Weekly Notes: Pitching pipeline progresses

This week's minor league notes

• The system's stable of arms was the topic du jour last week among local media and scouts, due in part to strong outings from notable players. Among them is Pawtucket right-hander Brandon Workman (pictured), who is toiling in his conversion from a reliever to a starter. The 25-year-old's recent results -- including a May 7 outing in which he surrendered four solo home runs -- belies his progress, according to SoxProspects.com Managing Editor Matt Huegel.

• For more on Workman check out Chaz Fiorino of SoxProspects.com's The Write-Up. Fiorino also offers tidbits on right-hander Rubby De La Rosa, who has experienced mixed results following a strong April. Fiorino details how De La Rosa needs to slow down and be more consistent in his delivery, which will contribute to better command. 

• Fiorino also wrote up Allen Webster in the previous story, who has gained steam in recent weeks following strong performances. In his last four starts, Webster has issued only six walks and has posted a 2.25 ERA. Alex Speier of WEEI.com notes that Webster's success and ability to work deeper into games has come at the expense of some strikeouts. 

• Matt Barnes seems to be finding his groove, according to this Boston.com piece. After spending much of April in extended spring training, Barnes has impressed in his first four starts at Pawtucket. In two starts last week, the 23-year-old right-hander surrendered four earned runs on eight hits and five walks in 13 innings. 

• And you can't talk about Red Sox pitchers without mentioning left-hander Henry Owens. After struggling in his last two starts, Owens rebounded this week by flirting with a no-hitter, but his bid was broken up in the seventh inning. Owens has struck out 41 in 42 1/3 innings and owns a 3.61 ERA on the season. 

• The ninth annual Futures at Fenway is set for Sunday, July 13. In the contest the Lowell Spinners will take on the Mahoning Valley Scrappers (CLE). Check out the Team Rosters page a look at some system players who are anticipated to join the Lowell roster when the season begins in June.

• The SoxProspects.com Players of the Week for the week of April 28 through May 5 are Salem second baseman Reed Gragani and Pawtucket right-hander Anthony Ranaudo. Ranaudo delivered seven strikeouts and surrendered only two hits in his only start that week, which was a five inning complete game. In five games that week, Gragani reached base 13 times in 21 plate appearances.

• Mookie Betts (pictured) was highlighted in this piece by Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com for his amazing start to 2014. Mayo heaps praise on Betts early season numbers, even suggesting, in jest, the Eastern League rename the statistic leaderboard after the Sea Dogs second baseman.

• Betts is also the subject of SoxProspects.com Featured Video this week. The video shows a glimpse of how Betts has risen to the top of prospect charts, including ours, from seemingly out of nowhere. For more videos, check out the site's YouTube page. 

• System graduates Xander Bogaerts, Jackie Bradley Jr. and Will Middlebrooks are the focus of a BostonHerald.com story from Scott Lauber with the headline "Red Sox' youth slow to grow." In the piece, Lauber discusses the pains of learning on the job with a contender. 

Photo Credit: Brandon Workman and Mookie Betts by Kelly O'Connor.

Luke Lavoie is a Staff Writer for SoxProspects.com. 

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