Reilly
03-12-2005, 05:08 PM
John Sickels ranks and grades Boston's minor league system (http://www.minorleagueball.com/story/2005/3/5/141127/3948), giving super prospect Hanley Ramirez an A-, with pitcher Jon Papelbon (B+) and outfielder Brandon Moss (B+) the second and third-rated prospects in the Red Sox system.
Sickels comments:
"This system has improved greatly in a short period of time, due to better drafting and the development of a few holdovers from the previous administration. Hanley took a big step forward last year, and while I think he needs another year to consolidate his progress, I'm much more confident in his future than I was a year ago at this time.
Papelbon and Moss also took major steps forward last year, Moss in particular although some are still skeptical about his long-term power potential. Anibal Sanchez and Jon Lester are prototype members of the risky young pitching demographic. I think Sanchez has the higher ceiling. Grade B is a very conservative grade for him. If he stays healthy he'll be at least a B+ at this time next year.
Three sharp middle infielders slot in at 6 through 8. Lara and Soto have better physical tools and projection than Pedroia, but are also riskier. One or both could move ahead of Dustin if they develop their athleticism. As for Pedroia himself, he isn't a super-athlete but he is one hell of a baseball rat. Hitting .336 in the Florida State League a month out of college, while playing errorless ball at shortstop, has to be respected."
Of interest to me is Kelly Shoppach down at No. 9 (B-) and the fact that outfielder David Murphy, the team's first-round selection in 2003, didn't even crack the Top 20.
Also notice four shortstops in the Top 8 ... with Edgar Renteria signed to a new four-year deal. If Hanley Ramirez moves to second base, what does Boston do with Pedroia, etc.?
Sickels comments:
"This system has improved greatly in a short period of time, due to better drafting and the development of a few holdovers from the previous administration. Hanley took a big step forward last year, and while I think he needs another year to consolidate his progress, I'm much more confident in his future than I was a year ago at this time.
Papelbon and Moss also took major steps forward last year, Moss in particular although some are still skeptical about his long-term power potential. Anibal Sanchez and Jon Lester are prototype members of the risky young pitching demographic. I think Sanchez has the higher ceiling. Grade B is a very conservative grade for him. If he stays healthy he'll be at least a B+ at this time next year.
Three sharp middle infielders slot in at 6 through 8. Lara and Soto have better physical tools and projection than Pedroia, but are also riskier. One or both could move ahead of Dustin if they develop their athleticism. As for Pedroia himself, he isn't a super-athlete but he is one hell of a baseball rat. Hitting .336 in the Florida State League a month out of college, while playing errorless ball at shortstop, has to be respected."
Of interest to me is Kelly Shoppach down at No. 9 (B-) and the fact that outfielder David Murphy, the team's first-round selection in 2003, didn't even crack the Top 20.
Also notice four shortstops in the Top 8 ... with Edgar Renteria signed to a new four-year deal. If Hanley Ramirez moves to second base, what does Boston do with Pedroia, etc.?