Deven Marrero promoted to Double-A Portland

The Red Sox have promoted shortstop Deven Marrero (pictured) from the Salem Red Sox up to the Double-A Portland Sea Dogs, according to SoxProspects.com sources. The Sea Dogs have an off day today, but he will likely be in the lineup and playing shortstop when they return to action tomorrow night at the Altoona Curve, the Pittsburgh Pirates Double-A affiliate.

Marrero, currently ranked 14th on SoxProspects.com's rankings, was selected in the first round, 24th overall, by the Red Sox in the 2012 draft out of Arizona State. After being selected, Marrero reported to the Lowell Spinners where he played in 64 games, hitting .268/.358/.374 while stealing 24 bases in 30 attempts. This year while playing for the Salem Red Sox, skipping Low A Greenville altogether, he put up a somewhat similar line of .256/.341/.334 with 21 steals in 23 attempts.

As you can see from his slash lines, where his on-base is higher than his slugging, power is not a big part of Marrero's overall game and he profiles as a gap-to-gap hitter. He has quick hands and plus bat speed and some believe that will eventually lead to higher averages, but that has not played out in his season and a half of pro-ball.

The centerpiece of his game has always been his defense at shortstop, which is well above average. He has a good first step, fluid actions, at least average range, and a plus arm. Some question his focus play-to-play, but he has plus tools and can make the highlight reel play at any moment. Similar to Jose Iglesias, it is this defense along with quick hands that gives scouts the impression he has a major league future. Also just like Iglesias, he needs more development with the bat before he can be considered a true first-division regular.

He is an exciting player to track and it will be important to see how his offense holds up and develops as he faces the more advanced pitching of the Eastern League.

Photo Credit: Deven Marrero by Kelly O'Connor.

Will Woodward is a Staff Writer for SoxProspects.com. Follow him on Twitter @SPWill.

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