Prospect Hot Sheet - 2014

[Morgan's Magic Snowplow]

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.
 

 
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.

 

[Morgan's Magic Snowplow]

Ben Badler just did a chat for last week's hot sheet.  Red Sox mentions below:
 

 
MJ (ST Louis): Are the Red Sox still considering giving Mookie Betts some time at shortstop? If not, is he more or less trade bait for them?
Ben Badler: It’s not out of the question, although I don’t think they’re going to put him there. It’s not like there’s a clear path to shortstop in Boston right now either.
Nick (Washington DC): Hi Ben, thanks for the chat. If Mookie Betts does essentially what he did last year at two levels (this year at AA and AAA) where would you see him ranking in the offseason prospect rankings? Obviously a big if, but he's off to a ridiculous start...
Ben Badler: I had him at No. 40 on my list coming into the year. I don’t think top 20 is unreasonable if he continues tearing it up the rest of the season, which I think he will.

 
Jon (Boston): Hi Ben, Manuel Margot has showed a little pop to go along with his speed. What does he need to do to improve as a hitter? Is he a guy that could really climb up prospect lists this year?
Ben Badler: See more breaking balls, learn which ones he can handle and which ones he should lay off. Other than that, wow. There’s tremendous upside here between his glove, speed and offensive potential. The fact that the power is starting to come on so quickly this year is exciting. One of my favorite breakout candidates, although I guess I’ve been saying that for a couple of years now.