Red Sox Prospects

The Red Sox have considerbaly used their minor league system to their advantage the last decade seeing the likes of Jacoby Ellsbury, Jon Lester, Dustin Pedroia, Johnathon Papelbon and Kevin Youkilis to name a few. The Sox certainly haven't stopped stockpiling talent for the beginning of this decade. Here's a look at some names to know.

If you have heard of SP Casey Kelly, you shouldn't call yourself a Boston fan. This shortstop turned pitcher has been turning heads everywhere he goes. Kelly has a fantastic curveball and a slower fastball(86-90mph) with a deceptive change-up. He's confident and looks more like a guy whose been pitching for years.



We've been waiting years for the arrival of 1B Lars Anderson. Sure, he's been significantly blocked on his path to the majors, but he should put some time in this season as this will more than likely be David Ortiz's last in Fenway. He needs to stay healthy and hope Anthony Rizzo has a down year.



Another guy similiar to Casey Kelly's status is OF Ryan Westmoreland. In single A, he hit .296 with 7HRs and 35RBIs and swiped 19 bases. Even better is his OBP(.401) and SLG(.484). He's developed patience at the plate very well. Defensively, he is sound and exceptionally fast and strong.



With Ryan Westmoreland following behind him, OF Ryan Kalish should be making his debut in Boston very soon. He's a year younger than Josh Reddick, but is much more astute at the plate. His fielding has gotten significantly better from A-AA. He could break AAA at the beginning of the season. In combined A and AA for 2009, Kalish hit .279 with 18HRs, 77RBIs, and 21SB's.



SS Jose Iglesias has been a hot topic in Boston this off-season. He's billed as the "future SS for Boston", but he's got a ways to go. He's got a great glove and movement to the ball, but he can't hit as well. Iglesias hit .275 with 2HRs and 12RBIs for Mesa in the Arizona Fall League.




Other notables:

OF Josh Reddick (.169, 2HRs and 4RBIs in 27 games for Red Sox in 09)
SP/RP Junichi Tazawa (2-3; 7.46ERA for Red Sox in 09)
RHP Michael Bowden (1-1;9.56ERA for Red Sox in 09)