Weekly Notes: Moncada, Devers, Tavarez nab postseason awards

Here are this week's minor league notes:

• SoxProspects.com Managing Editor Matt Huegel sat down with 2016 fifth-round draft pick Mike Shawaryn to discuss the start of his professional career in Lowell. The two chatted about the University of Maryland product's feelings on sliding to the fifth round after being regarded by some scouts as a first-round talent.
• SoxProspects Director of Scouting Ian Cundall took a look at Shawaryn, as well as 2016 third-round draft pick Shaun Anderson out of the University of Florida, in his latest Scouting Scratch. Cundall captured video of the two pitchers in action.
• With the end of the minor league season approaching, leagues are starting to announce their postseason All-Star teams. In Double-A, Aneury Tavarez (pictured, above) was the only Sea Dog named to the 2016 Eastern League Postseason All-Star Team, according to a team release. At the High-A level, Yoan Moncada and Rafael Devers were named Carolina League Postseason All-Stars, according to a Salem Red Sox press release.
• The Sea Dogs also presented their annual team awards prior to Sunday's home finale at Hadlock Field, according to a release. Aneury Tavarez, who currently leads the Eastern League in batting average with eight games to play, was named the team's Most Valuable Player. Keith Couch was named Portland's Pitcher of the Year. Utility player Ryan Court was recognized with the team's Tenth Player Award. Court began the year in independent baseball before signing with the Red Sox organization on May 3. Pitcher Mike McCarthy was named the Sea Dogs' "Citizen of the Year" for the third straight season for his involvement in Maine youth baseball and organizing baseball equipment drives for children in need.
• In more Portland news, the team announced that former Sea Dogs outfielder and current member of the St. Louis Cardinals, Brandon Moss, as well as former manager Todd Claus are the 2016 inductees into the Portland Sea Dogs Hall of Fame.
• Ryan Hannable of WEEI.com spoke with Andrew Benintendi about his knee injury and how it could have been worse.
• Scott Lauber of ESPN Boston reports that the Red Sox have not ruled out a September call-up for top overall prospect Yoan Moncada.
• Bill Ballou of the Providence Journal wondered if Benintendi could become the first Red Sox player since Bill Lee to go his entire career without playing at the Triple-A level.
• According to Nick Friar of Comcast SportsNet, Blake Swihart will begin rehab on his ankle on Monday and is aiming to be ready for Spring Training 2017.
• Spinners third baseman Bobby Dalbec continued his torrid start, taking home New York-Penn League Offensive Player of the Week. Dalbec went 9 for 24 with a homer and six RBI. Teammate Daniel Zandona took home Pitcher of the Week honors. The 23-year-old appeared in two games, racking up 11 total innings while striking out 10 and allowing one run. He earned the victory in both contests.
• The Portland Sea Dogs welcomed their nine millionth fan in franchise history on Aug. 25, according to a team press release. Mike Davis of Falmouth, Maine, won season tickets for the next nine seasons, among other prizes, for being the lucky nine millionth fan.

Players of the Week 8/22-8/28

Jose Sermo, IF, Salem Red Sox
7 G, 25 AB, 6 R, 13 H, 3 2B, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 4 SB, 2 BB, 3 K, .520/.556/.760

An eight-game hitting streak - and hits in 14 of his last 15 games - put Sermo at the forefront of Red Sox prospect batters this week. The 25-year-old switch hitter was signed by the Red Sox in June after hitting .311 for independent Gary of the American Association. Sermo has turned it on of late, posting a .345/.398/.524 slash line for the month of August. Sermo was originally selected by the Brewers in the 35th round of the 2012 draft.

Michael Kopech, RHP, Salem Red Sox
1 G, 7 IP, 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 10 K

For the second straight week, the fireballing Kopech (pictured, right) authored a dominant start for Salem. For his efforts, the 20-year-old was named Carolina League Pitcher of the Week. Kopech continues to impress, racking up a stunning 49 strikeouts in his last five starts over 29 innings. This most recent start was his longest as far as innings, but Kopech needed just 89 pitches to sail to the win. Kopech now has a 1.23 ERA in 10 starts over 51 1/3 innings for Salem this season.

Photo Credits: Aneury Tavarez and Michael Kopech by Kelly O'Connor

Tweet