接上篇 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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