The Boston Red Sox have a lot of intriguing prospects down on the farm, but two prospects that stick out to me are Jackie Bradley Jr. and Xander Bogaerts. They are the top prospects in the Red Sox system. Baseball America rated Bogaerts their 8th prospect and Bradley their 31st prospect.
Bradley had a terrific spring, as posted a .419 batting average. That was enough to make the Red Sox opening day roster. In his major league debut, he went 0-2 with three walks, a strikeout, and also drove in his first RBI. After his debut, he started to struggle and showed signs that he wasn't major league ready yet. On April 18th, the Red Sox optioned Bradley to Triple A Pawtucket to make room on the roster for David Ortiz. This was the right move for the Red Sox, as Bradley needed more time to develop. Fans will definitely see Bradley again this season, as he is the successor to Jacoby Ellsbury if he leaves via free agency after this season.
Bogaerts is a big part of the future for the Red Sox going forward. He could finally be the answer at shortstop for the Sox, but he could change positions. I have always thought about moving Bogaerts to third base and move Middlebrooks to first base. You could also make Jose Iglesias the shortstop of the future. Bogaerts played third base in the World Baseball Classic for the Neatherlands. After his team was eliminated, he returned to the Red Sox. The Sox optioned him to minor league camp and he started the season in the Red Sox Double A affiliate, the Portland Sea Dogs. Through 18 games played in Portland this season, Bogaerts is batting .308, with 8 RBI's.
Bradley and Bogaerts, the Killer B's, are the future and will eventually blossom into All Star players for years to come.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
