In the past, we've listed the Boston Red Sox prospects from Keith Law's Top 100 prospects and MLB.com's Top 100 prospects.
Now, Baseball America has released its 2013 Top 100 Prospects list and amongst it we find five members of the Red Sox on the list.
They are Xander Bogaerts (No. 3), Jackie Bradley, Jr. (No. 31), Matt Barnes (No. 39), Allen Webster (No. 49) and Henry Owens (No. 91).
Here's what they have to say about Bogaerts:
Scouting Report: Bogaerts has the offensive potential to be an all-star at any position, and that position just might be shortstop. He's a confident, strong hitter who doesn't muscle up to tap into his plus-plus raw power. He has an easy swing with plenty of bat speed, and he does a nice job of keeping his weight back and using the entire field. Despite his youth, he has a feel for making in-game adjustments. He improved his selectivity in 2012, though he still expands the strike zone at times. While that flaw doesn't hurt him much because he still makes hard contact on balls off the plate, the Red Sox want him to draw more walks. His walk rate was acceptable at high Class A Salem (43 in 104 games), but he drew just one free pass in 23 Double-A contests. Though scouts look at Bogaerts' 6-foot-3 frame and wonder if he'll outgrow shortstop, he has good actions at the position and could stay there longer than expected. His plus arm isn't a question and he played more under control on defense in 2012. He made just 21 errors in 119 games, after making 26 in 72 games the year before, boosting his fielding percentage from .924 to .959. He's an average runner who's not quite as quick as a typical shortstop, but he still exhibits solid range. He's athletic and has good body control for his size. If Bogaerts has to move, he'd profile best at third base or right field. Along with his considerable tools, he draws praise for his intelligence and work ethic.
The Future: Bogaerts likely will open 2013 in Double-A to focus on his plate discipline, but Boston has had a hard time holding him back. He easily could hit his way to Triple-A Pawtucket before he turns 21. The Red Sox don't have a clear starter at shortstop, so it's not out of the question that he could put himself in the major league mix before the end of the season. More realistically, Bogaerts will make his Boston debut in 2014. Whether he does so at shortstop likely depends on how much slick-fielding Jose Iglesias shows at the plate between now and then.
To see what they have to say about Bradley, Jr., Barnes, Webster and Owens, please click on the continue reading button below if you're on the home page.
Here's what they have to say about Bradley:
Scouting Report: Bradley is an outstanding center fielder who can run down almost any ball, thanks to his quickness and instincts, and he has a plus arm as a bonus. An on-base machine with quick hands, Bradley works deep counts and sprays line drives to all fields. He has enough power to hit 10-15 homers annually, though it can make him too pull-conscious at times. He's an average runner whose speed plays up on the basepaths. The Red Sox love his competitive makeup, which sparked consecutive national championships at South Carolina.
The Future: Ticketed for Triple-A to start 2013, Bradley has no major adjustments to make. He's a better center fielder than Jacoby Ellsbury, who becomes a free agent after 2013.
Here's what they have to say about Barnes:
Scouting Report: Barnes pitches aggressively with his swing-and-miss fastball. He effortlessly throws heaters with riding life, usually sitting at 93-95 mph and topping out at 98. The Red Sox had him scrap a slider he started to fiddle with in college and had him focus on throwing his hard curveball, a plus downer at times. Barnes is learning the need for a changeup, which he throws a bit too hard in the upper 80s but sells well with his arm speed. He's not afraid to throw strikes or pitch inside.
The Future: If Barnes can refine his secondary pitches, he can become a No. 2 or 3 starter. After easing him into pro ball with 120 innings, Boston will turn him loose in 2013. He'll start in Double-A and could push for a spot in the big league rotation by the end of the season.
Here's what they have to say about Webster:
Scouting Report: Webster turns bats into kindling and generates groundballs with a 92-95 mph fastball that peaks at 97 but is most notable for its late sink and armside run. In 2012, he ranked fourth in the minors in home run rate (0.1 per nine innings). His changeup can be just as devastating with its fade and sink. His mid-80s slider lacks consistency but has the makings of a third plus offering. Webster's pitches move so much that he can struggle to command them, and he gets hit when he falls behind in the count. Scouts also pointed out Webster tends to fall into predictable pitch patterns.
The Future: Some scouts prefer him to Matt Barnes because he has a deeper repertoire, though Webster still must learn to harness his stuff. A potential No. 2 or 3 starter, he's ready to graduate to Triple-A and could make his major league debut in 2013.
Here's what they have to say about Owens:
Scouting Report: Owens is a rare lefthander who can get swings and misses with three different pitches. His fastball has mostly average velocity and life, ranging from 88-94 mph, but plays up because his tall body and long limbs give him deceptive angle and plane. He has advanced feel for his plus changeup and an average breaking ball. He varies his breaker, using a loopy 67-72 mph curveball early in counts for strikes and a 78-81 mph slurve to put hitters away. While Owens' lanky frame gives him plenty of room to add strength, he won't require more power to succeed. His control is better than his average of 4.2 walks per nine innings would indicate, but his command needs refinement. He's athletic and repeats his delivery well.
The Future: Owens is further away than Matt Barnes or Allen Webster but may have more upside. He'll head to high Class A in 2013 and should advance quickly as soon as he starts to locate his pitches with more precision.
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