Minor Notes: Casas named All-Star, Dalbec primed for big leagues

Here are Thursday's minor league notes: 

• The SoxProspects.com podcast team was back at it this week, this time sharing their scouting notes from recent trips to Portland and Greenville. Following scouting discussions with Ian (@IanCundall), Chris (@SPChrisHatfield) sat down with Red Sox VP of Amateur Scouting Mike Rikard to discuss scouting, specifically in regards to the 2019 draft class.  

• One member of the Red Sox 2019 draft class who is turning heads is third-round pick Ryan Zeferjahn. The tall right-hander initially struggled as a professional while dealing with a hangnail that prevented him from throwing his slider, but he has quickly turned things around in August, tossing 11 shutout innings and striking out 14 since August 9. SoxProspects.com's Ian Cundall was on hand to see Zeferjahn in his most recent start, and was impressed with what he saw. 

• The South Atlantic League released their end of season All-Star list, and Triston Casas was the lone representative from the Drive. With a handful of games left the young slugger sits with an impressive .254/.350/.468 batting line, and 18 home runs. 

• With the minor league season coming to an end, the Arizona Fall League is just around the corner and rosters were released this week. Forming the Red Sox contingent with the Peoria Javelinas this year will be Bryan Mata, Jarren Duran, Tanner Houck, CJ Chatham, Marcus Wilson, and Yoan Aybar, plus a yet-to-be-named pitcher. All six players fall in the SoxProspects.com Top 40 prospect rankings and they represent one of the most talented groups the Red Sox have sent to Arizona in several seasons. 

• Bobby Dalbec is one graduate of the Arizona Fall League who is banging on the door to the majors. With September call-ups looming, Chris Smith of MassLive.com argues that the Red Sox should begin the 2020 first-base competition now with Dalbec in the mix. Smith admits that the sheer number of options available to the Red Sox may limit Dalbec to being a depth option for 2020, but the organization has nothing to lose by giving the slugger a tryout one season early.

• While Dalbec is one potential September call-up for the Red Sox, Smith took a look at other potential options. While several of the Triple-A relief options have already been with the Red Sox in 2019, players such as Mike Shawaryn may see a new role with the Red Sox starting depth at a season-low. Tanner Houck represents another intriguing option for the Red Sox 'pen, while CJ Chatham could provide some reinforcements to the Red Sox infield. 

• Another position that has question marks surrounding it for the Red Sox in 2020 is second base. Smith explored the Red Sox's internal options for the position in 2020, and one name that could be in the mix is CJ Chatham. Like Dalbec, Chatham's prospect status and flexibility may resign him to a depth role initially, but his right-handed bat could prove useful as the weak side of a platoon with either Brock Holt or Marco Hernandez. 

• On his podcast for WEEI, "The Bradfo Sho", Rob Bradford sat down with Dalbec to discuss his career thus far and what the future may hold for him. Dalbec credited the advice of David Ortiz with his success in 2019, explaining that the Red Sox legend has helped him remain focused at the plate and not let the moment get to him. 

Photo Credit: Bobby Dalbec by Kelly O'Connor

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