SoxProspects News

Cup of Coffee: Bradley, Holt shine in PawSox loss

2013-05-21T07:28:00.000-04:00

5/21 Cup of Coffee: It was a tough night on the farm, as all three affiliates in action came away with losses. Pawtucket rallied but was unable to overcome an early deficit, Portland opened its series with a loss, and Greenville dropped its third straight.

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A big first inning doomed Pawtucket, as it fell 8-4 to the Indianapolis Indians (PIT). The Indians scored five runs in the first off Steven Wright, the big blow coming on a grand slam by former Red Sox outfielder Jerry Sands. Wright was able to get back on track after the tough start, getting through six innings. Overall, he allowed seven runs (six earned) on seven hits, while striking out two and walking five. Jose De La Torre, optioned back to the PawSox earlier in the day, allowed a run on two hits in 1 1/3 innings, walking and striking out three apiece. After surrendering his first earned run since opening day on Friday, Ryan Rowland-Smith looked to start a new shutout streak. The left-hander gave up two hits in 1 2/3 scoreless frames, walking one and striking out four.

It was a good night at the plate for Jackie Bradley, Jr. Making his third start after missing two weeks with right biceps tendinitis, Bradley went 2 for 4 with a double and a home run. It marked Bradley's first long ball since last August 3, when he was a member of the Sea Dogs. The outfielder has now hit safely in six consecutive games, dating back to April 30, going 10 for 23 during the stretch. Brock Holt (pictured) has started to show signs that he is breaking out of the very difficult slump that plagued his first six weeks in a PawSox uniform. Holt went 3 for 4 with a double, a run scored, and an RBI. After starting the season without an extra-base hit in his first 103 at-bats, Holt has three doubles in his last four games, and he has hit safely in five straight. Brandon Snyder added a pair of hits, while Jose Iglesias blasted a solo home run in the ninth.

The PawSox will attempt to earn a split of the four-game set on Tuesday afternoon.

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Portland dropped the first game of its series with the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (TOR), falling 7-3. Tony Thomas led the offense, going 2 for 5 with a triple and a home run. The triple gave Thomas the Eastern League lead in the category with six. Thomas also leads the circuit in doubles (14) and extra-base hits (25). Heiker Meneses chipped in with a pair of doubles in four at-bats, and Kolbrin Vitek and Shannon Wilkerson also had two hits apiece. Travis Shaw walked three times to reclaim the league lead with 31.

Charlie Haeger took the loss for Portland, allowing four runs on seven hits in 6 2/3. Haeger walked four and struck out four. Miguel Celestino came on in relief, and pitched better than his stat line indicated, shutting down New Hampshire over his 1 1/3 innings. Coming back out for the ninth, Celestino faltered, allowing a three-run home run that blew the game open.

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Greenville continues to slide, losing 5-2 to the Hickory Crawdads (TEX) on Monday. It was the third loss in a row for the Drive, who fell to 3-16 in May. Brian Johnson was solid in a losing effort, allowing three runs on four hits in five innings, striking out a career-high eight batters, while walking only one. All three runs Johnson allowed came on a second-inning homer. Jeffrey Wendelken followed, allowing a pair of runs on four hits in three innings.

The offense was again a sore spot for the Drive, going 0 for 8 with runners in scoring position. A fifth-inning single by Mookie Betts extended his hitting streak to 15 games. Betts is now more than halfway to the Drive record, set in 2008 by Mike Jones. Aneury Tavarez and Drew Turocy both had 3 for 4 nights for Greenville.

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Player of the Day: It was a difficult start to Brock Holt's Red Sox career after he was acquired from Pittsburgh in the Joel Hanrahan deal. Highly touted as a utility man, coming off a strong 2012, and one of the last players cut in spring training, Holt was expected to be a big contributor for the PawSox. However, a week ago his batting average sat at .172, and he was without an extra-base hit. Since then, Holt has hit in five straight and has doubled in three of his last four, adding 40 points to his batting average and 70 to his slugging percentage.

Photo Credit: Brock Holt by Kelly O'Connor.

James Dunne is a Staff Writer for SoxProspects.com.

Xander Bogaerts, Portland to headline Futures at Fenway

2013-05-20T20:28:00.004-04:00

The Red Sox announced Monday details for their eighth annual "Futures at Fenway" event, but this year there is a twist: It will be a single game, not a doubleheader.

The Portland Sea Dogs and Harrisburg Senators (WAS) will face off at noon on Saturday, July 27 at Fenway Park. A concert featuring "The Kidz Bop Kids" will take the place of the second game.

Based on the Sea Dogs' current roster, a number of the SoxProspect.com Top 20 will see action at Fenway: shortstop Xander Bogaerts (No. 1) (pictured), right-handed pitchers Matt Barnes (No. 4), Anthony Randaudo (No. 11) and Brandon Workman (No. 12), left-hander Drake Britton (No. 16) and catcher Christian Vazquez (No. 18).

It will be Portland's fourth FaF appearance overall and first since 2011.

Tickets go on sale noon Wednesday at redsox.com.

Photo Credit: Xander Bogaerts by Kelly O'Connor.

Tim Healey is a staff writer for SoxProspects.com. Follow him on Twitter @timbhealey.

SoxProspects Video of the Week: Matt Barnes

2013-05-20T15:00:00.000-04:00

Every Monday during the season we will feature a video here from the SoxProspects YouTube page. Today's video is of Matt Barnes' second inning from his start on April 19. In it, he sets down the side in order by striking out two and inducing a groundout to the second baseman. Follow the link to the YouTube page to view more of this start, along with many other prospect videos.

Cup of Coffee: Henry, Diaz propel Pawtucket to blowout victory

2013-05-20T08:00:00.000-04:00

5/20 Cup of Coffee: Pawtucket found itself on the right side of a heralded pitching tussle, while Portland's miscues led to a defeat at the hands of Binghamton. Salem and Greenville each saw their bullpens falter late in stinging defeats.

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A marquee pitching matchup turned into a lopsided victory for Pawtucket, as they pummeled the Indianapolis Indians (PIT), 11-3. Allen Webster moved to 3-0, tossing 5 2/3 innings and allowing one run on one hit and five walks, while striking out seven.

Down 1-0 in the fourth, the PawSox got to Indians starter Gerrit Cole, plating three runs on a Jonathan Diaz RBI triple and a run-scoring balk. Justin Henry's RBI double in the fifth gave Pawtucket a 4-1 advantage. The PawSox opened up the game in the sixth, bringing home five runs on a Diaz RBI single, Jose Iglesias and Brock Holt sacrifice flies, and a Henry RBI double. The teams traded a pair of runs in the eighth, as Pawtucket wrapped up the 11-3 victory.

Henry and Diaz each had two hits and three RBI to lead the Pawtucket offense. Chris Martin added two innings of scoreless relief. The right-hander has yet to allow a run in 26 innings pitched this season.

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Taking full advantage of Portland's miscues, the Binghamton Mets (NYM) tamed the Sea Dogs, 8-5. Drake Britton struggled through 5 2/3 innings of work, allowing six runs (five earned) on seven hits and two walks, while striking out four. Pete Ruiz allowed two unearned runs on two hits in his lone inning of relief.

Down 3-0 in the third, the Sea Dogs tied the game on a throwing error, a Xander Bogaerts RBI single, and a Michael Almanzar sacrifice fly. In the fifth, Portland took the lead, as Peter Hissey scampered home on a wild pitch. The Mets regained the lead for good in the six, plating three runs to go ahead 6-4. Bogaerts added an RBI double in the seventh, but Binghamton plated two in the ninth on a costly fielding error by Tony Thomas.

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A tumultuous ninth inning allowed the Frederick Keys (BAL) to steal a 6-4 victory over Salem. Mike Augliera received a no-decision for his five innings of work, allowing three runs on 10 hits and a walk, while striking out two.

Down 3-0 in the fourth, the Red Sox tied the game on RBI singles from Blake Swihart and Carson Blair. In the fifth, Garin Cecchini's two-out RBI single gave Salem a 4-3 advantage. That lead would hold until the ninth, when the Keys rallied for three runs off Red Sox reliever Nate Striz. Salem brought the winning run to the plate in the ninth, but was unable to muster a comeback.

Blair and Matty Johnson each had two hits to lead the Red Sox offense.

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Late-inning relief problems sunk Greenville, as the Drive lost to the Charleston RiverDogs (NYY), 9-7. Austin Maddox received the start for the Drive, hurling 4 2/3 innings and allowing five runs on nine hits and two walks, while striking out three.

Down 1-0 in the first, Greenville brought home three runs in the bottom half of the inning on a Drew Turocy RBI double, David Chester RBI single, and a Tim Roberson sacrifice fly. After the RiverDogs tied the game in the fourth, Greenville took the lead back in the bottom half of the inning on a Bryan Johns solo home run. The Drive found itself down 6-4 in the fifth, but regained the lead on a RBI single from Johns and a Jose Vinicio RBI double. Johns was thrown out at home on a fielder's choice for the second out of the inning, cutting down another potential run.

Charleston tied the game in the eighth, taking advantage of a key error from Mookie Betts. The comeback was completed in the ninth, when the RiverDogs hit a two-run home run to sink Greenville to 13-30 on the season.

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Player of the Day: Justin Henry, who was 2 for 5 with two doubles and three RBI in Pawtucket's 11-3 victory over Indianapolis. Henry, 28, is in his first season with the Red Sox organization after spending the previous six seasons as a member of the Detroit Tigers system. Henry has hit .297/.366/.383 with a home run and 16 RBI in 34 games this season.

Photo Credit: Justin Henry by Kelly O'Connor.

John Gray is a Staff Writer for SoxProspects.com.

Cup of Coffee: Spring's walk-off grand slam lifts Portland

2013-05-19T08:30:00.000-04:00

5/19 Cup of Coffee: Both Portland and Salem rallied for exciting victories, with Matt Spring (pictured) and Deven Marrero each earning game-winning hits. Greenville's comeback attempt fell short, as its tough May continued.

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The Indianapolis Indians (PIT) smacked three home runs and doubled up on the PawSox, 6-3. All six of the Indians' runs came off major leaguers on rehab, as they got to Franklin Morales for five runs in four innings and Andrew Bailey for one run in his lone inning of work. Morales allowed a three-run home run in the third and was pulled from the game in the fifth after allowing a home run to Jerry Sands and a walk to Ivan De Jesus.

Bailey was also prone to the long ball, giving up a home run of his own, but he also struck out two and touched 96 mph with his fastball. You can see highlights of his two strikeouts here. Terry Doyle was able to keep the Indians at bay, tossing three scoreless innings with three strikeouts to lower his ERA to 3.38 on the year.

Offensively, the PawSox managed only five hits. Bryce Brentz added a single, and he has now hit safely in nine of his last 10 games. Dan Butler went 1 for 2 with a double and a walk and has now reached base in five straight games. The 26-year-old, who was added to the 40-man roster this winter, is still hitting only .203 on the season.

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Down by a run in the ninth, Matt Spring belted a two-out grand slam, as Portland walked off with a 10-7 victory over the Binghamton Mets (NYM). Anthony Ranaudo struggled through the first two innings, permitting two runs on three walks and two singles. He settled down to throw a scoreless third and fourth inning, but he had to be pulled from the game due to a high pitch count. It was the worst outing of a dominant season for Ranaudo, as his ERA rose from 1.35 to 1.64.

It was a back-and-forth contest, as there were six lead changes in the game. Up 6-4 in the eighth, the Sea Dogs brought on Brock Huntzinger for the two-inning save. After three consecutive singles loaded the bases, he uncorked a wild pitch to put the tying run at third base. Following a strikeout and a pop out, he induced a ground ball to short, but Derrik Gibson could not make the play, allowing two unearned runs to score.

The score remained 7-6 in the bottom of the ninth when Spring walked to the plate. After Xander Bogaerts and Tony Thomas singled to lead off the inning, and Shannon Wilkerson worked a walk, the Mets pitcher had already thrown 26 pitches. On the second pitch of his at-bat, Spring got a fastball over the middle of the plate, and he cleared it out for his second home run of the day. In all, Spring drove in six runs, and he now has 14 RBI in only 11 games. Bogaerts went 3 for 5 with a double, and Thomas went 4 for 5 with a solo home run.

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Portland was not the only team with a come-from-behind victory, as Salem scored two runs in the eighth to beat the Frederick Keys (BAL), 3-2. Frederick scored twice off Salem starter Michael McCarthy in the second, but that would be the only runs they would score in the game. McCarthy settled down, combining with Matt Price and Nefi Ogando to shut out the Keys over the final seven innings.

Salem got a run in the fourth on a Henry Ramos home run, and then tied the game in the eighth on a Sean Coyle sacrifice fly. The Keys' manager was ejected after the play, as Ramos was ruled to have touched the plate, even though the Keys' catcher had blocked it. After the on-field delay, Deven Marrero roped a two-out RBI double to give Salem its first lead of the game. Ogando struck out the side in the ninth to nail down the save. Garin Cecchini reached base three times, going 2 for 4 with a walk, while Marrero went 2 for 5 with two doubles, and he now has three doubles in his last two games.

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It was another rough day in Greenville, as the Drive dropped to 2-14 in May with a 10-8 loss to the Charleston RiverDogs (NYY). Cody Kukuk, who has struggled with control issues all season, walked five batters, while only recording two outs before being pulled. He threw 43 pitches, and only 16 of them were for strikes. Jason Garcia allowed four more runs in relief, and the RiverDogs were up 8-1 after four innings.

The Drive began to claw their way back, scoring two runs in the fifth and then two more in the sixth on home runs from Bryan Johns and Mookie Betts. Down 10-5 in the ninth, the Drive scored three more times, but the hole proved too big to climb out of, as they dropped their sixth straight. Betts continued to be one of the lone bright spots for the team, going 2 for 4 with a home run and a walk. Betts is now batting .429 over his last 13 games, with an OPS of 1.370. He now has more home runs on the season (7) than he does doubles (6).

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Player of the Day: Matt Spring's walk-off grand slam turned around what would have been a tough loss for the Sea Dogs on a beautiful afternoon at Hadlock Field. Spring has only appeared in 11 games this season as the backup catcher to Christian Vazquez, but he has made the most out of his playing time, with the 28-year-old now hitting .286/.333/.667 in 42 at-bats.

Kelly O'Connor has some awesome pictures from the game, so be sure to check them out on her website.

Photo Credit: Matt Spring by Kelly O'Connor

Jim Crowell is a Staff Writer for SoxProspects.com

Bradley: "Everything's back to normal"

2013-05-18T18:19:00.001-04:00

PAWTUCKET, R.I. - Jackie Bradley, Jr. yesterday played in his first game since May 3 after he was activated from the Pawtucket Red Sox' disabled list prior to the club's game against the Gwinnett Braves.

He finished 1 for 3 with a triple, walk, and strikeout.

"It was great," Bradley responded when asked what it was like to be back in the lineup. "Everything’s feeling good and great. It’s just developing and getting back fully healthy, and they gave me a chance [to return].”

Bradley was dealing with tendinitis in his right biceps tendon since April 30. The PawSox originally had the outfielder serve as their designated hitter for three games subsequent to the revelation of his injury, but then placed him on the 7-day disabled list on May 6 (retroactive to May 4).

“It was never really an injury," Bradley said from the PawSox clubhouse on Saturday. "It was more giving my inflamed shoulder a little bit more time [to heal], and all I needed was more time.”

Despite the thrill of returning to the batter's box, Bradley kept his typical patient approach throughout the PawSox' 5-4 victory over the Braves. The 23-year-old saw a total of 29 pitches in five plate appearances, including 11 in his last one in which he drew a walk. He's now seeing 4.13 pitches per plate appearance in 12 Triple-A games.

“I didn’t take a lot of strikes," Bradley said. "I was taking balls, so I was forced to be patient by seeing a lot of balls go by. If the pitchers were feeling up the strike zone a bit more, I probably would have hacked a lot sooner."

More important than Bradley's approach is his swing, which the outfielder says has not undergone any mechanical changes as a result of his biceps tendinitis. His swing and health are in good form, and he feels ready to return to normalcy.

“I feel the same. Everything’s back to normal. I’m ready to get back out there and play every day.”

Photo Credit: Jackie Bradley, Jr. by Kelly O'Connor

Kevin Pereira is a Staff Writer for SoxProspects.com. Follow him on Twitter @kevinrpereira.

Cup of Coffee: PawSox, Drive produce walk-off wins

2013-05-18T09:23:00.001-04:00

5/18 Cup of Coffee: Friday's slate of games were marked by late-inning heroics, as Pawtucket and Greenville went home with walk-off wins. Portland lost its game in the ninth, while Salem, the only outlier, won in a route.

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The Pawtucket Red Sox beat the Gwinnett Braves (ATL) 5-4 Friday night on the strength of a Bryce Brentz (pictured) walk-off three-run home run. Trailing 4-2 entering the bottom of the ninth, PawSox leadoff hitter Jackie Bradley Jr. worked a walk. After shortstop Jose Iglesias struck out, Drew Sutton doubled, advancing Bradley to third. The stage was set for Brentz, who did not disappoint. The PawSox cleanup hitter slugged the 1-1 offering over the left field fence to cap the late-inning rally.

While the PawSox pitching staff gave up four runs on the day, only two were earned. Starter Alfredo Aceves gave up one earned in five innings, and reliever Ryan Rowland-Smith surrendered the other earned run in three innings of relief.

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While they were celebrating late-inning success in Pawtucket, Portland was second-guessing itself, as the Sea Dogs dropped Friday's contest to the Binghamton Mets (NYM), 6-3, after giving up three runs in the top of the ninth.

Sea Dogs starter Matt Barnes surrendered only three runs in six innings of work, walking only one and striking out seven. When he left after the sixth inning, the game was tied. However, that wouldn't last: Two Sea Dogs throwing errors in the ninth led to three runs and a Binghamton victory.

Leading Portland's offensive attack was leadoff man Peter Hissey, who picked up two hits, both singles, a walk and a stolen base in five plate appearances. The only two RBI on the day for Portland came off the bat of Michael Almanzar, who crushed his seventh home run of the season in the sixth inning.

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Salem's offense proved too much for the Frederick Keys (BAL) Friday night, as they amassed 15 hits on their way to a 10-2 rout. Eight of the 15 Salem hits went for extra bases, including a three-run blast from catcher Carson Blair, his first home run on the year. Garin Cecchini continued his torrid pace this season, going 3 for 4 with a double, two runs scored and two RBI. Cecchini, who leads the Carolina League in hitting and OPS, is hitting .436 with nine RBI in his last 10 games.

Leadoff hitter Sean Coyle also had an impressive night at the plate, going 3 for 5 with a double and a run scored. Salem starter Kyle Stroup pitched strongly with the comfy lead, giving up only one run in 5 1/3 innings.

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After falling behind 4-0 after four innings, the Drive stormed back to steal a game from the Charleston RiverDogs (NYY) by a score of 7-6 in 11 innings. The game was won when third baseman Bryan Johns singled with two outs to score Dreily Guerrero from second base.

Although it took the Drive until the 11th inning to deliver the final blow, they threatened to score many times in the game, resulting in a total of 17 hits and 14 men left on base. Amassing four of those hits was left fielder Drew Turocy, who also picked up his third triple of the season. First baseman Tim Roberson, second baseman Mookie Betts and catcher Jayson Hernandez each picked up three hits in the game.

Starting on the mound for the Drive was Pat Light, who surrendered five earned runs in four innings. Light gave up seven hits and four walks, raising his season ERA to 8.28.

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Player of the Day: While others may have had more impressive stat lines, Bryce Brentz's late-inning heroics on Friday earned both the PawSox a win and the left fielder player of the day honors. The three-run blast was Brentz's seventh of the season. So far this year, he has produced a stat line of .280/.331/.510 in 143 at-bats.

Photo Credit: Bryce Brentz by Kelly O'Connor.

Luke Lavoie is a Staff Writer for SoxProspects.com. Follow him on Twitter @LukeALavoie.

PawSox activate Jackie Bradley, Jr. from disabled list

2013-05-17T18:19:00.001-04:00

PAWTUCKET, R.I. - PawSox outfielder Jackie Bradley, Jr. has been activated from the disabled list, the club announced. He's in Friday's lineup against the Gwinnett Braves, batting leadoff as the team's designated hitter.

Bradley was placed on the 7-day disabled list on May 6 (retroactive to May 4) with right biceps tendinitis. He hasn't played since May 3, when he went 1 for 3 with an RBI against the Durham Bulls serving as the PawSox designated hitter. The 23-year-old hasn't played in the outfield since April 27.

“He saw [Red Sox director of sports medicine] Dan Dydrek today and he did well throwing in the outfield and running the bases today, so it was kind of a late decision to get him out there and get him some at-bats and slowly progress him in," PawSox manager Gary DiSarcina said before Friday's series finale against the Braves.

Bradley, who hit .302/.400/.349 in 11 Triple-A games prior to his injury, will be carefully monitored as he attempts to return to normal playing time, which will entail playing in the outfield. He won't play every day for a few weeks until he's fully recovered, but will be on a throwing program to strengthen his right arm.

“The one thing we want to avoid is to [have him] inflame it again, so I don’t think you’ll see him playing centerfield one day and DHing the next day," DiSarcina said."When he has a day off, he’s going to have a day off. I don’t see him playing every day for a couple of weeks.”

“He’s at a good place right now and we’re just going to keep him there.”

Photo Credit: Jackie Bradley, Jr. by Kelly O'Connor.

Kevin Pereira is a Staff Writer for SoxProspects. Follow him on Twitter @kevinrpereira.

Weekly Notes: De La Rosa, Betts take center stage

2013-05-17T12:00:00.000-04:00

Here are this week's minor league notes:

Two prospects creating a lot of buzz this month are Rubby De La Rosa and Mookie Betts. The pair was named SoxProspects Players of the Week for May 6-12. In three starts for Pawtucket this month, De La Rosa is 0-1, but has allowed just an unearned run in 12 innings pitched. The right-hander has also struck out 16 while allowing just six walks. Betts, who hit just .157/.333/.286 in April, has also enjoyed the month of May. The 20-year old has hit .348/.492/.696 with four home runs and seven RBI.
Accolades were a common theme for the system this week, as Betts, Mark Hamilton, and Garin Cecchini all won Player of the Week honors for their respective leagues.
Anthony Ranaudo has had a resurgence thus far in 2013. SoxProspects Senior Columnist Jon Meoli caught up with the right-hander and discussed his keys for success along with pitching coach Kevin Boles.
Ranaudo's battery mate, Christian Vazquez, took some time to talk with SoxProspects Staff Writer Tim Healey about his revamped approach at the plate. Former catcher and Sea Dogs hitting coach Rich Gedman also chimes in about the improvement he's seen in Vazquez.
Following up on last week's story about the benching of Jose Iglesias, the Providence Journal's Tim Britton speaks with PawSox manager Gary Disarcina. Disarcina exaplains why he sat Iglesias and how giving the young shortstop time to reasses his situation has proven helpful.
Britton also sat down with Pawtucket outfielder Bryce Brentz who talks about his offseason accident and how lucky he feels to be where he is following the ordeal.
Wrapping up his Pawtucket beat, Britton also talks to the Pawtucket coaching staff about the progression they have seen in Rubby De La Rosa.
Marc Normandin from Over the Monster catches up with Ryan Kalish and talks about how the outfielder briefly considered retirement after having a rash of injuries derail his career the past few seaons.
The Boston Herald's Scott Lauber reported that the Red Sox are not ready to take any drastic measures with reliever Daniel Bard despite his recent control problems.
After tossing a simulated inning yesterday, WEEI'S Alex Speier reports that Andrew Bailey will have a one game rehab assignment with Pawtucket before being activated by Boston.
Speier talks with Garin Cecchini about his mother's influence on his development as a professional. A podcast with Garin and his mother (Raissa) is also available on the site.
In some roster shuffling this week, Chris Martin was promoted to Pawtucket, and Jeremy Kehrt was assigned to Portland.
Brian Johnson, the Red Sox first round selection in the 2012 draft, earned his first professional win last Friday against Augusta. Johnson, 22, had his season cut short last year after being struck by a line drive.

Photo Credit: Rubby De La Rosa by Kelly O'Connor.

John Gray is a Staff Writer for SoxProspects.com. Follow him on Twitter @johnrgray.

Cup of Coffee: Shaw leads 18-hit attack in Sea Dogs rout

2013-05-17T07:40:00.000-04:00

5/17 Cup of Coffee: It was a highly anticipated day on the farm, as each affiliate had a top-30 player on the mound. Portland had its biggest offensive output of the season in the only win of the night. Pawtucket saw its late rally fall short, Salem walked off with a loss, and Greenville's May slide continued.

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Down 6-1 entering the ninth inning, Pawtucket rallied but could not complete the comback, losing 6-4 to the Gwinnett Braves (ATL). Rubby De La Rosa got the start for the PawSox. He got off to a shaky start, loading the bases with a single and a pair of walks in the first, but was able to pitch out of the jam and settle in. Overall, De La Rosa allowed only one unearned run on one hit in four innings, though he walked four and struck out three. It was the fifth consecutive appearance that De La Rosa has not allowed an earned run, a stretch that spans 18 innings. Despite just the one run allowed, he was charged with his first loss of the season. In relief, Chris Hernandez allowed five runs on 10 hits in five innings.

Jeremy Hazelbaker reached base three times, knocking a pair of singles and earning a walk. In the eighth inning, Brock Holt ended a long 103 at-bat stretch without an extra-base hit with a double to right, and he came around to score the first Pawtucket run. In the ninth, Holt also added an RBI single. Ronald Bermudez hit a two-run double in the ninth and is 7 for 16 in his last four games.

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Ten of Portland's 18 hits went for extra bases in a 15-4 romp over the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (TOR). Leading the way was Travis Shaw (pictured), who doubled twice and homered. Overall, Shaw finished the night 4 for 5 with four RBI and three runs scored. Michael Almanzar went 3 for 5 with a double and a home run, driving in five. Xander Bogaerts doubled, scored three runs, and walked twice. Derrik Gibson and Tony Thomas added doubles as part of three-hit nights, while Peter Hissey chipped in with a double and Shannon Wilkerson with a triple. Matt Spring was the only Sea Dogs starter who did not deliver a base hit.

The offensive explosion overshadowed another solid outing by Brandon Workman. The right-hander moved to 5-1 on the season, allowing three runs on seven hits in six innings. He walked only one and struck out six. Those six strikeouts moved Workman into a tie for the Eastern League lead with 54 on the season. In relief, converted starter Michael Celestino recorded his first professional save. Celestino allowed a run on five hits in three innings of work.

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A three-run ninth inning allowed the Carolina Mudcats (CLE) to walk off with a 5-4 win over Salem. Henry Owens bounced back from his worst outing of the season last Saturday to hold Carolina at bay, allowing just one run in his five innings and striking out four without walking a batter. While Owens gave up eight hits, only a second-inning double went for extra bases. Noe Ramirez allowed a run on three hits in two innings, striking out two. After registering a quick one-two-three eighth inning, Matty Ott could not hold a 4-2 ninth-inning lead. Four hits, including a pair of doubles, completed the three-run rally, and Ott took his fourth loss of the season.

Sean Coyle broke out of a long slump, going 2 for 4 with three runs scored and three stolen bases. Entering the contest, Coyle had gone 0 for his previous 28, dating back to May 7. The skid had dropped his batting average from .308 to .226. Keury De La Cruz and Brandon Jacobs both added a pair of hits for Salem.

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The struggles continued for the Greenville Drive, as they lost, 6-3, to the Charleston RiverDogs (NYY). The loss was the fifth in a row for Greenville, which fell to 2-13 on the month. Getting the start, Frank Montas allowed two runs on four hits in five innings, walking two and striking out three. It was only the third start this season with two or more walks for Montas, a positive development for a player whose control was a question mark. Francisco Taveras took the loss in relief, allowing four runs on six hits in four innings. Taveras struck out seven without walking a batter.

Continuing his stellar May, Mookie Betts homered in the eighth inning to extend his hitting streak to 11 games. In 40 at-bats during his streak, Betts has a .400/.510/.800 line that includes four home runs. Aneury Tavarez added a home run as part of a 2 for 4 night.

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Player of the Day: Leading the offensive explosion for Portland was Travis Shaw, with a 4 for 5 night with two doubles and a home run. It was Shaw's first four-hit game since June 15 of last year and the fifth of his professional career. Before his breakout night, Shaw had been struggling through a .132/.220/.283 slump dating back to April 30.

Photo Credit: Travis Shaw by Kelly O'Connor

James Dunne is a Staff Writer for SoxProspects.com.

Cup of Coffee: Gedman, big Salem seventh key system’s only win

2013-05-16T08:00:00.000-04:00

5/16 Cup of Coffee: It was an overall forgettable night for the Red Sox farm system, with High A Salem the only team recording a win. Pawtucket and Portland both fell with knuckleballers on the mound, while Daniel Bard had another ugly outing for the Sea Dogs.

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A four-run opening frame gave the Pawtucket Red Sox a lead for the first few innings, but after the Gwinnett Braves (ATL) posted pairs of runs in three innings, the visitors left McCoy Stadium with a 6-4 victory.

In that first inning, shortstop Jonathan Diaz launched his first homer of the season for his only hit of the night, and catcher Dan Butler knocked in two with a double.

Right-hander Steven Wright, in true knuckleballer fashion, walked four in three scoreless before Gwinnett broke through. He ended up being charged with four runs (three earned) on seven hits and three walks in 4 2/3 innings.

Right fielder Bryce Brentz (2 for 3, walk) was the only PawSox player to collect more than one hit.

Chris Martin, a right-handed reliever promoted over the weekend, allowed a lone hit in two scoreless innings. He is up to 24 straight scoreless innings to open his season, the last three with Pawtucket.

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A three-run, game-tying rally in the top of the ninth was all for naught for the Portland Sea Dogs, who were on the wrong side of a walk-off celebration in their 5-4 loss to the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (TOR).

Right fielder Peter Hissey (1 for 4, three RBI) had the big hit, a two-out, two-run single to knot things at four. But in the bottom half, left-hander Will Latimer allowed Brad Glenn the game-ending sacrifice fly. It was the only blemish in what had been a strong 2 2/3 innings with two walks.

Portland pitchers were collectively wild, issuing a combined 14 free passes on the night. Starting right-hander Charlie Haeger (two earned runs) walked seven in his five innings of work. Bard walked a total of five, the first two in New Hampshire’s two-run sixth. He returned for the seventh inning, but walked the bases loaded before being relieved by Latimer.

Outside of their big ninth, the other Sea Dogs run came when Hissey’s sac fly plated catcher Christian Vazquez (2 for 3, walk) in the second.

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The Salem Red Sox also had one big inning, but this time, it was enough for a 5-4 come-from-behind win over the Carolina Mudcats (CLE).

Down 4-1 to start the seventh, designated hitter Matthew Gedman (pictured) came through with the go-ahead, two-run double. A David Renfroe sac fly and Henry Ramos RBI single preceded Gedman’s base knock.

Right-hander William Cuevas got the start, allowing three runs in 4 1/3 innings. He walked two, gave up five hits and failed to fan a batter. Fellow righty Heri Quevedo piggybacked him to pick up the win, his first of the season. He allowed one unearned run on three hits in his 4 2/3 frames.

Right fielder Keury De La Cruz picked up a pair of hits, including a double, as did center fielder Ramos.

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One bad inning doomed left-hander Brian Johnson, and the Greenville Drive, who got rocked by the Asheville Tourists (COL), 8-1, in a getaway day matinee.

Johnson was able to escape most trouble until the fourth, when the Tourists ran wild with five doubles and four steals in a seven-run inning. The 2012 first-round draft pick finished his night by giving up seven runs (six earned) on seven hits and two walks in 3 1/3 innings. He also struck out three.

Right-hander Jeffrey Wendelken came on in relief, and although he yielded one more run in the fourth, he had an overall solid outing: one earned in 3 2/3 innings, scattering six hits and two walks.

Left fielder Aneury Tavarez, catcher Jordan Weems and shortstop Jose Vinicio all had two-hit nights at the plate.

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Player of the Night: Matthew Gedman, whose go-ahead double in the top of the seventh proved to be the difference in Salem’s 5-4 win over Carolina. The UMass product and son of Portland hitting coach/former Red Sox catcher Rich Gedman is off to a decent start in four games with Salem: 4 for 13 with three extra-base hits (.538 slugging percentage). This is the highest level Gedman has played at in three professional seasons, discounting a one-game stint with Portland in 2011.

Photo Credit: Matthew Gedman by Kelly O'Connor.

Tim Healey is a staff writer for SoxProspects.com. Follow him on Twitter @timbhealey.

Christian Vazquez’s new focus at the plate starting to pay off

2013-05-15T10:00:00.000-04:00

NEW BRITAIN, Conn. — On a soggy Friday night, with the Portland Sea Dogs and New Britain Rock Cats (MIN) in the midst of the second half of a doubleheader, New Britain designated hitter Josmil Pinto strayed a little too far from second base for Christian Vazquez’s liking.

So Portland’s catcher took the opportunity to show everyone just how good his arm is — again — with a snap throw that beat Pinto back to the bag. Although the throw was not perfect this time, pulling shortstop Xander Bogaerts to the right and allowing Pinto to slide safely back in, it did show the level of trust Vazquez has in his arm and in his teammates to take that chance.

It is trust like that, hitting coach Rich Gedman said, that he needs to learn at the plate.

“There’s something to be said for not being afraid to make a mistake, because that tells me you trust yourself and you trust the people you’re playing with,” Gedman said Saturday. “You add some adrenaline to a situation, and everyone wants to do it. Who’s the coolest head? That’s the one that’s going to prevail usually. Trust in your ability.”

By now, most Red Sox fans have been introduced to Vazquez because of his defense. He earned high marks in spring training, his first with the big league team, from media, fans and the Red Sox organization alike for his otherworldly pop times and defensive instincts.

Vazquez said that when the team sent him to minor league camp at the beginning of March, Director of Player Development Ben Crockett gave him clear direction: work on offense.

The 22-year-old 2008 draft pick has done just that with Portland, and about a month and a half into the season, he feels good about the progress he has made.

“I feel better, very good,” Vazquez said. “We’re working on [offense] every day with Geddy — good at-bats, long at-bats, good swings.”

The 5-foot-9, 195-pound catcher is hitting just .240/.376/.373. The numbers do not necessarily jump off the page, but consider that he has hit .295/.419/.459 since an 0 for 11 start to the year in his first four games.

Perhaps a better indicator of his improved approach is his increasing walk rate. He has improved that mark in each of the past four seasons: 7.7-percent in 2010, to 9.7-percent in 2011, to 11.4-percent in 2012, and up to 17.0-percent this year, putting him in a tie for second in the Red Sox system.

That has corresponded with a similar drop in his strikeout rate over that period, from 20.7-percent in 2010 down to 13.8-percent this season. The numbers evince that he is better controlling his at-bats.

Count Gedman among those who have noticed the improvement.

“One of the things he’s paid attention to … is his discipline at the plate,” Gedman said. “I don’t know if it’s a conscious effort, but it sure looks like it. He’s taking more pitches than I’ve ever seen him take, and monitoring pitches, looking more for his pitch, something he can handle. Ahead of the count, he starts hunting his pitch a little more.

“That’s what he’s trying to establish in his own mind: what the strike zone is, a consistent daily approach in the cage.”

It has indeed been a conscious effort for Vazquez, who said he is trying to not get ahead of the ball so much, instead waiting it out and working the count.

If he has a consistent plate approach, the hits will come.

“That’s the important thing,” Vazquez said. “Try not to get a hit [necessarily, but] get good at bats.”

Gedman said part of that has been Vazquez doing a better job of staying even-keeled. A lot of players get uptight or try to do too much during a tense situation, but not Vazquez.

Take Saturday against New Britain, for instance. Portland held a narrow 2-1 lead when Vazquez stepped to the plate with two on and two out against one of the Twins’ top pitching prospects, right-hander Alex Meyer. Meyer’s fastball sat at 95-97 mph all night, but Vazquez ripped one of them through the left side to plate a pair, giving Portland a 4-1 lead at the time.

“It feels great,” Vazquez said, unable to hold back a smile. “He’s a great pitcher. To hit off of him, it’s a lot of fun.”

The catcher credits a lot of his improvement to Gedman — or “Grandpa,” as Vazquez endearingly calls him — calling it “an honor” work with the 13-year major league veteran.

The two seem to be a good fit. According to the numbers, Gedman was a similar player with the Red Sox, Astros and Cardinals in the 1980s and 90s to what Vazquez may project to be.

Gedman had a career .252 average and .399 slugging percentage, very close to Vazquez’ .252 and .393 marks in the minors. Gedman threw out one in every three would-be basestealers, including three seasons in the mid-80s when he cut down 41, 43 and 50-percent. Vazquez is at 36-percent for his career, 47-percent this season.

Despite the stats, Gedman downplayed the idea that they are alike.

“We’re not similar: He’s much better than I was,” Gedman said, “and I can only hope that he’ll have a great career.

“People ask, what’s his ceiling? What’s he going to be? He has a chance to be a very good big league player,” Gedman continued. “And I wish I had the answers as to how good he’s going to be. We don’t know that yet. And I’m sure he doesn’t either. That’s up to him and how quick he’s going to learn, how fast the learning curve is for him. But he can do some things a lot of guys can’t.”

Photo Credit: Christian Vazquez by Kelly O'Connor.

Tim Healey is a staff writer for SoxProspects.com. Follow him on Twitter @timbhealey.

Cup of Coffee: Augliera dominant in Salem victory

2013-05-15T07:30:00.000-04:00

5/15 Cup of Coffee: All four affiliates were locked in close games on Tuesday, with Pawtucket and Salem coming out on top. Allen Webster was solid in Pawtucket's win, while Mike Augliera (pictured) was dominant for Salem.

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Pawtucket improved to 24-15 with a 5-3 win over the Gwinnett Braves (ATL). Allen Webster threw five innings, allowing one run on three hits, while walking four and striking out five. The lone run came on a fourth-inning solo home run. On a cold night in Pawtucket, Webster threw only 49 of his 92 pitches for strikes, and his velocity was a bit lower than normal, but he was still able to have strong results despite not having his best stuff.

Justin Henry led the PawSox, going 3 for 4 with a double and two runs scored. Bryce Brentz went 2 for 4 and drove in two runs, and Jonathan Diaz went 2 for 3 with two doubles. Braves outfielder Jason Heyward went 2 for 3 with a walk on his rehab assignment, including a walk and a single off Webster.

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Portland could only muster three hits, as it fell to the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (TOR), 3-0. The Sea Dogs first hit was a two-out single from Peter Hissey in the sixth, and Travis Shaw and Heiker Meneses added singles later to account for all of Portland's offense. New Hampshire was able to quiet the hot bats of Xander Bogaerts and Michael Almanzar, as each went 0 for 4 with two strikeouts.

Drake Britton was wild, but effective, in his five innings of work. He walked four, giving up only two runs and striking out five. It was the first time Britton has walked more than three batters in a game this year, a number he reached five times last season.

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Thanks to good pitching and timely hitting, Salem was able to defeat the Carolina Mudcats (CLE), 2-1. Mike Augliera improved to 4-0 with six shutout innings, surrendering only three hits, while walking none and striking out four. He induced 11 ground outs to only one fly out. Augliera benefited from Deven Marrero's solid defense, as Marrero was responsible for six putouts at shortstop.

Salem got a run in the second, as Blake Swihart singled in Keury De La Cruz, and then extended the lead to two when Matt Gedman connected on his first home run of the season in the eighth. Carolina came back in the ninth, bringing the winning run to the plate, but Nate Striz struck out the final batter to seal the victory. Swihart went 2 for 3 with a stolen base. Garin Cecchini was pulled from the game after he came up limping while chasing a foul pop-up.

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The Asheville Tourists (COL) scored three runs in the ninth to walk off with a 9-8 victory over the Greenville Drive. Down 3-1 entering the fifth, the Drive exploded for five runs, with Tim Roberson's three-run home run being the big hit in the inning. Austin Maddox gave the lead right back, allowing three runs in the sixth to tie the game. Maddox lasted 5 2/3 innings, giving up six runs on seven hits. His ERA now sits at 8.51.

With the score still tied in the ninth, Roberson connected on a two-run double to put the Drive ahead. Asheville loaded the bases in the bottom of the ninth, and an error by center fielder Cody Koback allowed three runs to score to end the game. Roberson and Jayson Hernandez each had three hits, while Koback and Drew Turocy both went 2 for 5 with a double.

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Player of the Day: Mike Augliera's six shutout innings lowered his ERA to 3.12 on the season, and he has still yet to allow a home run. In his last four starts Augliera has allowed only five runs in 25 innings, holding opponents to a .226 batting average. After a rough first few starts, Augliera has adjusted well to the Carolina League and has been one of the better pitchers on Salem's roster.

Photo Credit: Mike Augliera by Dave Letizi

Jim Crowell is a Staff Writer for SoxProspects.com.

Players of the Week, May 6-12: Rubby De La Rosa and Mookie Betts

2013-05-14T16:00:00.000-04:00

In the biggest landslide vote this season, Pawtucket right-hander Rubby De La Rosa and Greenville second baseman Mookie Betts (pictured) garnered more than 80 percent of the community vote en route to earning this week's SoxProspects.com Pitcher and Player of the Week awards. Both players receive the honors for the first time in their careers.

De La Rosa, SoxProspects.com's fifth ranked prospect, continued his recent dominance this week despite an increased workload. After pitching just 12 2/3 innings in five April starts as a result of a 50-pitch limit, De La Rosa tossed a pair of four-innings outing this week. He struck out 13 while allowing just four hits and walking two over those eight innings, and saw his pitch limit increased to 70 as he tossed 72 pitches in his latest outing on May 11. The 24-year-old has not surrendered a run since April 18, a period which spans over 14 innings (four starts). He's struck out 19 and walked just four over that stretch.

Betts, who also was named this week's South Atlantic League Player of the Week, burst onto the scene this week with 12 hits, including three doubles and three home runs, and six walks in 32 plate appearances for the Drive. The 20-year-old increased his average by 79 points, his on-base percentage by 50 points, and his slugging percentage by 159 points after this week's excellence, as he entered May 6 with a .150/.343/.263 slash line but now owns a slash line of .229/.393/.422 for the season.

Honorable mentions, batters:

Mark Hamilton (PAW) International League Batter of the Week

Tony Thomas (POR)

Garin Cecchini (SAL) Carolina League Batter of the Week

David Chester (GRE)

Honorable mentions, pitchers:

Chris Hernandez (PAW)

Graham Godfrey (PAW)

Matt Barnes (POR)

Austin Maddox (GRE)

Photo Credit: Mookie Betts by Kelly O'Conner

Kevin Pereira is a Staff Writer for SoxProspects.com. Follow him on Twittter @kevinrpereira.

Cup of Coffee: Streaks continue for Mookie Betts, Chris Martin

2013-05-14T07:13:00.000-04:00

5/14 Cup of Coffee: It was a tough night on the farm, as Pawtucket, Salem, and Greenville all took losses. There were some notable bright spots, however, particularly on the mound.

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Pawtucket fell 6-1 to the Charlotte Knights (CWS), as the Knights won their second straight to salvage a tie in the four-game series. The PawSox generated little offense off old friend Zach Stewart. Franklin Morales made the start for Pawtucket, as he continues to rehab from back and pectoral injuries. The left-hander was solid, allowing a run on two hits in three innings, while striking out four without walking a batter.

Regularly a starter, Terry Doyle piggybacked Morales and did not take to the new role. Doyle had allowed two or fewer runs in six of his seven starts, but gave up five in only one inning of work against Charlotte, allowing five hits, a walk, and a hit by pitch. Doyle took the loss, falling to 3-3 on the season.

A pair of relievers continued to impress. Ryan Rowland-Smith (pictured) fired three hitless innings. The only baserunner he allowed came on a walk, and he struck out three, lowering his ERA to a mircroscopic 0.40. The only pitcher in the system with a lower ERA followed, as Chris Martin made his Pawtucket debut. Martin was promoted to the PawSox after beginning the season with 21 consecutive shutout innings at Double-A. His streak continued, as Martin tossed a scoreless eighth, giving up one hit.

It was a tough night for the bats against Stewart and the Charlotte bullpen. After a Bryce Brentz single scored Jose Iglesias in the first inning, Pawtucket did not have a player even reach third base the rest of the evening. Brentz had the only multi-hit night, going 2 for 4. Mark Hamilton saw his hitting streak end at seven games, but extended his on-base streak to 11 with a walk.

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Salem never led in its 8-3 loss, as the Myrtle Beach Pelicans (TEX) completed the four-game sweep. It was the sixth consecutive defeat for Salem. Keury De La Cruz was the only batter to reach base twice, going 1 for 3 with a run scored and a walk. Garin Cecchini went 1 for 4, notching his Carolina League-leading 13th double. Brandon Jacobs also went 1 for 4 with a double.

Starter Mike McCarthy was hit hard, allowing seven runs (six earned) on nine hits in four innings. The outing saw McCarthy's ERA leap from 3.49 to 4.73. Matthew Price struck out a pair in two perfect innings of relief, and Chris Balcom-Miller allowed just one unearned run on two hits in his two frames.

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The Greenville Drive were on the wrong end of a pitchers duel, falling 1-0 to the Asheville Tourists (COL). A masterful pitching performance by Rockies 2012 first rounder Eddie Butler had Greenville reeling, and the Drive were able to muster only two hits on the evening. One of those hits came from Mookie Betts, who has now hit safely in nine straight, and reached base in 11 in a row. During the hitting streak, Betts' batting average has jumped 84 points, from .145 to .229. He also stole his seventh base of the season.

It was a strong performance in a losing effort by the pitching tandem of Cody Kukuk and Jason Garcia. The only blemish was an unearned run in the second inning allowed by Kukuk. Overall, the big lefty allowed four hits in four innings, while striking out and walking three apiece. Garcia gave up only one hit in his four innings of relief. He struck out three and walked only one.

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Player of the Day: Ryan Rowland-Smith was nearly perfect in relief for the PawSox. The Aussie left-hander saw his scoreless streak end last Thursday when he allowed an unearned run, but he has not given up an earned run since opening day, a stretch that has now reached 21 innings.

Photo Credit: Ryan Rowland-Smith by Kelly O'Connor

James Dunne is a Staff Writer for SoxProspects.com.

SoxProspects Video of the Week: Anthony Ranaudo

2013-05-13T17:00:00.000-04:00

In a new series, every Monday during the season we will feature a video here from the SoxProspects YouTube page. Today's video is of Anthony Ranaudo's first inning from his start on April 20. In it, he allows a triple to lead off the game then a sacrifice fly to the next batter, but quickly stops the bleeding there by striking out the final two batters. Follow the link to the YouTube page to view the rest of this start, along with many other prospect videos.

Ranaudo's 2013 resurgance continues with six shutout innings

2013-05-13T08:00:00.000-04:00

NEW BRITAIN, Conn. – A healthy and confident Anthony Ranaudo used his mid-90s fastball to continue his torrid start to the 2013 season on Sunday, tossing six innings of three-hit, shutout ball in Portland’s 3-2 win over New Britain.

Ranaudo kept his fastball, which sat 92-95 mph and reached 96 mph, in the lower half of the zone to keep the Rock Cats at bay and secure his fifth win and third scoreless outing of the season.

“Anthony’s done a really nice job of kind of establishing a game and getting good starts with his fastball,” Portland pitching coach Bob Kipper said. “His success on the mound is driven by his ability to command the strike zone with his fastball.”

Ranaudo walked leadoff batter Danny Santana on five pitches to start the game, but worked through the inning unscathed by keeping his 93-95 mph fastball down in the zone. In the second, Ranaudo introduced his curveball into the mix with a series of three breaking balls, each getting tighter in rotation and the third buried in the dirt for a swinging strike three.

After the leadoff walk in the first, Ranaudo retired the next eight batters before a two-out, third inning single by Santana. The right-hander gave up a pair of one-out singles in the fourth, but worked around those baserunners with a strikeout on an 87 mph changeup and a groundout.

A leadoff walk in the fifth brought Ranaudo out of the stretch again, but he fanned a pair on arm-side curveballs to right-handers to get out of the inning, and he worked around a two-out walk in the sixth to keep the shutout intact.

Ranaudo’s fastball carried him through much of the outing—he only truly mixed in his curveball and changeup during his second time through the lineup—but it was the command of that pitch that allowed him to lean on it.

“Commanding the fastball is the beginning of all pitching, so being able to do that is obviously the first step to success,” Ranaudo said. “Knowing where it’s going, knowing it’s been a good pitch is a big confidence boost for you.”

“It’s fastball command, it’s his ability to control the bottom half of the strike zone more frequently with an explosive fastball,” Kipper said.

Ranaudo showed an ability to throw his breaking ball both early in the count for strikes and late in the count as a strikeout pitch, but he threw just a handful of changeups in the outing.

Overall, manager Kevin Boles said he has seen a different pitcher this season than during Ranaudo’s injury-plagued 2012 campaign. Ranaudo was the talk of spring training that year before a groin pull stunted his progress, and he ultimately threw just 37 2/3 innings with Portland before he was shut down for the season.

“Last year was a mulligan,” Boles said. “Don’t even look at last year. He was just never right, and I think it was playing catch-up.”

Boles said the injuries, both to Ranaudo’s groin and lower back, kept him from finishing and repeating his delivery and meant his fastball stayed up in the zone.

“He was compensating in his delivery to try to get that done, and he just couldn’t get it right,” Boles said. “Technically, he just wasn’t there. This is a completely different guy. The guy you saw last year is just not it. This is it. We’re lucky to have this one.”

Photo Credit: Anthony Ranaudo by Kelly O'Connor

Jon Meoli is a Senior Columnist for SoxProspects.com. Follow him on Twitter @JonMeoli.

Cup of Coffee: Ranaudo and Spring combine to rock New Britain

2013-05-13T07:00:00.000-04:00

5/13 Cup of Coffee: Portland was the lone affiliate victor on Sunday, as Pawtucket and Salem lost close contests. Greenville's early-season struggles continued, as the Drive was overwhelmed by Augusta.

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The PawSox were unable to take advantage of three Charlotte errors, falling to the Knights (CHW), 6-4. Alfredo Aceves received the loss for his five innings of work, allowing five runs on five hits and four walks, while punching out five. Chris Carpenter pitched well in relief, tossing 2 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing a walk and striking out three.

Pawtucket, aided by a Charlotte error, brought home two runs in the first on an RBI single from Brandon Snyder and an RBI double from Dan Butler. The Knights clawed back into the game in the bottom half of the inning and eventually took the lead in the fourth. Finding themselves down 3-2 in the fifth, another costly Charlotte error allowed the PawSox to tie the contest, 3-3. The Knights would plate two in the bottom of the fifth and another run in the sixth to once again grab the lead. Charlotte would gift Pawtucket another run in the ninth, but held onto their lead for a 6-4 victory.

Justin Henry and Jonathan Diaz each had two hits to lead the PawSox offense. The loss snapped Pawtucket's six-game winning streak, as the team remains tied with the Buffalo Bisons (TOR) for first place in the International League's North Division.

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Anthony Ranaudo moved to 5-1 on the season after Portland held on for a 3-2 victory over the New Britain Rock Cats (MIN). The 23-year-old right-hander was in command for his six innings of work, allowing just three hits and three walks, while striking out five. Ranaudo is tied for the Eastern League lead in victories, is second in ERA (1.38), and is leading the league in WHIP (0.85) among qualified starters. Brock Huntzinger hurled 1 2/3 innings of relief to pick up his eighth save of the season.

The Sea Dogs led 3-0 after four, as the team scored runs in the first, second and fourth innings on a Tony Thomas RBI single and a Matt Spring solo home run and RBI double. Keith Couch gave up a two-run home run to the Rock Cats in the eighth, but Huntzinger was able to induce a double play to end the rally.

Spring was 4 for 4 with a home run, a double, and two RBI on the day. The 28-year-old catcher has enjoyed the month of May so far, hitting .421/.500/.947 with three home runs and six RBI.

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An inability to come through with men on base cost Salem, as they were held down by the Myrtle Beach Pelicans (TEX), 4-3. Kyle Stroup received the start for the Red Sox, twirling five innings and allowing two runs on seven hits and a walk, while striking out four.

Keury De La Cruz got Salem on the board quickly in the top of the first, cracking a two-run home run to give the Red Sox a quick advantage. After the Pelicans tied the game in the fourth, Salem reclaimed the lead in the fifth on Garin Cecchini's solo home run.

Myrtle Beach would come back in the eighth, getting to Red Sox reliever Matty Ott for two runs to grab the lead, 4-3. Salem had a runner on first and second with one out in the ninth before Sean Coyle grounded into a double play to end the game.

Cecchini added two hits after being dinged up in yesterday's contest. The 22-year-old third baseman's scorching start to 2013 continues, as he is now hitting .376/.471/.675 with five home runs and 23 RBI.

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A strong start was not enough to keep Greenville from losing to the Augusta GreenJackets (SF), 10-6. Pat Light dropped to 1-3 on the season after a rough 3 1/3 inning performance in which he allowed eight runs on nine hits and three walks.

Things looked bright for the Drive early on, as they plated four runs in the first inning, knocking Augusta starter Jose Reyes out of the game after just 1/3 of an inning. The inning started off with a lead-off home run from Mookie Betts and continued when Cody Koback scampered home on a wild pitch. Tim Roberson's RBI single brought home two to give Greenville a quick 4-2 advantage.

After Augusta tied the game in the top of the third, the Drive grabbed the lead back in the bottom half of the inning on a Jordan Weems RBI single. The GreenJackets took control of the game in the fourth, plating four runs on two home runs and three doubles. The damage could have been worse, but Augusta designated hitter Shayne Houck was caught trying to steal home by Betts. The Drive's last run of the day came in the eighth off the bat of Jose Vinicio, who brought home Weems on an RBI ground out.

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Player of the Day: Anthony Ranaudo, who improved to 5-1, as he tossed six shutout innings in Portland's 3-2 victory over New Britain. Ranaudo, whose 2012 campaign was marred by injuries, has pitched like the prospect many expected coming out of the 2010 draft. In 39 innings this season, the right-hander has struck out 41, allowed just 23 hits, and has held opponents to a .172 average against.

Photo Credit: Anthony Ranaudo by Kelly O'Connor.

John Gray is a Staff Writer for SoxProspects.com.

Red Sox recall Lavarnway; Marrero activated from DL

2013-05-12T14:02:00.000-04:00

The Red Sox have recalled catcher Ryan Lavarnway from Pawtucket and placed David Ross on the 7-day disabled list with a concussion. The news of Lavarnway's recall was first reported by Evan Drellich of Masslive.com. In another move, shortstop Deven Marrero has been activated from the disabled list and is in today's starting lineup, Salem announcer Evan Lepler reports.

Lavarnway is enjoying a bounce back year with the PawSox, hitting .313/.408/.475 in 22 games. This will be the catcher's second stint with the major league club in 2013. He was recalled for three days in late April, but did not see game action. Lavarnway previously saw major league action in 2011 and 2012.

Marrero, the Red Sox top pick in the 2012 amateur draft, had missed 17 games with a hamstring injury suffered in Salem's April 22 game against Wilmington. Marrero was off to a solid start in his first full professional season, hitting .294/.400/.451 in 51 at-bats. He makes his return to the lineup batting second and playing shortstop.

Cup of Coffee: May dominance for Barnes, De La Rosa continues

2013-05-12T08:06:00.003-04:00

5/12 Cup of Coffee: Two PawSox pitchers dominated on Saturday, while the Sea Dogs wasted a strong start from Matt Barnes. Salem lost a back-and-forth slugfest in walk-off fashion, but the Drive were on the right side of a walk-off victory in Greenville.

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Rubby De La Rosa and Chris Hernandez combined on a two-hit shutout, as the PawSox beat the Charlotte Knights (CHW), 4-0. After walking two batters in the first inning, De La Rosa settled down, retiring 11 of the last 12, including striking out the side in the second and fourth innings. In all, he tossed a season-high 71 pitches in four innings, allowing only one hit and striking out seven. He has not allowed a run in his last 14 innings, while walking four and striking out 19 in that span.

Hernandez was equally impressive in relief, allowing only one baserunner and striking out five over five innings. Hernandez, working as a piggy-back starter for the third time this season, has had good success since moving to the bullpen on May 2. In three appearances he has surrendered only two runs in 11 innings, while improving both his strikeout-to-walk ratio and groundball-to-flyball ratio.

The PawSox were led on offense by Mark Hamilton, who went 2 for 4 with two solo home runs, his fifth and sixth of the season. Bryce Brentz went 2 for 4 with a double, but had to leave the game after appearing to injure his hamstring in the top of the eighth. He was attempting to score from second on a Brock Holt single, but had to retreat back to third base and was tagged out.

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The Sea Dogs could not hold onto a late lead, wasting a strong start from Matt Barnes, as they fell to the New Britain Rock Cats (MIN), 5-4. The Sea Dogs were able to give Barnes an early cushion, as they scored four times in the first three innings off Twins prospect Alex Meyer. Tony Thomas tripled in Xander Bogaerts in the first, and Christian Vazquez laced a two-run single in the third on a soggy night in New Britain.

Ever since the calendar turned to May, Barnes has been nearly unhittable. He went five innings on Saturday, allowing only one run on three hits in five innings, while walking three and striking out seven. His lone blemish came on a solo home run in the second. Barnes has allowed two runs in his 17 May innings, giving up only 11 hits and striking out 21. This was the turnaround Barnes was looking for after a shaky April.

But Barnes was denied his third straight win after the bullpen lost the lead. Daniel Bard walked four and threw two wild pitches while recording only two outs, and Miguel Celestino gave up three runs in 2 1/3 innings, including a go-ahead two-run home run with two outs in the bottom of the eighth. Bogaerts went 2 for 3 with two walks, and he is now batting .310/.429/.621 in his last eight games.

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It was a back-and-forth game for Salem, as the Red Sox ultimately fell to the Myrtle Beach Pelicans (TEX), 9-8. Henry Owens had his first poor start of the season, allowing eight runs, six earned, in 3 1/3 innings. He gave up five runs before recording an out in the first inning, as the Pelicans clubbed a three-run home run and a two-run home run to take the lead. Owens committed an error to lead off the third inning, and the run eventually scored on an inside-the-park home run on a fly ball that was misplayed by the Salem outfield.

Noe Ramirez was able to quiet the Pelicans' bats, striking out six in 3 2/3 shutout innings, lowering his ERA to 2.66 in the process. Brandon Jacobs had his best game of the season, launching two home runs, and Blake Swihart and David Renfroe each had two hits and an RBI.

Henry Ramos' sixth-inning home run brought Salem within one run, and the team tied it in the eighth on a Sean Coyle sacrifice fly. The Pelicans answered right back, scoring a run in the ninth to walk off with the victory. Garin Cecchini had to leave the game after a pitch hit him in the shoulders and then hit his neck. However, he told Salem broadcaster Evan Lepler that he is okay and will be "hitting line drives tomorrow."

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David Chester (pictured) hit a walk-off home run, as the Drive beat the Augusta GreenJackets (SF), 6-5. The GreenJackets could not stop Chester, with the first baseman hitting an RBI double in the first, a two-run double in the third, and then the walk-off home run in the ninth. He went 3 for 4 with eight total bases, four RBI and a walk. Cody Koback was frequently on base in front of Chester, going 2 for 4 with a walk and a stolen base.

Francellis Montas threw three solid innings, giving up one run, while striking out six. After Jeffrey Wendelken gave up four runs in four innings, Madison Younginer threw two perfect innings of relief, striking out five of the six batters he faced.

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Player of the Day: David Chester's walk-off home run was the highlight of a busy night on the farm. Chester, a 33rd-round draft pick in the 2011 draft, is now batting .278/.381/.530 on the season, including a .379/.438/.897 line in his last eight games.

Photo Credit: David Chester by William Parmeter

Jim Crowell is a Staff Writer for SoxProspects.com.

Chris Martin promoted to Pawtucket

2013-05-11T12:13:00.003-04:00

Right-handed reliever Chris Martin (pictured) has been promoted to Triple-A Pawtucket, according to Mike Antonellis on Twitter Saturday morning. Right-hander Jeremy Kehrt has been assigned to Double-A Portland as the corresponding roster move.

Martin's promotion comes after he opened the season, his first as a full-time reliever, with 21 scoreless innings across 12 appearances. He struck out 27 while posting a 0.71 WHIP. In the last 1 1/3 inning of Friday's game against New Britain (MIN), he easily set the Rock Cats down while fanning a pair.

The 6-foot-7 26-year-old will likely fill the role vacated by Jose De La Torre's big league call-up.

Kehrt, 27, owns a 4.91 ERA and 1.91 WHIP in three games (one start) in 2013. All of his appearances came with Pawtucket, mostly recently April 23, and he had been assigned to Short-Season A Lowell.

Photo Credit: Chris Martin by Kelly O'Connor.

Tim Healey is a staff writer for SoxProspects.com. Follow him on Twitter @timbhealey.

Cup of Coffee: PawSox win fifth straight behind strong pitching

2013-05-11T09:13:00.001-04:00

5/11 Cup of Coffee: The PawSox continued their winning ways Friday by prevailing in their fifth straight contest. Portland split two halves of a doubleheader, while the Drive powered their way to victory on the strength of three long balls.

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On the heels of a four-game sweep of the Gwinnett Braves (ATL), Pawtucket downed the Charlotte Knights (CHW), 3-1, on Friday. The three PawSox pitchers, led by starter Graham Godfrey, surrendered only three hits in the contest. Godfrey, 28, gave up two hits and struck out five in six innings of work on the way to his second win of the season.

The PawSox struck early in the contest, as Mark Hamilton's (pictured) two-out double in the first inning scored catcher Ryan Lavarnway from first base. The PawSox would add a second run, which would prove the difference, in the fourth inning when Bryce Brentz doubled home Hamilton, who drew a one-out walk. While Pawtucket was able to muster together three runs, they did so on just four well-timed hits, two of which came off the bat of Lavarnway.

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In the first half of Friday's doubleheader, which was held to make up Thursday's rainout, Portland prevailed over the New Britain Rock Cats (MIN), 6-4. Leading the charge for the Eastern League leading SeaDogs was first baseman Travis Shaw, whose third inning three-run home run opened the scoring for Portland. Matt Spring would follow up Shaw's home run with a two-run shot in the fourth inning.

On the mound in the first game, Charlie Haegar, who picked up his first win of the season, battled through 5 2/3 innings of work, surrendering four runs on five hits and five walks. In relief, tall right-hander Chris Martin extended his scoreless streak to start the season to 21 innings.

The SeaDogs did not fare so well in the second half of their doubleheader, as they fell 6-0 to the Rock Cats. Peter Hissey and Xander Bogaerts managed the only two hits for Portland in the game. Receiving little support, starter Brandon Workman, who is off to a strong start, struggled on the mound, giving up five earned runs on eight hits in 5 1/3 innings. Workman did strike out six, giving him 48 strikeouts on the season, which ties him for second place in the Eastern League.

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The Salem Red Sox scraped across one run in Friday's 5-1 loss to the Myrtle Beach Pelicans (TEX). All five hits in the game were scattered among five players, with the team's lone RBI coming on an eighth-inning bases loaded walk to the Carolina League's leading hitter, Garin Cecchini.

On the mound, starter William Cuevas kept his team in the contest for five innings, surrendering only three runs (one earned) in his five innings pitched. The Pelicans offense, which opened the scoring with a three-run fifth inning, was aided by a Cuevas wild pitch and a throwing error.

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The Greenville Drive powered their way past the Augusta GreenJackets (SF), 10-6, on Friday. The 11-hit offensive explosion was powered by leadoff man Mookie Betts, who collected three extra-base hits, including a fifth-inning solo home run, on his way to a four-hit game. While Betts led the charge, two other Greenville players collected home runs, including designated hitter David Chester, who picked up his sixth long ball of the season on a two-run shot in the seventh inning.

Drive pitcher Brian Johnson continued his success, giving up only three hits in his five innings of work. Johnson lowered his ERA to 2.18, while picking up his first win of the season.

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Player of the Day: Greenville leadoff man Mookie Betts stuffed the box score on Friday in the Drive's 10-6 victory over Augusta by collecting four hits, three runs scored, and two RBI in his five plate appearances. Betts, 20, is batting just .229 on the season, but has produced a line of .344/.523/.625 in his last 10 games. While Betts' average is low, he has made up for it with his patience, posting a .409 OBP on the season.

Photo Credit: Mark Hamilton by Kelly O'Connor.

Luke Lavoie is a Staff Writer for SoxProspects.com.

Weekly Notes: Ebbs and flows on full display

2013-05-10T13:28:00.002-04:00

Here are this week's minor league notes:

The Red Sox announced their Minor League Players of the Month for April, with Garin Cecchini (pictured) and Anthony Ranuado leading the way by winning hitter and pitcher of the month, respectively. Those match the selections made by SoxProspects.com for April as well. Alex Speier of WEEI.com has the full list of team award winners.
Allen Webster and Cecchini took home SoxProspects Pitcher and Player of the Week, respectively, for the week of April 29-May 5. Webster turned one of his best outings on May 3 with a season-high nine strikeouts over six innings, while Cecchini went 9 for 24 with three doubles and two home runs during that span.
It's evident that everything is clicking for Cecchini, as he's hitting .380/.468/.667 so far this season. SoxProspects.com Senior Columnist Jon Meoli caught up with the third baseman to find out why he's enjoying such a torrid start.
Webster struggled mightily in his second major league start, allowing eight runs on six hits, including three doubles and two home runs, in 1 2/3 innings against the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday. But a longtime scout believes the 23-year-old will rebound and will have a "helluva career," writes ESPNBoston.com's Gordon Edes.
After his tough outing, Webster was optioned to Pawtucket while Boston placed closer Joel Hanrahan on the 60-day disabled list to make room for PawSox reliever Jose De La Torre. This marks De La Torre's first major-league promotion, and it's extra special because the 27-year-old grew up a Red Sox fan, as he told MassLive.com's Evan Drellich in an interview.
Ranaudo, along with some other Red Sox pitching prospects, has gained national attention as he was the subject of a piece written by CBSSports.com's Danny Knobler on Boston's system-wide pitching revival.
The PawSox placed outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr. on the 7-day disabled list with right biceps tendinitis (retroactive to May 4). This ensured Bradley will not become a free agent until after the 2019 seasons, notes Speier.
Another top outfield prospect in Pawtucket made news this week, as rightfielder Bryce Brentz worked with Red Sox legend Dwight Evans, writes Brian MacPherson of the Providence Journal.
While Bradley was out of the lineup with health issues, PawSox shortstop Jose Iglesias found himself on the bench due to what was originally called a "manger's decision" by Gary DiSarcina, but was later speculated to be for possible disciplinary reasons, as noted by CSNNE.com's Sean McAdam. Iglesias returned to Pawtucket's lineup on Wednesday when he went 1 for 5 against the Gwinnett Braves.
Right-hander Kyle Kaminska announced his retirement yesterday. He made six starts in the system this season, his first with the Red Sox, posting a 0-3 record with a 7.18 ERA with 18 strikeouts and five walks.
Baseball America released its first mock draft for this year's MLB draft. They have the Red Sox using their first pick (seventh overall) on OF/3B Clint Fraizer.
To keep up with all of the recent transactions in the system, be sure to check out our Transactions page.

Photo Credit: Garin Cecchini by Kelly O'Connor

Kevin Pereira is a Staff Writer for SoxProspects.com. Follow him on Twitter @kevinrpereira.

Cup of Coffee: Snyder leads offense as PawSox complete sweep

2013-05-10T07:50:00.000-04:00

5/10 Cup of Coffee: Pawtucket used a 16-hit barrage to close out its series, picking up the only win of the night on the farm. Salem's bats struggled, getting swept in a doubleheader, while Greenville was shut down by a 2012 top pick.

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The offense led the way, as Pawtucket completed a four-game sweep of the Gwinnett Braves (ATL), winning 14-9. Seven players had multi-hit games for the PawSox, and every starter in the lineup scored a run.

Brandon Snyder (pictured) and Mark Hamilton had mirroring lines to lead the way, both delivering two hits with a home run, double, walk, three RBI, and a pair of runs scored. Snyder, who got his fifth start in eight days at third base, moved up to second in the International League with 25 RBI. Bryce Brentz also went deep for Pawtucket. Ronald Bermudez had his second consecutive three-hit game, adding a pair of runs scored. Nick Natoli, an undrafted free agent out of Towson signed in 2011, made his PawSox debut, entering the game in the seventh inning as a pinch hitter and taking over at second base. Natoli went 0 for 2.

Steven Wright was a beneficiary of the offensive explosion, picking up his second win of the year. Wright allowed four runs on six hits in five innings. He struck out six, walked two, and hit a pair of batters. Chris Carpenter struggled in relief, allowing four runs on four hits in two innings of work. Ryan Rowland-Smith saw his scoreless streak come to an end after 17 innings when he allowed an unearned run on a ninth-inning double. Rowland-Smith allowed a pair of hits in his two innings, striking out two and walking one.

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Portland's game in New Britain against the Rock Cats (MIN) was postponed due to inclement weather. It will be made up Friday as part of a doubleheader.

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In game one, Salem was on the losing side of a pitcher's duel, falling 2-1 to the Carolina Mudcats (CLE). Mike Augliera was quite good for Salem, allowing just one run on six hits in six innings, while walking two and striking out five. Nate Striz, unscored upon in his nine previous outings, took the loss in relief when Cleveland's top prospect Francisco Lindor drove in the go-ahead run with a seventh-inning double. Striz has given up only two runs so far on the season, and both have resulted in him being credited with a loss.

The bats provided little support, with the only scoring coming on a fourth-inning solo home run by Keury De La Cruz. It was the second of the season for the Salem right fielder, who went 2 for 3.

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Salem again had trouble generating offense in the nightcap, dropping a 4-1 decision. A trio of Carolina pitchers allowed only four hits against Salem. De La Cruz again scored the only run, tripling in the second inning and coming home on a Blake Swihart single. Garin Cecchini went 1 for 3 with a double and is now 28 for 65 in his last 18 games, good for a .431 average.

Getting his first professional start, Heri Quevedo had a performance that was stronger than his final stat line. He allowed only one run through the fourth, but walked two of the first three batters after coming on for a fifth inning of work. After being lifted for Mike McCarthy, both those runners came around to score. Overall, Quevedo gave up three runs on three hits in 4 1/3, striking out and walking four apiece. McCarthy allowed the two inherited runners to score, then gave up one of his own in 1 2/3 innings. He struck out two without walking a batter. Matt Price struck out one and allowed one hit in a scoreless seventh to close out the night.

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Greenville remains winless in May after losing, 6-3, to the Augusta GreenJackets (SF). It was a tough matchup for the Drive, facing off against Giants 2012 first-round pick Chris Stratton. They were able to notch six hits against the right-hander, including a fourth-inning solo home run by David Chester. Mookie Betts picked up a pair of hits in four at-bats, driving in a run. He did not draw a walk, however, ending a six-game streak of Betts reaching base via the free pass.

It was a difficult start for Justin Haley, whose control trouble led to four first-inning runs. He walked four in the first, though an inning-ending double play helped to mitigate some of the damage. Overall, Haley allowed five runs (four earned) on four hits in 3 2/3 innings. He struck out three and walked six. Haley has now walked 28 batters in 25 2/3 innings this season. There was positive news out of the bullpen, however, as Austin Maddox broke out of a slump with a strong outing. Entering the contest with a 9.90 ERA and allowing nearly two hits per game, Maddox allowed just one run on two hits in 5 1/3 innings, striking out five and walking only one.

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Player of the Day: There were many deserving candidates in the Pawtucket lineup, but the nod goes to Brandon Snyder. Already a two-time SoxProspects.com Player of the Week in 2013, Snyder has continued his strong play, ranking second in the International League in slugging percentage, sixth in on-base percentage, and sitting just points out of the top ten in batting average. Over the last week, he has been receiving significant playing time at the hot corner, a position that has seen six different PawSox players get starts in the early going.

Photo Credit: Brandon Snyder by Kelly O'Connor

James Dunne is a Staff Writer for SoxProspects.com.

Kyle Kaminska announces retirement

2013-05-09T15:35:00.000-04:00

Kyle Kaminska has retired from baseball, reports Salem Red Sox announcer Evan Lepler. Kaminska pitched for three different organizations in the last seven seasons, the Red Sox being the latest after they acquired him in December from the Pittsburgh Pirates as the player to be named later in the Zach Stewart deal.

Kaminska, 24, was originally drafted by the then Florida Marlins in the 25th round of the 2007 draft out of Naperville High School in Illinois. The right-hander split his time evenly between relieving and starting in his seven-year professional career, but had spent all of this year starting with Portland then with Salem before calling it quits.

With Portland, Kaminska allowed 19 runs in 19 2/3 innings pitched, while walking four and striking out 11. He was then transferred to Salem on May 1 to make room for Charlie Haeger in the Portland rotation. The Ohio native fared better in his time in Single-A, where he gave up six runs, struck out seven and walked one in 12 1/3 innings. His last outing of his career came on Tuesday when he surrendered four runs on nine hits while striking out three over 6 1/3 innings in Salem's 6-4 victory over the Carolina Mudcats.

Kaminska is the third Red Sox farmhand to retire since the start of the season, joining Jon Hee and Michael Flacco.

Photo Credit: Kyle Kaminska by Kelly O'Connor

Kevin Pereira is a Staff Writer for SoxProspects.com. Follow him on Twitter @kevinrpereira.