In the interest of furthering the movement to build up this forum, I figured we could start a thread devoted to tracking Red Sox showing up on Baseball America's weekly Prospect Hot Sheet. This is also a pretty good way to keep tabs on prospects from other organizations who are enjoying strong seasons.
This week has Owens and Betts at #2 and #3. Joc Pederson gets the top slot, other notable prospects discussed include Robert Stephenson, Eddie Butler, and Trevor Bauer.
This week has Owens and Betts at #2 and #3. Joc Pederson gets the top slot, other notable prospects discussed include Robert Stephenson, Eddie Butler, and Trevor Bauer.
2. Henry Owens, lhp, Red Sox
Team: Double-A Portland (Eastern)
Age: 21
Why He’s Here: 1-0, 1.00, 2 GS, 13 IP, 6 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 18 SO
The Scoop: When he’s at his best, Owens is as unhittable as anyone in the minors. He had a 19-inning hitless streak last year, he struck out 13 of 15 batters he faced in an intrasquad game in spring training last year, and he began 2014 by pitching the first six innings of a rain-shortened no-hitter on Opening Day. Hitters just can’t get a good read on Owen’s fastball and struggle to pick up his changeup. When he’s also locating his curveball, hitters don’t really have much of a chance.
2014 Statistics
3. Mookie Betts, 2b, Red Sox
Team: Double-A Portland (Eastern)
Age: 21
Why He’s Here: .464/.531/.750 (13-for-28), 6 R, 3 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 4 BB, 3 SO, 2-for-3 SB
The Scoop: Betts has carried the momentum of a tremendous 2013 (.314/.417/.506 with 15 homers and 38 steals) into 2014. He began the season going 4-for-4 with a home run against Reading and has not slowed down, continuing to show excellent plate discipline. Though small (5-foot-9, 170 pounds), he has quick hands to generate extra-base power. He’s blocked at second base in Boston by Dustin Pedroia, and while the Red Sox talked about getting Betts some time at shortstop this year, so far he’s stayed exclusively at second base.