September 22, 2013 at 8:30 AM
Red Sox announce minor league award winners
After a terrific 2013 season on the farm, the Red Sox announced their minor league award winners on Saturday. While several prospects had great seasons, Mookie Betts and Henry Owens pulled away from the pack, saving their best performances for the end of the season. Other players who were selected include Blake Swihart and Deven Marrero, joining Owens as former first-round picks to be recognized for the prestigious awards.The results released by the Red Sox are similar to the SoxProspects.com Player of the Year awards, as voted on by the SoxProspects.com community.
Pitcher of the Year: Henry Owens
Defensive Player of the Year: Blake Swihart
Baserunner of the Year: Deven Marrero
Latin Player of the Year: Victor Acosta
Latin Pitcher of the Year: Dedgar Jimenez
Betts was neck-and-neck with Xander Bogaerts for most of the season, but with Bogaerts being called up to Boston and Betts hitting .481/.550/.808 over his last 14 regular season games, Betts became the clear choice for this award. The 20-year old second baseman hit .314/.417/.506 between Greenville and Salem this season.
Owens was having a dominant season for most of the year, but during a stretch from July 11 to July 28, Owens did not allow a hit in 18 1/3 innings, striking out 25 in the process. The lanky left-hander finished the season with a 2.67 ERA over 135 innings between Salem and Portland, striking out 169 batters while walking 68.
Swihart caught every inning of Owens's no-hit streak, and he made great strides behind the plate during his time with Salem. Salem broadcaster Evan Lepler noted that Swihart threw out more than 42 percent of would-be base stealers on the season, and our scouting report has his arm as plus, which he supplements with good pop times and a smooth release.
Marrero, who was most likely also a top finisher in the Defensive Player of the Year voting, won Baserunner of the Year thanks to his 27 steals and only two caught stealings. He is a solid-average runner, but he has a quick first step and great baseball instincts, similar to fellow Arizona State product Dustin Pedroia.
Photo Credit: Henry Owens by Kelly O'Connor
Jim Crowell is a Staff Writer for SoxProspects.com
Latin Player of the Year: Victor Acosta
Latin Pitcher of the Year: Dedgar Jimenez
Betts was neck-and-neck with Xander Bogaerts for most of the season, but with Bogaerts being called up to Boston and Betts hitting .481/.550/.808 over his last 14 regular season games, Betts became the clear choice for this award. The 20-year old second baseman hit .314/.417/.506 between Greenville and Salem this season.
Owens was having a dominant season for most of the year, but during a stretch from July 11 to July 28, Owens did not allow a hit in 18 1/3 innings, striking out 25 in the process. The lanky left-hander finished the season with a 2.67 ERA over 135 innings between Salem and Portland, striking out 169 batters while walking 68.
Swihart caught every inning of Owens's no-hit streak, and he made great strides behind the plate during his time with Salem. Salem broadcaster Evan Lepler noted that Swihart threw out more than 42 percent of would-be base stealers on the season, and our scouting report has his arm as plus, which he supplements with good pop times and a smooth release.
Marrero, who was most likely also a top finisher in the Defensive Player of the Year voting, won Baserunner of the Year thanks to his 27 steals and only two caught stealings. He is a solid-average runner, but he has a quick first step and great baseball instincts, similar to fellow Arizona State product Dustin Pedroia.
Photo Credit: Henry Owens by Kelly O'Connor
Jim Crowell is a Staff Writer for SoxProspects.com