Fort Report: Mayer, Bleis shine on back fields

Red Sox prospects will be back playing real games exactly one week from today, as Worcester opens up the campaign on April 5. The SoxProspects.com brass has been down in Fort Myers for the past few days with video, updates, and an appearance on NESN. 

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From the Fort

Chris Hatfield, Ian Cundall, and James Dunne have spent the past few days on the back fields in Fort Myers working hard on gathering video and updates on prospects. Marcelo Mayer, Boston's first pick in last year's draft, has lived up the hype so far with his performance on the back fields. Mayer has showed off his smooth left-handed stroke numerous times this spring, including a home run off Nathan Eovaldi. Mayer has even gotten a couple plate appearances in big league games, striking out and walking. He showed off some impressive discipline, laying off a few tough two-strike offerings to earn the free pass. 

Another offensive standout has been 18-year old Miguel Bleis. He won't be ranked 15th at SoxProspects.com for much longer, as the 2021 international free agent signing is primed to get a nice bump in the rankings before the season begins. Bleis displayed some very nice pop in 2021 in the DSL, racking up 11 extra-base hits, including four long balls, in just 36 games. In addition to his skills with the bat, Bleis has showed off what he can do on the bases as well this spring. He swiped seven bases in 2021. Here is some additional batting practice footage from Cundall. 

NESN also aired an interview with Hatfield, Cundall, and Dunne during the Sox' MLB game against the Twins on Sunday. 

Be sure to check out the Twitter feeds of SoxProspects.com, Hatfield, and Cundall for more video and analysis from the back fields. 

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Waiver Claims

The Red Sox claimed 27-year old RHP Ralph Garza Jr. off waivers from the Twins. He spent 2021 in Triple-A, where he posted a 2.50 ERA in 18 innings of work. He struck out 22 batters and held opponents to a .129 batting average. 

Boston also lost a pair of players, as the Yankees claimed Jeisson Rosario and the Padres claimed Kyle Tyler. Tyler was in the organization for just a few days. as Boston claimed him from the Angels a week ago. Rosario was acquired by the Sox in the summer of 2020 in the Mitch Moreland trade. He hit .232 with three home runs in 98 games with the Sea Dogs in 2021. 

The Sox also made a number of moves as the season gets closer. They have optioned several players to the minors, including Jarren Duran to Worcester. 

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Cundall was also interviewed by NESN's Ricky Doyle about prospects Triston Casas and Brayan Bello. Cundall talks about how Bello has been able to increase his velocity and improve each year. He has the potential to grow into his body even further and develop three above average pitches. 

Casas is a unique prospect because of his enormous size. Cundall mentions how Casas does not have as much swing-and-miss in him as guys with his size typically do. He also adjusts his approach with two strikes, which is on display here in this at-bat on the back fields. 

Chad Jennings of The Athletic writes about free agent signings, like Rob Refsnyder, involving players who sign deals for a chance to fight for a big league roster spot rather than money. Refsnyder is fighting for a bench spot on the MLB team. The 31-year old infielder has bounced around, spending time with the Yankees, Blue Jays, Rays, Rangers, and Twins. 

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Photo Credit: Marcelo Mayer by Kelly O'Connor

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