Weekly Notes: Prospects flock to Boston

This week's minor league notes:

• As the Red Sox play out the rest of the season, fans are getting a good look at some of the young players in the system. Arguably the most interesting player is Rusney Castillo (pictured), who made his major league debut on September 17. Castillo has gone 4 for 16 over his first four games, showing off his good speed and strong defense in center field. 

• SoxProspects.com Managing Editor Matt Huegel talked to Pawtucket manager Kevin Boles about Castillo's exciting potential. Boles had good things to say about Castillo's swing and athleticism, but admitted that he is still getting to know the center fielder and they are still in the evaluation stage. That evaluation stage will continue this fall, as Castillo will be participating in the Arizona Fall League and Puerto Rican Winter League. 

• Our Northeast Scout Chaz Fiorino got a first-hand look at Castillo during his time in the minors, and featured him in his latest edition of The Write-Up. One tool stood out as plus-plus, with his other tools not far behind. Josh Norris of Baseball America saw Castillo's last game in Triple-A, and he posted video of Castillo's first professional home run. 

• Another player that Fiorino wrote about recently in The Write-Up, Matt Barnes, has looked good in his limited looks in the majors. Barnes has surrendered two runs over six innings, while walking only one and striking out five. He has shown a fastball that has topped out around 96, and a good-yet-inconsistent curveball and changeup. 

• The 2014 Fall Instructional League kicked off last week, with Manuel Margot, Rafael Devers, and Michael Chavis highlighting the roster. The full roster and schedule is posted on the link above. 

• Margot was also the first overall pick in the Dominican Winter League draft by Toros del Este. With their second round pick, they took Wendell Rijo, so that will be a fun team to follow this off-season for Red Sox fans. 

• Yahoo Sports released its all-minor league team, and the Red Sox had eight players make the list, which is three more than runner-up. Mookie Betts, Henry Owens, and Brian Johnson each made the starting roster, while players like Sean Coyle, Anthony Ranaudo, and Blake Swihart were honorable mentions. 

• Bryce Brentz has seen his stock drop this season due to a combination of injuries and ineffectiveness, but in his first major league at-bat, he ripped a double down the left field line. He also made a nice diving catch in the outfield, and he has left a positive impression in his limited appearances so far for Boston. 

Photo Credit: Rusney Castillo by Kelly O'Connor

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