One of the faces likely to be part of the PawSox rotation in 2009 will be that of righthander Enrique Gonzalez.
Signed to a minor league contract this past December, the 26 year-old Gonzalez is another one of those pitchers picked-up by Boston who has Big League experience. He ppeared in 27 Major League games with the Diamondbacks and Padres (18 as a starter), with a combined 4-7 record with a 5.96 ERA.
Gonzalez spent parts of the last three seasons in Triple A, with Portland and Tuscon of the Pacific Coast League. In that span he posted a record of 15-15 with a 4.80 ERA.
Scouts say Gonzalez possesses a fastball in the mid-90′s with decent command. He also has an above average slider, change-up and curve.
Expect Gonzalez to be part of the PawSox rotation along with the likes of Charlie Zink, Davern Hansack, and Michael Bowden.
Photo courtesy about.com
The current numbers game does not favor OF Sean Danielson. But you may still see him play some outfield for the PawSox in 2009.
The 26 year-old undrafted free agent acquired by the Sox from the Cardinals in the 2007 trade of Joel Pineiro will be fighting for playing time in Pawtucket with the likes of the more expereinced Chip Ambres, Jonathan Van Every, Chris Carter, Paul McAnulty, and Jeff Corsaletti.
Danielson spent 2008 between Portland and Pawtucket. In 105 total games played he batted .278 with 1 homer and 23 RBI’s.
The Red Sox attraction for Danielson appears to be for his speed and his ability to play all three outfield positions. He stole 25 bases last season gets to just about any ball in the outfield. He also possesses a strong throwing arm.
The only realistic role Danielson could play for a Big League club would be as a defensive replacement or pinch runner in the late innings of a game.
Photo courtesy St. Louis Cardinals
RHP Marcus McBeth is expected to be back in the PawSox bullpen in 2009. He first saw action with the club last late last season after the Red Sox acquired the 28 year-old righthander off waivers from the Cincinnati Reds.
The Oakland A’s had high hopes for McBeth when they drafted him in the fourth round of the 2004 draft. He spent a little over four seasons in the A’s organization, advancing to Triple A at the end of the 2006 season.
After beginning 2007 with the A’s, he was acquired by the Reds and found himself in the Cincinnati bullpen by the end of the season. In 23 relief appearances for the Reds McBeth was 3-2 with a 5.95 ERA.
McBeth struggled with Triple A Louisville to begin the 2008 campaign, going 1-1 with a 6.20 ERA before being placed on waivers. For the PawSox last season McBeth was 1-0 with a 2.57 ERA in 4 games.
McBeth has a fastball in the low 90 mph range with a solid change-up and slider. For him to advance past Pawtucket McBeth needs to consistently gain command of all his pitches.
Photo courtesy Cincinnati Reds
RHP Daniel Bard has an opportunity to make big strides in 2009. As has been the case with highly touted pitching prospects Jonathan Paplebon, John Lester, Clay Buchholz, Justin Masterson, and Michael Bowden, Bard may find himself on the fast track to Boston if all goes well this season.
The Sox’ number one draft pick in 2006 out of the University of North Carolina, Bard has one of those power arms which can hurl a fastball consistently near 100mph. He is still in need of some fine tuning when it comes to his secondary pitches.
Bard’s first season of professional ball in 2007 was well documented for its lack of success. He finished the season a combined 3-7 with a 7.08 ERA at Single A Greenville and Lancaster. Most glaring was his apparent lack of control, walking 78 batters in only 75 innings of work.
Signed to be a starter, Bard was converted to a reliever during his stint at offseason ball in Hawaii. That move has made a big difference. Last season Bard made marked improvements, combining for a 5-1 record and a slim 1.32 ERA in Greenville and Portalnd. More importantly he cut down on his walks to 30 in 77.2 innings pitched.
It is possible Bard may start the season in Portland. But with the number of veteran arms expected to be in the PawSox bullpen this season, it won’t be a surprise to see Bard in a Pawtucket uniform learning from their expereince before the warm weather kicks in.
Photo courtesy soxfan1.com
You can see why the Red Sox were attracted to Chris Carter when they acquired him from the Nationals in 2007 in the deal that sent Wily Mo Pena to Washington. Carter can flat out hit the baseball.
2008 was Carter’s best offensive season to date, batting .300 with 24 home sruns and 81 RBI’s in 121 games with the PawSox. That production warranted a call-up by the Red Sox on a couple of occassions. Carter played in 9 games for Boston, batting .333 with 3 RBI’s.
The 26 year-old Carter was drafted in the 17th round in the 2004 draft by the Arizona Diamondbacks. He quickly moved up through the Diamondbacks’ chain to Triple A Tuscon in 2006. Over his last three Triple A seasons Carter has averaged 128 games, batting .306 with 20 home runs and 84 RBI’s. Impressive numbers at any level of ball.
Carter was drafted as a first baseman but primarily played outfield with the PawSox last season. Carter is often described by some as a poor defender with a below average arm and below average speed. Carter was added last season to the Red Sox’ 40-man roster.
Reports have Carter entering spring training in the best shape of his career. Depending on the health of the players in Boston, Carter may see some time with the Red Sox. While in Pawtucket Carter may once again find himself in left field, first base, or as the club’s designated hitter.
Photo courtesy of ballhype.com
