Projected PawSox 2009- Gil Velazquez

This is the first installment in our look at who we expect to make the PawSox roster in 2009…

Every team looks for a player that can fill multiple roles in the field. For the 2008 version of the Pawtucket Red Sox, Gil Velazquez filled that role.  And he will more than likely be called upon to fill that bill again in 2009.

The Los Angeles-area native will spend his second season toiling the infield at McCoy.  Drafted by the Mets as a 14th-round draft pick in 1998, Velazquez spent seven years in the Mets system before signing with the Twins in 2004.  After three seasons in the Minnesota minors Velazquez signed as a minor league free agent with Boston in late 2007.

In his first year with the PawSox Velazquez assembled a modest .260 batting average with 10 homers and 46 RBI’s, the most productive season of his professional career.  He proved to be a little anxious at the plate, garnering  a .310 on base percentage, walking only 22 times while striking out 73.

He did earn his keep on the defensive side of the ball.  In his 101 games he had the infield covered, playing 70 games at shortstop, 16 at second, 9 at third, and 4 at first.  He was also called upon to play four games in the outfield.   Despite all that moving around he only committed 10 errors.  It was rare last season to see Velazquez not get to many balls, a testament to his above-average range.

Velazquez is a non-roster invitee in Red Sox camp but don’t expect him to stay there too long this spring.  He did see action for Boston as a September call-up last season, and may be called upon again to do the same this fall.  Velazquez is not on the active Red Sox 40-man roster.

Expect Velazquez to compete for playing time with other infield veterans Nick Green, Angel Chavez, and Ivan Ochoa.  His versatility and knowledge of the system will definitely be his greatest assets.

Photo courtesy Pawtucket Red Sox via Sox Prospects