The Red Sox are not devoid of infield prospects ready to make a leap.
Happy May! I promise, I won’t hit you with a Justin Timberlake meme right now. On a day when every single game generated a save situation throughout the organization, what I will hit you with is a short pontification on whether a promising prospect is ready for a promotion, but it’s not who you may expect. Let’s get into it.
Worcester: L, 1-2 (BOX SCORE)
The WooSox were outclassed despite perhaps playing a better game than the Mud Hens (Tigers AAA) and the lack of run support they gave Josh Winckowski, who pitched decently despite striking out a single batter, was palpable. Yasmani Grandal, who’s been a notable presence in the lineup for Worcester, effectively ended a potential early rally by lining into a double play; the WooSox stranded eight on the night when their pitching only gave up four hits. Even Zack Kelly had a quiet night after a few dismal outings in a row. Still, the WooSox could muster up just the lone run.
Portland, Game 1: L, 2-3 (BOX SCORE)
Three hits normally wouldn’t be enough for a win even in a seven inning contest, but it was awfully close Wednesday afternoon behind a boisterous start by Yordanny Monegro, who’s finding his way once again. To boot, though, Mikey Romero hit his fourth home run in Double-A. Romero had 66% of his team’s hits in this game overall Sadly, the Fisher Cats (Blue Jays AA) took the lead in the bottom of the sixth and didn’t look back.
Back to Romero: this is where having an organizational logjam can affect multiple levels. For reference, the Angels’ 2022 first-round-pick, Zach Neto, selected twelve slots before Romero, debuted at the start of LAST season, and has already been in the Major Leagues for long enough time to hit thirty-five home runs. Of course, Neto went to college and is four years older than Romero, so you would expect him to move through the system quickly. But our first round high-schooler from the PREVIOUS year is still kicking around Triple-A, too. On talent and performance alone, Romero will merit a promotion soon. But Worcester’s infield is filled with Vaughn Grissom, Marcelo Mayer and, to a much lesser degree, Nick Sogard, who are all in similar situations of crucial development. Still, after just 34 combined games between last season and this month, Romero looks ready to face Triple-A pitching.
Portland, Game 2: W, 3-2 (BOX SCORE)
How the turn tables in the second game of the nightcap. The Sea Dogs seemed doomed in the first inning as Password Garcia grounded into a double play with men on the corners and no outs, but consecutive Blaze Jordan and Tyler Miller extra base hits ended up being the defining factors in the game. And, by the way, Garcia would redeem himself with a triple later on.
Greenville: W, 6-5 (BOX SCORE)
Franklin Arias could have gotten his first hit in High-A on White Claw Wednesday against Asheville, but it’ll have to wait at least one more night. His first error with the team came at a misfortunate time, though, as he missed a catch in the first inning and the advancing runner went on to score a few at-bats later. This proved to be undaunting for Brandon Clarke, who struck seven Tourists out and ended up allowing just one hit. But, in one-score games especially, early mistakes can end up making all the difference.
Salem: W, 4-2 (BOX SCORE)
The only team in the organization to have a game decided by more than a single run, Salem took the lead on a Fraymi DeLeon home run in the bottom of the seventh that scored Nataniel Yuten. This was the second hit of the night for DeLeon, who batted in the nine-hole and turned a lineup over to a productive Antonio Anderson. Luis Cohen pitched 5 1⁄3 scoreless innings in relief, allowing just a single hit, that allowed the Red Sox the opportunity to pull ahead even with three defensive errors, since it’s tough for the Nationals to win baseball games with just three hits and an error of their own.
Happy Thursday! Bob has you as usual tomorrow, and Dan is stepping in for me Saturday as I (humble brag incoming) walk for my Master of Business Administration. See you Sunday!