|
Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Sept 23, 2020 8:03:16 GMT -5
soxprospects.com
September 21, 2020 at 4:32 PM Scouting Report Update: Jacob Wallace
Last Friday, the Red Sox announced they had acquired Jacob Wallace from Colorado as the player to be named later for Kevin Pillar. The deal now stands at Pillar and cash considerations for Wallace and international bonus slot money. Wallace was Colorado's third-round pick in 2019 out of the University of Connecticut and is set to debut in the SoxProspects.com top 20 in the coming days. This makes him the fourth prospect acquired at the trade deadline to debut in the current top 20. Here is Wallace's initial scouting report, compiled from available data and reports, as well as our scouting sources across the game.
Physical Description: Average, proportional frame with minimal remaining projection. Above-average athlete.
Mechanics: Throws from a three-quarters arm slot. High-effort delivery. High leg kick, but gets low coming forward. Long arm action behind before he whips his arm forward.
Fastball: 93-95 mph. Tops out at 97 mph. Pitch shows life and tail. Pitch jumps on hitters. Command and control need refinement. Potential plus offering.
Slider: 84-86 mph. Long, sweeping pitch with above-average depth. True swing-and-miss pitch with major league out pitch potential with development. Potential above-average offering.
Changeup: Third pitch that he will use on occasion with late, arm-side movement. Did not throw the pitch in college and only added it after signing.
Career Notes: Originally from Methuen, Massachusetts, he starred at Methuen High before becoming the closer at UConn. Pitched for Bourne in the 2018 Cape Cod League, where he was named the co-recipient of the John Claffey New England Top Prospect Award and was named a CCBL All-Star.
Summation: Potential relief type. Ceiling of a closer. Fastball/slider combination is very intriguing in a bullpen role. Potential for two above-average pitches at least and a unique delivery that gives hitters a very different look on the mound. Unclear at this point if the Red Sox will try to develop him as a starter, as he does also have a changeup. Command and control need refinement in order to reach his potential. Very intense on the mound, always competes.
|
|
|
Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Sept 23, 2020 8:07:51 GMT -5
Could Josh Ockimey be Mitch Moreland 2.0?
I’d like to see him get his chance in the big leagues. By Michael J Walsh Sep 23, 2020, 9:01am EDT
I’ve been a big Josh Ockimey fan for a number of years now, and I won’t be stopping anytime soon. Ockimey has one of those beautiful lefty swings and has used it to mash right-handed pitching all throughout his career in the minors. And because of all that, I’m hoping to see him utilized in a Mitch Moreland-type role when 2021 rolls around.
During the Red Sox’s 2018 championship run, the duo of Steve Pearce and Mitch Moreland proved to be huge, providing big-time production during the postseason. I don’t think anyone forgets Steve Pearce’s MVP performance in the World Series or Mitch Moreland’s pinch-hit, three-run home run in Game Four. The Pearce/Moreland duo turned into Michael Chavis/Moreland last year and for some of this year, and proved to be similarly productive.
I’m a big fan of platoons such as these and believe you can squeeze a higher level of production out of players by playing to their strengths. It’s almost like “combining” two players into one, using only their best production. We saw Mitch Moreland have huge success the past few years in this role, especially this year in his limited time with the Sox. If Moreland was utilized as a full-time player, he obviously would’ve been less productive; since he joined the Red Sox in 2017, he has a wRC+ of 113 against righties and 73 against lefties.
Now onto Ockimey. Plain and simple, he can’t hit left-handed pitching. In his four full seasons in the minors, his OPS against lefties topped .600 just once. To combat this, Ockimey can be used in the same way Mitch Moreland was with the Sox.
Against righties, Ockimey finished with an OPS of .898 in Triple-A last year, as well as an OPS of .968 in Double-A in 2018. He has swing-and-miss issues, but he makes up for it with a ton of walks; he walked over 17% of the time in Triple-A. If you can limit Ockimey’s at-bats against lefties, his power potential combined with his eye at the plate have the makings of a productive player. A new first base duo of Bobby Dalbec and Josh Ockimey could hit a lot of long balls in 2021.
Josh Ockimey isn’t a top prospect with All-Star level hype or anything close to that, really, and is likely blocked at his position when Triston Casas is fully developed. However, he can be a solid role player in the right situation, and the Red Sox currently have the right-handed bats at first base to make it happen. At this point, if I’m the Red Sox I’m looking for production anywhere I can get it, and Ockimey has the potential to contribute as a complementary piece at first base.
|
|
|
Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Sept 25, 2020 9:56:29 GMT -5
Alex Speier @alexspeier · 42m The final @pawsox livestream of Alternate Site simulated games is today at 11am - offering a last glimpse this year of prospects such as Jarren Duran, Triston Casas, Nick Yorke, and Connor Seabold (pitching today, along with Caleb Simpson and Seth Blair)
It is also, in all likelihood, the last time that McCoy Stadium will host Red Sox minor leaguers, after a rich 51-year history as a Sox affiliate and a very special place for generations of fans.
|
|
|
Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Sept 25, 2020 13:26:35 GMT -5
Chris Hatfield @spchrishatfield 8m RT @iancundall: The number of opponents for the Red Sox for fall instructs is dwindling fast. The Braves announced they are having a mini-camp in Gwinnett and the Twins didn't play other teams last year and seem unlikely to again. That would leave only the Rays and Orioles as potential opponents
|
|
|
Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Sept 25, 2020 14:07:44 GMT -5
Pete Abraham @peteabe · 7m Bittersweet watching the sim game at Pawtucket earlier today. Likely the last time the Red Sox will play there as they shift to Worcester next season.
1970-2020 is a long stretch as an affiliate.
Lot of good people came through McCoy Stadium, players and the PawSox staffers.
|
|
|
Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Sept 29, 2020 7:18:15 GMT -5
September 29, 2020 at 8:00 AM Minor Notes: Shortened season comes to a close
Here are Tuesday's minor league notes:
Ian and Chris, the SoxProspects.com podcast crew, celebrated the end of the year by recording an episode covering Tanner Houck's (pictured, right) end to the year as a major leaguer, Nick Pivetta's first start with the Red Sox, new addition Jacob Wallace, and other notes from the alternate site.
Currently ranked 10th on the SoxProspects.com rankings, Houck made his third and final start of the season on Saturday, throwing six innings with 10 strikeouts while allowing only one run. He ends the season with a 0.53 ERA, 0.88 WHIP, and 21 strikeouts over 17 innings. Julian McWilliams for the Boston Globe writes about Houck's debut season and his future in the rotation.
The Boston Globe's Alex Speier also wrote about Houck, discussing the unconventional and bold approach the Red Sox took to the development and redevelopment of the athletic righty.
During Houck's second start of the season, his velocity dropped and he had to switch gears and throw more two-seamers at Bill Koch writes for the Providence Journal.
One player raking down at the alternate site is an unexpected one, and also the youngest one there. 2020 first-round pick Nick Yorke (pictured, left) has been turning heads at only 18-years old as MLB.com's Ian Browne writes.
Koch of the Providence Journal also wrote about Yorke and how he is settling in just fine down in Pawtucket.
The Red Sox traded outfielder Kevin Pillar to the Rockies at the trading deadline for a player to be named later and International Bonus Pool money. Turns out that player was Methuen, MA native and UConn alumnus Jacob Wallace. Wallace is currently ranked 20th on the SoxProspects.com rankings and the scouting staff updated his scouting report this past week.
Fall and Winter League rosters will begin to roll out over the coming weeks and months. One of the first was that right-hander Daniel McGrath will pitch for his hometown team of Melbourne in the Australian Summer League (remember their summer is our winter) as announced on the league's website.
Based on the Red Sox final record of 24-36, the team will select 4th in the 2021 draft, assuming the draft order is based on the 2020 records. Should that be the case, the team will have a slot value for their first pick of $6,664,000, and as SoxProspects.com Director of Scouting Ian Cundall points out, this one pick has a higher value than the Red Sox entire pool each of the last two seasons. The last time the Red Sox had a top 5 pick was 1967.
|
|
|
Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Sept 30, 2020 14:56:07 GMT -5
Michael Silverman @mikesilvermanbb 21m Current MiLB-MLB pact will expire at midnight. MiLB statement, in part: "MiLB will continue to work in good faith over coming weeks to reach well-designed and fair agreement that meets MLB’s player development needs & continues relationship between the 2 for generations to come.”
|
|
|
Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Oct 2, 2020 13:58:22 GMT -5
OverTheMonster @overthemonster · 7m Having trouble deciding where to start on the disturbing aspects of this monstrosity
Jordan @bosoxholic · 10m @overthemonster this is the Worcester Red Sox’s new mascot! Smiley Ball!
|
|
|
Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Oct 2, 2020 14:08:35 GMT -5
Alex Speier @alexspeier · 1m PawSox manager Billy McMillon on Red Sox prospect pool: ‘I think the cupboard is getting full again.’
|
|
|
Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Oct 2, 2020 14:12:59 GMT -5
Bill Koch @billkoch25 · 6m Billy McMillon and Paul Abbott joining us on Zoom. #RedSox
On the organization's ability to avoid COVID cases in 2020 -- 'We just had a group of guys who did the right things day in and day out.' #RedSox
McMillon on Ron Roenicke -- 'We did stay in constant contact, particularly when there was a player move to be discussed. I've got nothing but positives to say about Ron. He treated me with respect.' #RedSox
McMillon -- 'It always takes a little bit extra to build back up. I think it's very promising right now.'
'We saw some guys develop and get a little bit better. I think there's some encouraging news.' #RedSox
Abbott on pitchers -- 'That was the best thing of this whole situation. These guys got better with some secondary pitches, with command, with some slight mechanical adjustments.' #RedSox
McMillon -- 'I think we did the best that we could. I don't think there's anything we could have done differently other than incorporating us playing other teams.' #RedSox
|
|
|
Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Oct 2, 2020 14:34:57 GMT -5
Alex Speier @alexspeier · 6m Replying to @alexspeier McMillon on Casas: ‘His discipline at the plate was incredible. ... I really like how intelligent he is at the plate. ... Defense, he’s going to be solid. I think we’ve got a good one.’
PawSox pitching coach Paul Abbott describes Tanner Houck as ‘what player development is all about.’ He notes mechanical adjustments that led to significant improvements in command at the Alt Site, which carried into the big leagues.
McMillon on Jeter Downs: ‘He made tremendous strides defensively. ... His track record of offensive performance indicates that when it’s 7:05 and the lights are on, he shows up at the plate.’
McMillon sees Downs as a better long-term fit at 2B (this is a widely shared view in the scouting community) but believes he’s capable of playing SS based on what he showed at the Alt Site.
McMillon says of Duran that ‘there’s still some development to take place,’ but sees tremendous upside.
Abbott on Connor Seabold: Stuff is ‘middle-of-the-road’ with a changeup that grades as better than that, but makeup and pitchability gives him potential.
|
|
|
Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Oct 2, 2020 14:43:42 GMT -5
Bill Koch @billkoch25 · 18m McMillon on placing players for 2021 -- 'I don't know if I would want to have a guy jump too many levels.'
'The guys that were in the alternate camp are on much better footing than the guys who didn't come.....Those are going to be the tougher decisions to make.' #RedSox
McMillon on Downs -- 'I think he would be a better second baseman long term. But I do think he could play shortstop.' #RedSox
Abbott -- 'For me, (Stephen) Gonsalves is a guy who can make an impact next year.'
Said the left-hander's velocity went from 89-90 mph when he reported to 94-96 mph. #RedSox
McMillon sees Triston Casas as a long-term fit at first base.
'His discipline at the plate is incredible.' #RedSox
McMillon on Bobby Dalbec -- 'As he continues to be up there he's going to gain more and more confidence. He's going to believe he can be up there.' #RedSox
McMillon on Jarren Duran -- 'He had an unbelievable offensive camp.'
'He's okay (in the outfield). He's solid. You can see there's some room for improvement there. We did some thing on footwork and on routes to balls.' #RedSox
Abbott on Jay Groome -- 'He made some adjustments in his routine, in his bullpens, that I think will really accelerate him to the higher levels.' #RedSox
Abbott on Tanner Houck -- 'That's what player development is about, right?'
'It's a tip of the hat for the whole organization, for everybody who has had a hand in his development.' #RedSox
Abbott on Nick Pivetta -- 'Nick's had success in the big leagues before. The game can be your friend one minute and your enemy the next.'
'A change of scenery can do a guy a lot of good.' #RedSox
Abbott on Bryan Mata -- 'I can't say enough about this kid. I think he's as exciting as anybody in baseball.' #RedSox
Abbott said Connor Seabold's stuff is mostly 'middle of the road,' but the changeup is 'top of the food chain.' Said his ability to command helps bridge the gap.' #RedSox
McMillon compares Hudson Potts to Will Middlebrooks. Sees him as a third baseman with good power.
Said Jeisson Rosario is a 'sneaky good' player. Solid defensively, better hitter than you think initially. #RedSox
|
|
|
Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Oct 3, 2020 3:28:22 GMT -5
In the end, Pawtucket alternate training site offered training ground for the brightest spots of the Red Sox season By Andrew Mahoney Globe Staff,Updated October 2, 2020, 5:51 p.m.
In the end, the taxi squad lived up to the name.
The Pawtucket Red Sox put the wraps on their alternate training site this week, and in total, 21 players were called up to Boston during the Red Sox' 60-game season, PawSox manager Billy McMillion and pitching coach Paul Abbott said during a Zoom call on Friday.
With the minor league season canceled, McCoy Stadium served as a site for some veterans to work their way back to the major leagues, while some of the younger players focused on their development.
“Everybody that was there, they did something to improve upon what they brought in,” said McMillon. “Whether it was being a little bit more consistent, whether it was a little more command on a pitch, I don’t think anyone really took a step back in their development. Everyone that we had did some things to take another step forward.”
Triston Casas, the team’s first round pick in 2018, and Nick Yorke, a first round selection in June, spent time in Rhode Island.
“Yorke got to see some of the older guys, and what it’s like to be professional and how you go about your business, and what it’s like to play against upper level competition,” said McMillon. “I think it totally benefits those guys, more than you can imagine.”
McMillon thought Casas benefitted from his time at the site after showing up in late August and facing Triple A pitching.
"Casas is very intriguing to me, " said McMillon. “He played both corner positions. I think he’s probably going to settle in at first base. His discipline at the plate was incredible.”
Some of the players acquired in trades this season also reported to Pawtucket before making their way to the big club. Pitchers Nick Pivetta and Connor Seabold landed on the taxi squad after coming over from the Phillies for Brandon Workman and Heath Hembree, with Pivetta getting a pair of wins in his two appearances for the Red Sox in the final week of the season.
“I like the guys we got in the trades,” said Abbott. “We stocked well on both sides, pitching and offense. We’re pretty close. We got some good players.”
There will be some difficult decisions to be made next year in trying to determine where to place some of the prospects, particularly the ones who weren’t in Pawtucket and did not have a season in 2020.
“In my opinion, the guys that were in the alternate camp are in much better footing than guys that didn’t come because at least we got to see them work out and get a little bit better in some skill sets,” said McMillon.
In addition to Pivetta, starter Tanner Houck and infielder Bobby Dalbec also impressed McMillion, and were bright spots in an otherwise dismal season.
“No one doubts his power,” McMillion said of Dalbec. “As he continues to see upper-level pitching, he’s got be disciplined and lay off those breaking balls in the dirt. I think as he continues to be up there, he’s going to gain more and more confidence.”
Houck won all three of his starts for the Sox, allowing just six hits in 17 innings of work.
“That’s what player development is about,” said Abbott. “You work with guys. You spend a lot of time watching them. You go through some growing pains, making some adjustments, and then it all synchs up, and you see the success he had, it’s really fun to watch. It’s a tip of the hat to the whole organization.”
|
|
|
Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Oct 3, 2020 3:34:36 GMT -5
McMillon, Abbott break down top Red Sox prospects
By Bill Koch Journal Sports Writer BillKoch25 Posted at 12:26 AM Updated at 12:38 AM
PAWTUCKET --- The majority of Red Sox minor leaguers were out of work this summer.
The 60-man player pool limited the ranks reporting to the club’s alternate site. McCoy Stadium played host to veterans and newcomers alike, and several of them flashed significant ability.
Pawtucket manager Billy McMillon and pitching coach Paul Abbott were charged with balancing readiness and development. Pitchers like Robert Stock, Jeffrey Springs and Chris Mazza were recalled to Boston multiple times while Bryan Mata continued to prepare for the future. Daily simulated games replaced the normal bus rides and grind of the Triple-A schedule.
The consequences were minimal compared to a normal year. There were no statistics to keep. In-game rules were meant to be manipulated. It was the best of a bad situation with COVID-19 ravaging the nation and the world.
“I’m used to being away for periods of time, but never with something as serious as COVID hanging over us,” McMillon said. “The fact that you couldn’t do much outside of the ballpark made it really tough.”
It allowed Red Sox decision makers like chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom and vice president of player development Ben Crockett to engage in a bit of a diamond chemistry experiment. A right-handed pitcher struggling against left-handed hitters? Stack the lineup and force him to adapt. A position player moving between second base and shortstop? Take him out for early work and make him more versatile.
The following lists some of Boston’s top talent in the organization – with rankings courtesy of SoxProspects.com – and impressions from McMillon and Abbott regarding certain players. They spoke with the media in a breakup Zoom conference Friday afternoon. Both are hoping for a return to normalcy in 2021 and a chance to start on time when the top Red Sox affiliate moves to its new home in Worcester.
Triston Casas, 1B/3B, No. 1, 2018 first-round pick
McMillon – “His discipline at the plate was incredible. His approach was a little bit different than what you see with some of the guys today. He’s spread out. He’s choked up. He wasn’t afraid to hit the ball the other way.
“He definitely has an idea at the plate. I liked how intelligent he is at the plate. He was a guy who really benefited coming up and facing Triple-A and four-A type pitching, and he held his own. He had very good at-bats.”
Jeter Downs, 2B/SS, No. 2, February 2020 trade with the Dodgers
McMillon – “He made tremendous strides defensively. There are some things he needs to work on like his makeup and his confidence – things like that. I think those issues affected how he did offensively. I see tremendous upside.
“His track record of offensive performance indicates that at 7:05 (pm), when the lights are on, he shows up at the plate. I’m hopeful his track record he’s shown offensively meshes with the strides he’s made defensively. If that happens, I think you’ve got a pretty good player.”
Bryan Mata, RHP, No. 3, 2016 international free agent
Abbott – “I can’t say enough about this kid. He’s as exciting, I think, as anybody in baseball. Top-shelf fastball, top-shelf slider. Curveball is above average and an excellent changeup, too. It’s hard to squeeze all those pitches in when the first two are so dynamic.
“Young kid, got a little taste of Double-A last year and the Fall League did him well. But this, for him – he got a ton of value out of this situation.”
Jarren Duran, CF/OF, No. 4, 2018 seventh-round pick
McMillon – “He had an unbelievable offensive camp. Stole a ton of bases, hit a lot of home runs, impacted the baseball hard day in and day out.
“I think he continues to get better in the outfield. As that continues to get better, I think that’s going to help clear the path for him. He’s okay, he’s solid, but you can see there’s some room for improvement there. We did some things working on footwork and routes to balls, and he kind of cleaned that up a little bit. Now for me the question is can he do that consistently.”
Jay Groome, LHP, No. 8, 2016 first-round pick
Abbott – “Seeing how some of the older guys worked was of immense value to him, to see how they did it. He made some adjustments in his routines, in his bullpens, that I think will help accelerate him to the higher levels. You guys were talking about where do we slot guys for next year – he’s going to be a tough one to figure out where he starts.
“Three pitches, smooth delivery, everything is there. Now it’s just a matter of getting in a real setting and a real season.”
Jeisson Rosario, OF, No. 11, Aug. 2020 trade with the Padres
McMillon – “Rosario is kind of like a sneaky good player. Very good defensively – he’s very smooth out there. At the plate it wasn’t sexy, but I’d look around and he’d have two hits on the day.
“He hits the ball all over the place. He seems like he’s a fairly aggressive runner. I think almost every time he tried to steal a base the ball was put in play. I liked his aggressiveness.”
Connor Seabold, RHP, No. 12, Aug. 2020 trade with the Phillies
Abbott – “His stuff across the board is probably middle of the road or slightly above average. The changeup is not – the changeup is a top of the food chain type pitch. But his fastball grades out, carries better, looks better than the (velocity).
“He’s got a little deception to him. He’s a grinder out there in the short time I saw him. He competes really well.”
Nick Yorke, 2B/INF, No. 13, 2020 first-round pick
McMillon – “You can see why he was a high-round pick, and he blended in well. He was joking with the guys. He was interacting. I think if somebody walked into the clubhouse or on the bench they wouldn’t have known this guy was drafted in 2020. They would have thought he was one of the guys.
“That’s a testament to the scouts who saw something there. There’s a lot to like about him in a very small sample.”
Hudson Potts, 3B/INF, No. 15, Aug. 2020 trade with the Padres
McMillon – “He would hit a ball to the pull side 400 feet and then hit a line drive to right-center field. Big, strong kid. He showed a little bit of defensive versatility, too. We played him some at second base. The lion’s share of his work was at third base.
“If you look at him – physically, body type – he kind of reminds you of a Will Middlebrooks. That’s the first person I thought about when I saw him.”
bkoch@providencejournal.com
(401) 277-7054
|
|
|
Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Oct 5, 2020 4:19:36 GMT -5
Red Sox to take hands-on approach with prospects at fall instructional league By Alex Speier Globe Staff,Updated October 4, 2020, 7:09 p.m.
Several top Red Sox prospects are among the group of 62 minor leaguers convening in Fort Myers for the team’s fall instructional league.
Top prospect Triston Casas (a first baseman), pitchers Bryan Mata and Jay Groome, first-rounder Nick Yorke, and trade deadline acquisitions Hudson Potts (a third baseman) and Jeisson Rosario (an outfielder) are among the players who were at the team’s alternate site in Pawtucket and who will take part in the roughly six-week program.
Top prospects who weren’t in Pawtucket but who will now work with coaches in Fort Myers include righthander Thad Ward, outfielder Gilberto Jimenez, lefthander Chris Murphy, shortstop Matthew Lugo, and righthander Brayan Bello, all of whom ranked in the team’s top 15 prospects entering the year.
Blaze Jordan, this year’s third-round pick, will also be in Fort Myers, as will fellow draftees Jeremy Wu-Yelland and Shane Drohan. Eight players who spent last year in the Dominican Summer League, including highly regarded infielder Brainer Bonaci, will also take part in the program. Get 108 Stitches in your inboxEverything baseball every Monday-Friday during baseball season, and weekly in the offseason.
Just two players who were in Baseball America’s Red Sox preseason top 30 prospects list received neither an invite to the Alternate Site in Pawtucket nor to instructional league.
Righthander Noah Song, a 2019 Navy graduate, enrolled in flight school as part of his military service commitment and won’t be eligible to pursue his professional career until at least next May. And lefthander Yoan Aybar, who was added to the 40-man roster last offseason, was ineligible to take part in the instructional league program due to his roster status.
The program represents the first opportunity for in-person instruction for most minor leaguers — save for those who were at the alternate site — since they were sent home from spring training in mid-March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The cancellation of the minor league season forced players to spend most of the last seven months making their own arrangements for workouts. With the instructional league program, the Sox will have a chance to have direct in-person instruction for 55 minor leaguers who had been working out at home.
The first workout will take place on Monday, with intrasquad games to start in mid-October. The program will conclude on Nov. 12. No determination has been made about whether the instructional program will include games against minor leaguers from other organizations.
Alex Speier can be reached at alex.speier@globe.com. Follow him on twitter at @alexspeier.
|
|