston in 2013, evidenced by the fact that a whopping 26 players were called up directly from the PawSox roster to Boston in 2012 (not including the 10 players recalled from injury rehab assignment). Here’s a (very) early roster projection for the 2013 PawSox on ESPN Boston. 

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Gary DiSarcina to manage PawSox

Maureen Mullen of CSNNE.com is reporting that the Red Sox have hired former major leaguer Gary DiSarcina to be the next manager of the PawSox. DiSarcina will be replacing Arnie Beyeler, who will now be the first base coach in Boston. DiSarcina, who was raised in Billerica, Massachusetts, returns to Red Sox organization where he managed the Lowell Spinners from 2007 to 2009 and spent the 2010 season as the minor league infield coordinator. 

DiSarcina spent the last two years in the Los Angeles Angels organization, where was a special assistant to the General Manager and minor league field coordinator. DiSarcina spent his entire playing career with the Angels, where he was considered one of the best defensive shortstops of the 1990s. 

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Red Sox re-claim right-hander Rosario on waivers

Less than two weeks after trading him to the Oakland A's the Red Sox claimed right-handed pitcher Sandy Rosario off waivers on Monday. Oakland designated Rosario for assignment back on November 30, three days after receiving acquiring him. 

The Red Sox originally claimed Rosario off waivers from Miami on October 17. The club designated him for assignment on November 21 as part of a series of moves on the deadline to add players to the 40-man roster to protect them from selection in the Rule 5 Draft. The Red Sox received Graham Godfrey from Oakland as the player to be named later in the Rosario trade to Oakland on Friday.

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Winter League Roundup: December 3-9

New faces joined the ranks of Red Sox prospects playing worldwide while Mauro Gomez, Reynaldo Rodriguez and Marco Duarte each had stellar weeks to highlight action.

Dominican Winter League

Mauro Gomez (pictured) continued to find his hitting stroke as he went 9 for 27 with two doubles, two home runs and  six RBI in seven games this week. Gomez has caught fire after a slow start to the campaign and is now hitting  .257/.379/.461 with six home runs and 28 RBI.

Alberto Rosario, who signed as a minor league free agent with the Red Sox on Wednesday, was 1 for 8 with two runs scored in limited action. The 25-year-old catcher is known for his defensive ability and is currently hitting .222/.344/.296 with seven RBI this offseason.

Tony Pena Jr. tossed 1 1/3 innings of relief, allowing two runs on five hits while striking out three in three appearances this week.

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Grand Slam for Sandy

We here at SoxProspects.com are proud to call ourselves part of the extended Red Sox baseball community, and when someone in your community needs your help you should do whatever possible to aid them. Over the years many have helped us along the way, and it is only right to give back.

Which brings me to Grand Slam for Sandy, a charity started by Portland Sea Dogs catcher, Jayson Hernandez, who grew up in Jackson, NJ.  All money raised by Grand Slam for Sandy goes towards aiding the victims and families effected by Hurricane Sandy, which ravaged the East Coast earlier this year. Many lost power, heat, or even their homes and the recovery has only just begun.

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Red Sox acquire Graham Godfrey from Oakland to complete Rosario deal

The Red Sox have announced the acquisition of right-handed pitcher Graham Godfrey from the Oakland Athletics. This completes last month's deal that sent pitcher Sandy Rosario to Oakland. 

Godfrey, 28, has appeared in ten games, making eight starts, over the last two seasons with Oakland, going 1-6 with a 5.09 ERA in 46 innings pitched. Coming off of a strong 2011 in which he went 14-3 with a 2.92 ERA at Triple A Sacramento, he made the Oakland rotation out of 2012 spring training. Godfrey had his best start of the year in his first one, allowing two runs on six hits in 6 innings against Kansas City, taking the tough 3-0 loss. He failed to get into the sixth in any of his other outings, and was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento in late May. 

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Red Sox receive right-hander Kaminska to complete Stewart trade

Capping off a busy day, the Red Sox received right-handed pitcher Kyle Kaminska to complete their prior trade of Zach Stewart to the Pittsburgh Pirates.

After being drafted in 2007 by the Marlins, Kaminska had spent his entire career in that organization before being traded to Pittsburgh at this year's trade deadline along with first baseman Gaby Sanchez in exchange for outfielder Gorkys Hernandez and a draft pick. For the season, Kaminska pitched 81 2/3 innings, striking out 66 and walking just 11 batters, allowing 98 hits. 

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Red Sox swing Rule 5 trade for Tigers' Henry, select two pitchers in minor league portion

The Red Sox selected three players in Thursday morning's Rule 5 Draft. In the major league phase of the draft, the Red Sox selected second baseman Jeff Kobernus of the Washington Nationals organization, then traded him to the Detroit Tigers for minor league utility player Justin Henry. In the Triple-A phase of Rule 5, the Red Sox selected left-handed pitcher Jack McGeary, also from the Nationals and a graduate of Roxbury Latin, and right-handed pitcher Jonathan Bachanov from the Chicago White Sox.

Henry, a 27-year old who spent all of 2012 with Triple-A Toledo, split most of his time between second base, third base, and center field last season, making brief appearances in left and right field as well. In parts of three seasons at the Triple-A level, he sports a .296/.369/.356 line in just under 750 plate appearances. He will bring important versatility to a Pawtucket roster that recently lost utility player Nate Spears to Cleveland as a minor league free agent.

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Relievers Fields, Pressly selected in Rule 5 Draft

Two Red Sox pitchers were selected in the Rule 5 Draft Thursday morning, with right-hander Josh Fields going first overall to the Houston Astros and fellow right-hander Ryan Pressly going fourth overall to the Minnesota Twins.

Fields, who was acquired at the trade deadline in 2011 from Seattle along with Erik Bedard, has pitched well during his time with the Red Sox. Over two seasons, he has thrown 75 2/3 innings, allowing only 48 hits with an ERA of 2.26, while walking 28 and striking out 103. He saved his best for the end of last season, as he allowed only one run over his final 15 2/3 innings with Portland, and then did not allow a run in 13 2/3 innings following his promotion to Pawtucket.

Fields features a low-90s fastball that can touch 95 and a 12-6 curveball that flashes plus potential. Despite the good velocity, Fields’ fastball is very straight, and he sometimes gets away with fastballs that are up in the zone that major league hitters will not miss. The 27-year-old has a good chance of sticking in the Astros bullpen, so expect to see him a few times as the Astros move to the American League.

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Red Sox sign right-hander Anthony Carter to minor league deal

The Red Sox have announced that they have signed right-handed reliever Anthony Carter to a minor league contract. Rotoworld reports that the deal includes an invitation to spring training. Carter became a free agent when he was non-tendered by the Chicago White Sox last week.

Carter, 26, was originally drafted by the White Sox as a starting pitcher in the 26th round of the 2005 draft. After moderate success as a starter, he converted to the bullpen in 2010, and his initial results were excellent. As a member of the Double-A Birmingham Barons he posted a 3.92 ERA, stuck out 58 batters in 57 1/3 innings, and notched 22 saves, earning a spot on the Southern League All-Star team. Assigned to the Arizona Fall League, Carter continued to shine, posting a 3.60 ERA in ten appearances, making the AFL Rising Stars Team. The White Sox rewarded this performance by adding him to their 40-man roster in November 2010.

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Red Sox announce five minor league signings

The Red Sox today officially announced that they signed five minor league free agents. Among the signings were pitchers Terry Doyle, Oscar Villarreal, and Jose De La Torre. Utilityman Drew Sutton (pictured) and outfielder Mitch Maier were also officially inked. 

Doyle's signing was first reported by Chris Hatfield of SoxProspects in early November. The 27-year-old Doyle compiled a 2.83 ERA in 76 1/3 innings pitched for Triple-A Charlotte in the Chicago White Sox system last season before asking for his release and ending the season with the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks of the Japanese Pacific League. 

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November Notes: Roster shuffle, minor league veterans depart

Red Sox minor league notes for November:

• The most widely discussed player movement of the month came at the 40-man roster deadline, as the Red Sox added six players and designated another five for assignment. SoxProspects.com Executive Editor Chris Hatfield offered his First Take on the decision to add pitchers Allen Webster, Alex Wilson, and Steven Wright, catchers Dan Butler and Christian Vazquez, and outfielder Alex Hassan to the roster, while designating infielders Ivan DeJesus and Danny Valencia and pitchers Sandy Rosario, David Carpenter, and Zach Stewart.
• DeJesus is the only one of the five players designated for assignment who will remain in the Red Sox organization. He cleared waivers and was assigned to Triple-A Pawtucket, where he is currently slotted as the starting shortstop, and serves as valuable depth in case injuries strike the major league infielders. Valencia, Rosario and Stewart were dealt to Baltimore, Oakland, and Pittsburgh, respectively. Carpenter was claimed off waivers by the Atlanta Braves. 

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Winter League Roundup: November 26-December 2

Several position players had strong weeks, led by Ivan De Jesus and Henry Ramos, and Anthony Ranaudo was shut down with a groin injury

Dominican Winter League
After being added to the Red Sox 40-man roster two weeks ago, Steven Wright took the hill for his fifth appearance for the Leones del Escogido. Wright gave up 11 hits in five innings, allowing four runs, two earned, while walking none and striking out three. It was his first non-quality start for Leones.

Stolmy Pimentel was strong in his second straight appearance, allowing one run on two hits in three innings. Pimentel has walked only seven in his 23 innings this winter, but has also allowed 25 hits, including four home runs.

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ESPNBoston: Checking in on winter leagues

Although the minor league season begins in April and ends in September, in reality, minor league baseball is a year-round enterprise. Following the end of the regular season and playoffs, minor leaguers participate in the Fall Instructional League, Arizona Fall League and various foreign winter leagues. 

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Sox trade Stewart to Pittsburgh, Rosario to Oakland, Valencia to Baltimore in flurry of moves

The Red Sox made a flurry of moves on Wednesday as fallout from last week's 40-man roster transactions continued. The club traded pitcher Zach Stewart (pictured) to the Pittsburgh Pirates, pitcher Sandy Rosario to the Oakland A's, and infielder Danny Valencia to the Baltimore Orioles. Boston will receive players to be named later for the first two, and will receive either a PTBNL or cash for Valencia.

Earlier this week, infielder Ivan De Jesus, Jr. was outrighted to Pawtucket after clearing waivers. The only player designated for assignment last week whose future is still uncertain is reliever David Carpenter.

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Winter League Roundup: November 19-25

With the Arizona Fall League and World Baseball Classic qualifier over, the remaining winter leagues around the world grabbed the spotlight as many prospects continued to get in off season work. 

Venezuelan Winter League

Yeiper Castillo continued to be solid in relief as he allowed five hits without allowing a run in 2 2/3 innings pitched over two outings this week. 

Mexican Pacific League

Marco Duarte had his second rough start in a row as he was shelled for six runs on ten hits in just 3 2/3 innings as he suffered the loss on Wednesday against Guasave.

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First Take: 40-man comings and goings

Tuesday marked one of the more hectic roster management days in recent memory for the Red Sox, at least of the non-trade variety. Overall, the club designated five players for assignment and added six minor leaguers to the 40-man roster, protecting them from selection in next month’s Rule 5 draft. A typical 40-man deadline day for Boston involves maybe two or three minor leaguers being added, so the relative chaotic transactions this year are worth analyzing.

I’ll start by looking at each player involved (or, where relevant, not involved) in yesterday’s transactions. To close, I’ll see if we can make any general observations.

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Webster, five others, added to 40-man roster

With the deadline at 11:59 tonight to add players to the 40-man roster in order to protect them from selection in December's Rule 5 draft, the Red Sox announced a series of roster moves. They added six players to the roster: pitchers Allen Webster, Alex Wilson, and Steven Wright, catchers Christian Vazquez and Dan Butler, and outfielder Alex Hassan. In corresponding moves, the Red Sox designated for assignment pitchers Zach Stewart, Sandy Rosario, David Carpenter, third baseman Danny Valencia and infielder Ivan De Jesus. Following the flurry of moves, the Red Sox have all 40 roster slots filled.

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ESPNBoston: Sox minor league roster moves expected

Look for Boston to make three to five roster moves on Tuesday to protect some minor leaguers from selection by other teams in the 2012 Rule 5 Draft. Check out our projections on ESPN Boston.

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Fall/Winter League Roundup: November 12-18

The Surprise Saguaros finished third in the Arizona Fall League with a 17-14-1 record as the Red Sox contingent appeared in their final games this week. Other winter leagues continued to ramp up, while two Red Sox players participated in the World Baseball Classic Qualifier.

Arizona Fall League

Michael Almanzar appeared in three games this week, going 2 for 11 with two doubles. Almanzar struggled mightily this fall, posting a .185/.272/.235 line in 81 at-bats. Each team is only allowed to enter one position player in the AFL who played below the Double-A level in the previous season, and since Almanzar was that player this year, his struggles are not surprising.

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Fall/Winter League Roundup: November 5-11

With more offseason leagues beginning this week, many of the Red Sox top prospects are currently seeing action in various leagues around the world. For full statistics, make sure to follow our Fall/Winter League page, which is updated daily.

Arizona Fall League

Christian Vazquez appeared in his last game for Surprise on Monday as he left the team to join Atenienses de Manati of the Puerto Rican Baseball League. Vazquez played in 10 games for the Saguaros, hitting .257/.395/.429 with a home run and three RBI. 

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Red Sox agree to terms with pitcher Terry Doyle

SoxProspects.com has learned that the Red Sox have agreed to terms with New England native Terry Doyle on a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training. Doyle, a right-handed pitcher, last pitched for the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks of the Japanese Pacific League after four and a half seasons in the Chicago White Sox system.

Doyle, who will be 27 this season, was selected by the White Sox in the 37th round of the 2008 draft out of Boston College. Having advanced as high as Triple-A Charlotte, with whom he spent the first half of 2012, going 6-3 with a 2.83 ERA in 12 appearances, 11 starts. He allowed 53 hits and 18 walks in 76 1/3 innings while striking out 71 before asking for his release to sign with Fukuoka.

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Top 40 Season in Review: Xander Bogaerts

#1 Xander Bogaerts, SS

2012 Teams: Salem Red Sox, Portland Sea Dogs

2012 Stats: .307/.373/.523, 37 2B, 20 HR, 81 RBI

Links:

Prospect Preview

The Book: Xander Bogaerts

Bradley, Shaw, Bogaerts, Olmsted named to Carolina League All-Star Game

Salem's Barnes, Bogaerts heading to Futures Game

Xander Bogaerts promoted to Portland

At 19, Bogaerts on the rise

The Book: Positioned in the upper levels

Podcast #27: Exodus of talent from Salem to Portland

Portland roster bolstered by August promotions from Salem

Bogaerts highlights seven Red Sox named minor league All-Stars

2012 SoxProspects.com Players of the Year

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Red Sox sign outfielder Mitch Maier to minor league contract

Veteran outfielder Mitch Maier has signed a minor league contract with the Red Sox, according to Matt Eddy of Baseball America. Per Alex Speier of WEEI.com, the deal includes an invitation to spring training. 

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Top 40 Season in Review: Matt Barnes

#2 Matt Barnes, RHP

2012 Teams: Greenville Drive/Salem Red Sox 

2012 Stats: 7-5, 2.86 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 29 BB, 133 K, 119 2/3 IP

Links:

2012 Prospect Preview

Barnes extends scoreless streak

Barnes' family shares in promotion

Barnes on the move

The Book: Matt Barnes

The Book: Evaluating the arms

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Top 40 Season in Review: Jackie Bradley, Jr.

#3 Jackie Bradley, Jr., OF

2012 Teams: Salem Red Sox, Portland Sea Dogs

2012 Stats: .315/.430/.482, 42 2B, 9 HR, 24 SB

Links: 

2012 Prospect Preview

Bradley aiming for fast start

Player of the Week: April 23-29

Jackie Bradley, Jr. shipping up to Portland

The Book: Jackie Bradley, Jr.

ESPN Boston: Bradley making strides

First take: Bradley heads north, Gators bring draft class to (near-) close

Portland Press Herald: Ferrari makes a stop on road that leads to Fenway Park

Portland roster bolstered by August promotions from Salem

2012 SoxProspects.com All-Stars

2012 SoxProspects.com Players of the Year

ESPN Boston: 2013 outlook

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Top 40 Season in Review: Allen Webster

#4 Allen Webster, RHP

2012 Teams: Chattanooga Lookouts (Dodgers)/Portland Sea Dogs

2012 Stats: 6-9, 3.86 ERA, 1.485 WHIP, 129 K, 61 BB

Links:

Examining the haul from Dodgers trade 

The Book: Allen Webster

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Fall/Winter League Roundup: October 29-November 4

A number of prospects saw limited action this week with some faring quite well. In one of the most anticipated events of the Arizona Fall League, the annual Rising Stars game took place on Sunday. For full statistics, make sure to follow our Fall/Winter League page, which is updated daily.

Arizona Fall League

Christian Vazquez appeared in only two games this week, going 2 for 7 with an RBI and two walks. Vazquez has had a very good fall thus far, hitting .290/.436/.484 with a home run, three doubles and three RBI in nine games, although his nine hits have come in three of those games.

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Top 40 Season in Review: Bryce Brentz

# 5 Bryce Brentz, RF

2012 Teams: Portland Sea Dogs/Pawtucket Red Sox

2012 Stats: .290/.349/.465, 17 HR, 76 RBI, 30 2B, 41 BB, 136 K, 473 AB

Links:
2012 Prospect Preview
The Book: 4.16.12
Brentz working to improve approach in Portland
Brentz, Hazelbaker thrown into the fire

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Top 40 Season in Review: Garin Cecchini

#6 Garin Cecchini, 3B

2012 Teams: Greenville Drive

2012 Stats: .305/.394/.433, 4 HR, 62 RBI, 38 2B, 51 SB

Links:

Injuries healed, Cecchini looking to get on track in 2012
2012 Prospect Preview
Cecchini showcases skills in Greenville win

Pre-2012: Cecchini was high on many draft radars in 2010. The shortstop from Barbe High School in Louisiana showed polish on both sides of the ball at an early age in his junior season, but an ACL injury cost Cechini the majority of his senior year. He was selected by the Red Sox in the fourth round of the 2010 draft, and Boston was able to sign Cecchini away from a strong commitment to LSU with a  $1.31 million bonus.

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Brentz, Almanzar tabbed for AFL Rising Stars Game

Red Sox right fielder Bryce Brentz (pictured) and infielder Michael Almanzar have been selected to play in the Arizona Fall League's Rising Stars Game on Saturday. The game will air live on the MLB Network and MLB.com at 8 p.m. ET.

The game is less an all-star game than it is a showcase of the top talents playing in the circuit, so Brentz and Almanzar's selections say more about their prospect status relative to others playing in Arizona than it does about their performance thus far. The pair has been part of a seven-player Sox contingent playing for the Surprise Saguaros in the annual fall league.

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Top 40 Season in Review: Blake Swihart

#7 Blake Swihart, C

2012 Teams: Greenville Drive

2012 Stats: .262/.307/.395, 7 HR, 53 RBI, 17 2B, 6 SB

Links:

2012 Prospect Preview

SoxProspects.com Podcast #24: Southern Affiliates

The Book: Assessing the A-Ball Crop

Scouting Scratch: Notes from Fall Instructs

Pre-2012: Swihart was taken with the 26th overall pick by the Red Sox in the 2011 draft and signed on August 15 for an over-slot bonus of $2.5 million. The high school catcher out of New Mexico was widely regarded as a top-15 talent, but a strong commitment to the University of Texas and high bonus demands allowed him to fall to the Red Sox. Because he signed on the last possible day, Swihart only played two games in 2011 for the Golf Coast League Red Sox.

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Top 40 Season in Review: Henry Owens

#8 Henry Owens, LHP

2012 Team: Greenville Drive

2012 Stats: 12-5, 4.87 ERA, 1.45 WHIP, 47 BB, 130 K

Links

2012 Prospect Previews: Jackie Bradley, Jr. and Henry Owens

Owens using size to advantage as he adjusts to professional hitters

Owens fans seven in short outing

The Book: Henry Owens

Pre-2012: Owens, the 36th pick overall in the the 2011 draft, is the first of four entries from that class to appear in the top ten countdown. The youngest of those four, Owens was seen as a high upside left-hander who could develop into a front-of-the-rotation starter. He had a dominant senior year at Edison High School in Huntington Beach, Calif., going 11-0 and striking out 114 in only 77 innings. Owens signed for a $1.55 million bonus on August 15, the signing deadline, passing up on his commitment to the University of Miami. Given how late he signed, he was not assigned to an affiliate.

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Top 40 Season in Review: Jose Iglesias

#9 Jose Iglesias, SS

2012 Teams: Lowell Spinners(rehab)/Pawtucket Red Sox/Boston Red Sox

2012 Stats: .266/.318/.306, 1 HR, 27 BB, 46 K, 353 AB in Pawtucket; .118/.200/.191, 1 HR, 4 BB, 16 K, 68 AB in Boston

Links:

2012 Prospect Preview

ESPN Boston: Iglesias coming on strong

Player of the Week: April 30-May 6

Weekly Notes: With Red Sox struggling, focus turns to the future

The Book: Positioned in the upper levels

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Fall/Winter League Roundup: October 22-28

Red Sox prospects continued to struggle in their respective leagues, but there were a few bright spots in an otherwise poor week. For full statistics, make sure to follow our Fall/Winter League page, which is updated daily.

Arizona Fall League

Christian Vazquez (pictured) went 4 for 4 with two doubles and a home run on Thursday, accounting for most of the Saguaros offense in a 6-3 loss to Scottsdale. Vazquez only appeared in two games this week, both at catcher, and he went 0 for 5 with two strikeouts in his other appearance. He allowed five steals, but also threw out five runners.

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Top 40 Season in Review: Drake Britton

This week, we enter the top 10 as we continue counting down SoxProspects.com's end-of-season top 40 prospects. We will be covering one player a day for the next two weeks, offering a more detailed analysis on the system's top prospects. 

#10 Drake Britton, LHP

2012 Team: Salem Red Sox/Portland Sea Dogs

2012 Stats: 4-7, 84 2/3 IP, 3.72 ERA, 1.46 WHIP, 38 BB, 76 K in Portland. 3-5, 45 IP, 5.80 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 19 BB, 42 K in Salem

Links:

2012 Prospect Preview

Britton learns the hard way

Drake Britton promoted to Portland

Britton's revival act in Portland nearly complete

The Book: Drake Britton

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ESPNBoston: Possible Sox prospect trade chips

No player in the Red Sox system is untradeable. However, you can rest assured that there are several prospects that the club won't be "shopping" and won't be traded unless the team is overwhelmed. Players like Xander Bogaerts, Matt Barnes, and Jackie Bradley are part of the team's future plans, and it remains highly unlikely that they'll be traded unless a cost-controlled, above-average regular is coming back in return. But if the organization wants to make a splash in the trade market this offseason, here's a look at some prospects whom the Sox might shop (together with SoxProspects.com ranking). 

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Top 40 Season in Review: Deven Marrero, Brandon Workman

#12 Deven Marrero, SS

2012 Team: Lowell Spinners

Final Stats: .268/.358/.374, 2 HR, 24 RBI, 14 2B, 24 SB

Links

Red Sox select Deven Marrero with 24th pick

Red Sox sign first-round pick Deven Marrero

Scouting Scratch: Notes from The Fort

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Top 40 Season in Review: Alex Wilson, Brian Johnson

#14 Alex Wilson, RHP

2012 Team: Pawtucket Red Sox

Final Stats: 5-3, 72 2/3 IP, 3.72 ERA, 1.500 WHIP, 33 BB, 78 K

Links
2012 Prospect Preview
The Book: Alex Wilson 
Wilson groomed to help 'pen
PawSox Notebook: Wilson records first professional save

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Top 40 Season in Review: Keury De La Cruz, Anthony Ranaudo

#16 Keury De La Cruz, OF

2012 teams: Greenville Drive/Salem Red Sox

Final stats: .307/.350/.533, 20 HR, 87 RBI, 20 SB

Links

2012 Prospect Preview

For De La Cruz, batspeed brings power

Players of the Week, July 2-8

De La Cruz, Cecchini, Pena named South Atlantic League All-Stars

Keury De La Cruz promoted to Salem

The Book: Assessing the A-Ball crop

Scouting Scratch: Notes from Fall Instructs

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Top 40 Season in Review: Jose Vinicio, Brandon Jacobs

This week, we enter the top 20 as we continue counting down SoxProspects.com's end-of-season top 40 prospects.

#18 Jose Vinicio, SS

2012 Team: Greenville Drive, Lowell Spinners (rehab)

Final Stats: .277/.320/.371, 3 HR, 24 SB

Links

2012 Prospect Preview

Scouting Scratch: Greenville first impressions

The Book: Assessing the A-Ball crop

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Fall/Winter League Roundup: October 15-21

During the offseason, we will run recaps of the Fall and Winter Leagues each Monday. Also make sure to follow our Fall/Winter League page, with statistics updated daily.

Arizona Fall League

The Red Sox delegation played a big role in helping the Surprise Saguaros to a 5-1 record on the week. Michael Almanzar reached base in each of the four games he appeared, scoring five runs on the week. In Saturday's 16-10 slugfest victory over Mesa, he reached base three times, on a double, walk and hit by pitch, scoring two runs and driving in another pair. Christian Vazquez reached base eight times in twelve plate appearances across three games on the week. Bryce Brentz saw limited action, going 1 for 4 in Monday's contest.

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Top 40 Season in Review: Pat Light, Stolmy Pimentel

This week, we enter the top 20 as we continue counting down SoxProspects.com's end-of-season top 40 prospects.

#20: Pat Light, RHP

2012 Teams: Lowell Spinners

Final Stats: 0-2, 2.37 ERA, 30 K, 5 BB, 30 1/3 IP

Links

Red Sox select Pat Light with 37th pick

Buttrey, Light headline list of 11 signings announced by Sox

Podcast #25: Interviews with Jose Iglesias, Deven Marrero, and Pat Light

The Book: Pat Light

The Book: Evaluating the arms

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Top 40 Season in Review: Chris Carpenter, Ty Buttrey

#22: Chris Carpenter, RHP

2012 Teams: Gulf Coast League Red Sox/Greenville Drive/Portland Sea Dogs/Pawtucket Red Sox/Boston Red Sox

Final Stats: Minors - 1-0, 2.08 ERA, 4 SV, 25 K, 10 BB, 21 2/3 IP
Majors - 1-0, 9.00 ERA, 10 BB, 2 K, 6 IP

Links
Chris Carpenter to have elbow surgery
Theo compensation announced: Sox receive righty Chris Carpenter, will exchange PTBNL's with Cubs
Scouting Scratch: Johnson ramping up; Carpenter on road back

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Top 40 Season in Review: Travis Shaw, Mauro Gomez

#24: Travis Shaw, 1B

2012 Teams: Salem Red Sox/Portland Sea Dogs

Final Stats: .287/.397/.517, 19 HR, 80 BB, 115 K

Links: 

Salem Notebook: Huge home run won't change Shaw's approach

Players of the Week, May 28-June 3

Players of the Week, June 11-17

Travis Shaw promoted to Portland

Scouting Scratch: Closing out Portland

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Red Sox claim RHP Sandy Rosario; Lin designated for assignment

The Red Sox announced that they have claimed right-handed relief pitcher Sandy Rosario (pictured) off waivers from the Miami Marlins. To made room for Rosario on the 40-man roster, the Red Sox have designated outfielder Che-Hsuan Lin for assignment. 

Rosario, 27, has gotten cups of coffee after September call-ups in each of the last three seasons. Over those three seasons, he has appeared in ten games, all in relief, allowing 13 runs in 7.2 innings pitched. Originally signed in 2006 by the Marlins as a starting pitcher, Rosario was moved to the bullpen full time in 2010. The move proved effective, as he saw his strikeout rate increase, and he moved up the minor league ranks quickly. Making 32 relief appearances at Triple-A New Orleans the past two seasons, Rosario has compiled a 1.65 ERA in 32.2 innings, striking out 28 and walking 7. He will compete for a spot in the bullpen in spring training, but with one option remaining, Pawtucket seems the likely destination to begin the 2013 season.

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Top 40 Season in Review: J.C. Linares, Jeremy Hazelbaker

#26: Juan Carlos Linares, OF

2012 Teams: Portland Sea Dogs/Pawtucket Red Sox

Final Stats: .316/.364/.510, 16 HR, 29 BB, 66 K

Links

2012 Prospect Preview

2012 Season in Review: Linares got back on track in 2012 after missing most of the 2011 season when he tore ligaments in his ankle in early May. Placed back in Double-A Portland, where he ended the 2010 season, Linares was one of the best hitters in the Eastern League despite playing through injury. The 27-year-old hit .333/.403/.538 for the Sea Dogs in 210 at-bats before his June 21 promotion to Pawtucket. He continued to show decent power in Triple-A, but walked only seven times in 202 at-bats, leading to a .297/.321/.480 line with the PawSox. Linares mostly played in the outfield corners, but he has shown the ability to play all three outfield positions when healthy.

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Top 40 Season in Review: Jamie Callahan, Frank Montas

#28: Jamie Callahan, RHP

2012 Team: GCL Red Sox

2012 Final Stats: 1-0, 5.19 ERA, 8 2/3 IP, 3 BB, 7 K, 1.27 WHIP

Links: 

Red Sox select Jamie Callahan in the second round 

Scouting Scratch: Notes from Fall Instructs

2012 Season in review: There’s no need to be alarmed by Jamie Callahan’s 5.19 ERA with the Gulf Coast League Red Sox. The small sample size of five games does not reflect why the Red Sox selected him in the second round of the 2012 draft. His high school numbers—a 0.89 ERA with 113 strikeouts over 50 innings—are more indicative of his potential. Although he was committed to the University of South Carolina, Callahan signed for a bonus of $600,000.

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Fall/Winter League Roundup: October 8-14

Each off-season, several Red Sox prospects compete in the Arizona Fall League as well as the Caribbean Winter Leagues. The Caribbean leagues consist of teams from the Dominican Winter League (Liga Dominicana de Béisbol Invernal), Mexican Pacific League (Liga Mexicana del Pacífico), Puerto Rican Professional Baseball League (Liga de Béisbol Profesional de Puerto Rico) and the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League (Liga Venezolana de Béisbol Profesional). The teams in these leagues typically play into late December or early January, with each league sending its top team to the Caribbean Series. To follow all of the prospect action this off-season, visit our Fall-Winter League page, which is updated on a daily basis. 

In addition, this is the first in our series of weekly roundups of the Fall/Winter Leagues - look for coverage to continue every Monday morning into January. This week's roundup covers the period of October 8-14. 

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Top 40 Season in Review: Cody Kukuk, Tzu-Wei Lin

This week, we enter the top 30 as we continue counting down SoxProspects.com's  top 40 prospects, recapping their seasons and why they're ranked where we have them in the site's official end-of-season rankings.

#30: Cody Kukuk, LHP
2012 Team: GCL Red Sox
2012 Final Stats: 2-0, 0.90 ERA, 10.0 IP, 3 BB, 16 K, 0.60 WHIP.

Links

2012 Prospect Previews: Cody Kukuk and Henry Ramos 

One Flew Over the Kukuk's Nest 

2012 Red Sox Instructional League Roster

Scouting Scratch: Notes from Fall Instructs 

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ESPNBoston: Potential 2013 Red Sox rookies

As the Red Sox embark on the off-season in rebuilding and retooling mode, one positive is that the club has several rookies who could make an impact in 2013. While there aren't many prospects who project to break camp with the club out of spring training (at least at this stage), there are a handful of potential rookies who might be able to make an early-season or mid season jump to the majors, others who could serve as emergency depth options in case of injury, and still others who have the potential to make contributions later in the season. 

As the off-season begins, and before trade season heats up, here's a breakdown of those options. 

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Top 40 Season in Review: Chris Hernandez, Christian Vazquez

For the next five weeks, SoxProspects.com will count down its top 40 prospects, recapping their seasons and why they're ranked where we have them in the site's official end-of-season rankings.

#32: Chris Hernandez, LHP

2012 Teams: Portland Sea Dogs/Pawtucket Red Sox

2012 Final Stats: 5-12, 3.26 ERA, 146 1/3 IP, 53 BB, 90 K, 1.333 WHIP

Links

Hernandez' command key in Portland win
Hernandez promoted to Pawtucket
The Book: Chris Hernandez
Hernandez minimizes damage, puts team in position to win

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