Fangraphs Red Sox Top 15 Prospects (2012-13)2 - 美國職棒

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He believes he can hit anything so he will predetermine swings on occasion
which gets him in trouble.” When I personallywatched him play, I felt
Swihart could be shorter to the ball and his swing got loopy at times.

Despite his abilities at the plate, there are still some who believe Swihart
has a lot of work to do before he proves capable of playing behind the plate
at the big league level. The Red Sox organization, though, believes he has a
good shot at sticking as a catcher. The contact told me, “He has improved on
the basic fundamentals – receiving, blocking, footwork… He takes to
instruction well though and is a quick learner. Pitchers like throwing to
him.” The same contact also said Swihart as a “plus arm” but tries to be
too quick at times when throwing. He said the prospect’s pop times (throwing
to second base) are typically in the 1.80 to 1.95 second range.

Despite producing slightly below average offensive numbers in A-ball in 2012
Swihart should move up to high-A ball and, with some adjustments, could taste
double-A by the end of the year.

Additional Notes

Swihart presented as a solid, all-around catching prospect. And while he
presented with no real weakness, nothing about his tools screamed former first
round pick either. As an older 2011 draft pick, Swihart was age appropriate
for the South Atlantic League leaving his offensive numbers a bit concerning.
For a prospect considered to be an offense first catcher, he’ll certainly
need to hit more to maintain his lofty prospect status. (Mike Newman)


#8 Jose Iglesias (SS)
Age PA HR SB AVG OBP SLG wOBA wRC+ Fld WAR
22 77 1 1 .118 .200 .191 .186 4 7.2 0.3
Opening Day Age: 23
2012 Level: AAA/MLB
Acquired: 2009 international FA
Projected 2013 Level: AAA/MLB

Iglesias has been touted as the Red Sox’s shortstop of the future since
signing out of Cuba in 2009. Despite being young and undeveloped with the
bat, his glove work pushed him through the system quickly and he reached
triple-A – with a cup of coffee in the majors – in just his second pro
season.

Iglesias will probably never be an impact hitter (my favorite comp for him is
Cesar Izturis) but a talent evaluator I spoke with said he really improved
his offensive approach in 2012 despite being challenged at such a high level
of pro ball. The contact said the young shortstop is currently learning to
handle a variety of pitches, rather than focusing solely on fastballs. The
club would like to see Iglesias stick to a game plan at the plate and get on
base at a higher clip. He has good speed and could swipe double digit bag totals
at the big league level.

Although there are concerns about his offense, there are few – if any –
questions about his ability to field his position. The middle infielder has
outstanding hands, foot work, range and a strong arm. Iglesias’ defensive
wizardry will likely make him a big league regular even if his offense
stagnates at its current level. As the talent evaluator put it, “His defense
is at an elite level… It’s something every club would want.” The Cuban
should open 2013 as the club’s starter at shortstop.


#9 Deven Marrero (SS/DH)
Age PA H 2B HR BB SO SB AVG OBP SLG wOBA
21 284 66 14 2 34 48 24 .268 .358 .374 .351
Opening Day Age: 22
2012 Level: A-
Acquired: 2012 draft (24th overall)
Projected 2013 Level: A+

Marrero entered his junior year of college the same way he entered his senior
year of high school – as a potential first round pick. However, for the
second time in his amateur career, various unanswered questions caused him to
slide a little bit in the draft – but not to the extent that his signability
murkiness caused him to slip in 2009 (to the 17th round). The Red Sox were
able to get the sure-handed shortstop with the 24th overall selection.

Some teams were concerned with Marrero’s offensive struggles in 2011-12,
while others questioned his drive. Boston was just thrilled to get a player
that the organization had coveted since his prep days, according to a contact
I spoke with. “I don’t really think he struggled with the bat as much as I
do that he struggled to live up to the expectations of being the first college
position player taken,” the contact said. “Look at the difference in
performance – in 2012, he struck out less and hit for more power. He put
some unneeded pressure on himself and it caused him to have an erratic junior
year.”

Those who love Marrero as a top prospect point to strong athleticism and
steady defense. He possesses a strong arm and good range. At the plate,
Marrero is streaky and inconsistent but he shows gap power and the ability to
produce a solid batting average. He appeared more motivated in pro ball and
flashed some potential on the base paths with 24 steals (six caught stealing)
in 64 games; he’s not a burner but he has above-average speed. Marrero also
did a nice job of working the count and taking some free passes while
limiting his strikeouts. He could end up being a solid No. 2 hitter in the
lineup.

The talent evaluator I spoke with agreed that Marrero still had polishing to
do on his game: “He needs to continue to work on all aspects of the game –
he has unbelievable instincts but will try and do too much on both sides of
the ball.” The young shortstop will likely open 2013 in high-A ball and a
strong first half could push him to double-A. He’s currently stuck behind
fellow shortstop prospect Jose Iglesias but, if he develops as the Red Sox
hope and Xander Bogaerts is shifted to another position, Marrero’s
well-rounded game could make him the shortstop of the future in Boston.

Additional Notes

I’m not sure how Marrero’s agent netted him a two million dollar signing
bonus, but I want that guy negotiating my next salary! The Arizona State
product is a solid all-around shortstop, but profiles as more of a solid
regular than player who excels in any area. Of course that has considerable
value in today’s game, but his bonus seems a bit steep considering the Mets
first round pick, also a shortstop, received about $800,000 less. (Mike Newman)


#10 Brandon Workman (P)
Age G GS IP H HR K/9 BB/9 ERA FIP
23 25 25 138.2 127 12 8.44 1.62 3.50 3.01
Opening Day Age: 24
2012 Level: A+/AA
Acquired: 2010 draft (2nd round)
Projected 2013 Level: AA/AAA

Workman is another Red Sox college draft pick who has been a top prospect
since his high schools days, having spurned the Philadelphia Phillies back in
2007 (as a third round selection) to play ball at the University of Texas.
Finally signed in the second round of the 2010 amateur draft, the right-hander
reached double-A in just his second full season in pro ball. He’s produced
very consistent numbers as a professional.

A scout familiar with Workman during both his high school and college days
said that the pitcher has come a long way in his development. “As a high
schooler, Brandon had a plus fastball and curveball but lacked a real
off-speed pitch and his command was not very sharp. He developed his cutter
at the University of Texas with the help of pitching coach Skip Johnson and
it became a real weapon for him as he continued to improve his ability to
locate. By the time (he was drafted) he had plus control.”

When I watched Workman pitch, he showed a good pitcher’s frame with a
three-quarter arm slot. He threw a heavy fastball but was not doing a good
job of mixing in his secondary pitches. However, the scout I spoke with
believes that both Workman’s fastball and curveball are plus pitches. “I
think he’ll be a starter based on his mix, great strength, durability and
his control. Now he’s developed the changeup and he has a starter’s mix to
go along with it. There is effort in delivery and arm action but he has no
problems repeating (it). He’s so big and strong that he can handle it.”

For me, Workman appears to be a future No. 3 or 4 starter who should be capable
of providing lots of innings at the big league. He will likely open 2013 back
at double-A but I wouldn’t be surprised to see him up with the big league
club at some point if the pitching staff struggles with injuries.

Additional Notes

After posting solid peripherals between High-A and Double-A in 2012, I can’t
help but think Workman’s rank is more due to statistical success than pure
stuff. The best Brandon Workman I’ve seen has a heavy, 92-94 MPH sinking
fastball and curveball he can throw for strikes. At his worst, Workman strikes
me as a seventh inning bullpen arm. (Mike Newman)



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