Several top prospects headline PawSox roster

The Triple-A Pawtucket Red Sox announced their roster on Tuesday, and it is one of the most impressive in recent memory. The strength of the team will be its starting pitching, with Allen Webster (pictured) taking the mound on Opening Day, followed by Anthony Ranaudo, Rubby De La Rosa, Jeremy Kehrt, and Chris Hernandez. Matt Barnes, who is currently in extended spring training working his way back from a sore shoulder, is aiming to come back towards the end of the month, and Steven Wright will begin throwing in May after having hernia surgery in January. 

The bullpen also has some interesting arms, with Drake Britton and Alex Wilson leading the way, along with Brayan Villarreal and Dalier Hinojosa. This will be Britton's first full season as a reliever, and he will look to build on the success he had last season in the Boston bullpen. 

The lineup should have a good combination of on-base skills and power, with Garin Cecchini and his minor league-leading .443 on-base percentage in 2013 manning the hot corner, and Alex Hassan and his career .401 on-base percentage playing left field. Bryce Brentz should have plenty of opportunities to drive them in, and he will look to build on the 19 home runs he hit last season in only 343 at-bats. If Jackie Bradley, Jr. is sent down once Shane Victorino comes back, the top of the PawSox lineup will be very strong. 

Three catchers are listed, with defensive standout Christian Vazquez slated to get most of the reps behind the plate. Dan Butler will be his primary backup, with Ryan Lavarnway listed as the third catcher. Lavarnway figures to see more time at first base and as a designated hitter.

The full Pawtucket roster:

Pitchers 

Matt Barnes

Drake Britton

Rubby De La Rosa

John Ely

Chris Hernandez

Rich Hill

Dalier Hinojosa

Jeremy Kehrt

Tommy Layne

Anthony Ranaudo

Chris Resop

Brayan Villarreal

Allen Webster

Alex Wilson

Catchers

Dan Butler

Ryan Lavarnway

Christian Vazquez

Infielders

Garin Cecchini

Justin Henry

Brock Holt

Mike McCoy

Heiker Meneses

Brandon Snyder

Outfielders 

Bryce Brentz

Corey Brown

Alex Hassan

Peter Hissey

Photo Credit: Allen Webster by Kelly O'Connor

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