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SoxProspects News

March 9, 2012 at 12:00 PM

Fort Report: March 9


This week’s minor league notes:

  • Following up on last week's musings on Felix Doubront, the Boston Herald's Scott Lauber notes that Doubront has worked extensively on his delivery, attempting to maximize consistency and effectiveness. The hard work paid off for the left-hander on Saturday night in Boston's 6-3 victory over the Boston College Eagles, as he threw 2.0 scoreless innings.
  • Andrew Miller (Kelly O'Connor)
    Speaking of the contest against Boston College, Ryan Lavarnway was 2 for 2 with 2 runs scored and outfielder Juan Carlos Linares was 1 for 3 with a pair of RBI to help lead the Red Sox offense. Junichi Tazawa struggled in his 2.0 innings of relief, allowing 2 runs on 4 hits and a walk. 
  • Lauber was also able to catch up with left-hander Andrew Miller, who is looking to reacquire his college mechanics in an attempt to win a rotation spot this spring. Miller's decision comes after discussions with new Red Sox pitching coach Bob McClure.
  • Miller's new delivery paid immediate dividends in Sunday's contest against the Twins in which he tossed 2.0 scoreless innings, striking out three and allowing a walk.
  • The news was not all good for Miller, as he was scratched from his scheduled Thursday appearance with "stiffness" in his pitching elbow. Miller experienced the discomfort during a bullpen session and the team is stating the move is precautionary.
  • MLB.com's Ian Browne reports that right-hander Aaron Cook's slow schedule may soon begin to pick up the pace, as the hurler is looking to appear in a game shortly.
  • Browne also sat down with Vicente Padilla, who discusses his unique eephus pitch as well as his willingness to be a starter or a reliever for Boston. 
  • Another rotation candidate, Carlos Silva, has been shut down indefinitely after experiencing inflammation in his right shoulder. The injury effectively ends Silva's ability to compete for a spot in the Red Sox rotation to start the season. Manager Bobby Valentine indicated the team knew Silva had a preexisting condition when he was signed, but hoped it would not flare up so quickly.
  • Silva's injury opens the door for right-hander Justin Germano to have more opportunity this spring. The Providence Journal's Tim Britton caught up with Germano, who tossed 2.0 scoreless innings against the Blue Jays on Wednesday, and discussed his reasoning for signing with the Red Sox.
  • Bryce Brentz (Kelly O'Connor)
    The Boston Globe's Peter Abraham details how prospect Bryce Brentz has caught the eye of manager Bobby Valentine, who said the ball comes off his bat differently than other prospects. Brentz soaked in his first day at major league camp on Wednesday, singling in his lone at-bat against the Blue Jays.
  • WEEI.com's Alex Speier notes that top prospect Will Middlebrooks has received glowing reports from Bobby Valentine on his advanced hitting approach.
  • Ryan Westmoreland was honored this week by being chosen by Barrow's Neurological Institute as one of their 50 most inspirational stories. Westmoreland will share his story as part of the hospital's 50th anniversary celebration. The Portsmouth, RI native is progressing slowly and remains optimistic that he will be able to participate in light game action this season.
  • New Red Sox reliever Jesse Carlson has quickly found out that being the new "Cinco Ocho" is more than he bargained for. Alex Speier talks to Carlson who notes he feels very happy with his stuff and actually grew up a huge Red Sox fan.
  • Ian Browne reports that shortstop Jose Iglesias continues to make waves in major league camp, leading manager Bobby Valentine to state Iglesias has some of the most amazing defensive abilities of anyone he's ever seen.  
  • The Iglesias impressions continued with Josh Beckett commenting that the shortstop's glove is "pretty sick," according to Alex Speier.
  • Thursday, the Red Sox fell to the Cardinals 9-3 in Jupiter, FL. Iglesias provided the lone offense for the Sox with a three-run triple in the eighth inning. Felix Doubront gave up 2 runs in 2.0 innings pitched, and Chris Carpenter was credited with the loss, giving up 4 runs in his only inning pitched.
  • Speier asked skipper Bobby Valentine which players have really made a favorable impression so far and the first year manager identified right-handers Doug Mathis and Chorye Spoone.
  • In the same notes column, Speier provided Valentine's impression on left-hander Drake Britton. Valentine indicated that Britton has a great sinker and a potentially devastating two-seam fastball, however, the 22-year-old needs to work on his control and emotions in order to reach his potential.
  • According to Speier on Twitter, this year's Futures at Fenway games will take place on August 18th and feature the Lowell Spinners vs. Hudson Valley Renegades (TB) and the Pawtucket Red Sox squaring off against the Buffalo Bisons (NYM).
  • Lastly, Fenway Park's milestone 100th anniversary season has enabled it to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places, ensuring that the park has an opportunity to receive certain tax incentives for rehabilitation. Any taxpayer funded changes must be overseen by the Massachusetts Historical Commission.
John GrayKaroline Zacharer are Staff Writers for SoxProspects.com. Follow John on Twitter @JohnRGray and Karoline @KarolineZ