Minor Notes: Minor league season in jeopardy; Noah Song update

Here are Monday's minor league notes:

• Although the baseball season remains in limbo, the SoxProspects podcast team has been hard at work to bring content to our fans. On the most recent episode of the podcast, Chris and Ian discussed the state of the minor league season, broke down the Red Sox punishment for the sign-stealing investigation, and shared a Noah Song update.

• Elsewhere on SoxProspects.com the State of the System series has been taking a look at where the Red Sox farm system stands. The most recent addition to the series explored the Red Sox middle infield situation which has been significantly improved by the arrival of Jeter Downs and the addition of Matthew Lugo via the draft. 

• Over on The Athletic ($) Chad Jennings released the results of a far-reaching fan survey covering a number of Red Sox related topics. While most questions covered the major league team, Jennings did ask the fanbase some minor league relevant questions. In part one of the survey, Jennings asked how impactful Bobby Dalbec would have been in a hypothetical 2020 season, with most fans being skeptical of Dalbec's ability to contribute to the Red Sox in 2020. However, when asked what Jeter Downs' role with the Red Sox would be in three years the fans were optimistic rating him as just below an MLB regular. 

• Part two of the survey covered the fans' opinions on how the club was run. When asked which prospect would have the largest future impact, it came down to a nearly even split between Triston Casas, Jeter Downs, and Bobby Dalbec though Downs came out on top with 29.3% of the vote. Also receiving votes were Tanner Houck, Bryan Mata, Jarren Duran, Gilberto Jimenez, and Thaddeus Ward. On a broader view, 57.7% rated themselves a three out of five on the "prospect hugger" scale, with addition 30.7% rating themselves as a four.

• With the minor league season being delayed and likely suspended, many are struggling to stay prepared while their season remains in limbo. Peter Gobis of The Sun Chronicle interviewed a number of PawSox players and staff about how they were staying in shape during the pandemic. While some, like Jantzen Witte, are lucky to have access to private batting cages and a gym Kyle Hart has resorted to throwing with his father while Cole Sturgeon and Chad de la Guerra have had to settle for walking and working out in the back yard.

• Continuing his "toolshed dream lineup" series, Sam Dykstra of MiLB.com picked his team of minor leaguers 24 years and older. The sole Red Sox representative on the list was Bobby Dalbec who was naturally selected at third-base for his touted power.

•  Never touted as a standout prospect in his time with the Red Sox, CJ Chatham nevertheless received praise from Jim Callis, Jonothan Mayo, and Mike Rosenbaum of MLB.com. The trio of writers named Chatham the best pure hitter in the Red Sox system, a worthy distinction for a player regularly lauded for his glovework. 

Photo Credit: Noah Song by Kelly O'Connor

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