December Notes: Sox make rule 5 selections, Cecchini traded

Here are this month's minor league notes:

• The Red Sox did not make any major moves in the Rule 5 draft, but they were able to add a couple right-handed pitchers to the minor league system. Jhonny Polanco was selected from St. Louis and Anyelo Leclerc was selected from Texas. Both saw time at the Double-A level in 2015. Boston also lost outfielder Jesus Loya to the Chicago Cubs.
• Boston also made six minor league signings. William Cuevas, who has been with the Red Sox organization since 2009, signed along with Anthony Varvaro, Sean O'Sullivan, Chris Dominguez, Ryan LaMarre, and Ali Solis.
• Garin Cecchini, who was once highly regarded as a prospect, was dealt to the Brewers. The Red Sox received cash considerations in return. Cecchini began his career with the Red Sox in 2010 when he was drafted in the fourth round. After putting up huge numbers early in his career, Cecchini tailed off significantly once he reached Pawtucket.
  
• The SoxProspects staff has continued the Season-in-Review series. This month saw us enter into the top 10, with the most recent edition on Andrew Benintendi. Details on the series can be found here.
• The Red Sox also parted ways with Jonathan Aro along with Wade Miley in a trade with Seattle. Aro had been with Boston since he signed as an international free agent in 2011. He made his big league debut in 2015, appearing in six games for the Sox. In return, the Red Sox bolstered their bullpen with Carson Smith. They also acquired left-hander Roenis Elias.
• The winter leagues for Red Sox prospects have begun to wind down, with playoffs beginning for Liga Paralela and the Dominican League. The weekly roundups can be found from December 7, December 14, December 21, and December 28. Statistics for all Red Sox players participating in fall and winter leagues can be found here.
• SoxProspects.com's 7th ranked prospect Sam Travis was named to the AFL's Top Prospects Team. Travis raked this past fall to the tune of a .344/.394/.505 line in the AFL.
• This past month, Baseball America released their top 10 Red Sox prospects, with The Boston Globe's Alex Speier weighing in.  
• MassLive.com's Jen McCaffrey also added some thoughts as well on the top prospect list.
• Comcastsportsnet.com's Sean McAdam took part in Comcast's "20 under 25" series. They selected 20 New England athletes under the age of 25 and had fans vote for the best. The Red Sox players can be found here, including prospects Yoan Moncada and Andrew Benintendi.

Photo credit: Kelly O'Connor

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