The Boston Red Sox were off on Monday as they headed south to the Bronx as they get ready for a three-game set with the New York Yankees that begins tonight. And while the team was, Theo Epstein and his amateur scouting department were very busy as the Red Sox held four of the first 40 picks in the 2011 MLB Draft.
The Red Sox used their first pick (19th overall) to take UConn Huskies RHP Matt Barnes. That pick orginally belonged to the Detroit Tigers but the Red Sox received it as compensation for losing Victor Martinez during free agency. With the 26th pick that once belonged to the Texas Rangers (Adrian Beltre compensation), the Red Sox added some catching depth with high school catcher Blake Swihart.
Epstein also had two compensation picks in the supplemental round from losing those two players and used those picks to add a pitcher and an outfielder. With the 36th overall pick, the Red Sox took high school LHP Henry Owens. Four picks later, they drafted Jackie Bradley Jr. from the South Carolina Gamecocks.
From what I’ve been able to gather, the Red Sox did pretty well in the first round. They did get their man in Barnes who Theo Epstein had personally scouted late in UConn’s season.
The Red Sox head to New York just one game behind the Yankees. If they can manage to win two out of three, they can leave New York in a tie. Of course we’d rather see a Red Sox sweep and have them continue their roadtrip through the AL East in first place but we won’t get greedy.
They’ll also welcome Marco Scutaro back as he finished up his rehab stint with a three-hit performance in Pawtucket’s win yesterday. Scott Atchison was informed after Sunday’s game that he was heading back to the PawSox to make room for Scutaro.
We’ll be back later with tonight’s lineups, batter/pitcher matchups and links from the day. But for now, enjoy the overnight links by clicking on the read more button below if you’re on the home page.
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The new prospect crop: Sox hope first day of draft yields impact [Alex Speier – WEEI.com]
Red Sox select Barnes [Boston Globe]
He’s comfortable with his position [Boston Globe]
Lester will be well rested [Boston Globe]
UConn’s Matt Barnes 1st on list for Red Sox [Boston Herald]
Adrian Gonzalez not perfect, yet worth every dime [Boston Herald]
Red Sox, Yanks renew rivalry with first place on line [Boston Herald]
Hottovy’s wild ride to the big leagues [CSNNE.com]
Nation STATion: Red Sox/Yankees Nine to Know [CSNNE.com]
Soxprospects.com: Recapping Day 1 [ESPN Boston]
Theo: Day 1 of draft went according to plan [ESPN Boston]
Sox pick UConn’s Barnes No. 19; three others [ESPN Boston]
Theo Epstein and Amiel Sawdaye break down Day 1 of the Draft [Extra Bases]
Red Sox first-day draft wrap: GM Theo Epstein and Scouting director Amiel Sawdaye weigh in [Full Count]
Fenway Park Opens Gates For Two Soccer Matches, One Football Game During Red Sox’ Dismal 1925 Season [NESN.com]
Red Sox Take University of Connecticut Right-Hander Matt Barnes in First Round of MLB Draft [NESN.com]
Who Has Been Best Red Sox Draft Pick of 2000s? [NESN.com]
Red Sox and Yankees, both on top of their game, meet with first place on the line [Providence Journal]
UConn’s Barnes leads Red Sox’ day 1 draft haul [Providence Journal]
Red Sox coach warmed by unexpected gift [RedSox.com]
For more slices of Red Sox goodness, head over to the Boston Globe, Boston Herald, CSNNE, ESPN Boston, NESN, Providence Journal, RedSox.com and WEEI websites.
Photo credit: Getty Images
