Projo Sox Blog

The fate of the Red Sox' top prospects has been officially decided. Some will start the year in Pawtucket, while many of the most hyped young players will stay at Double-A Portland for more seasoning.

The system's top name, first baseman Lars Anderson, will head to Portland for some more seasoning, but his ascendance to Triple-A is expected before long. Anderson struggled this spring, hitting .182 in 22 Grapefruit League at-bats, but his defense was much improved at first base.

Daniel Bard, regarded by some as the Sox' closer of the future, will start the season at Pawtucket. He should be the first option if injury strikes the bullpen, and could be in the major leagues by June, regardless. Bard was the darling of opposing scouts in spring training, regularly hitting 100 mph on the radar gun, and throwing 9.1 scoreless innings, with 12 strikeouts.

Corner outfielder Zach Daeges, who looked good in spring training before spraining an ankle, will report to Pawtucket to start the year, his first time at the Triple-A level.
Daeges hit .307 with 6 home runs and 63 RBI in 394 Double-A at-bats last year.

Japanese pitcher Junichi Tazawa will begin in Double-A as well. He allowed only one run in nine spring training innings, striking out 10.

Catcher Mark Wagner, a strong defensive prospect who had trouble at the plate in Double-A, will return to Portland for more work.

Josh Reddick, who had trouble at Double-A and in the Arizona Fall League but hit nearly .500 in spring training, will go back to Portland to get more plate appearances. He is also expected to be in Pawtucket within several months.

2006 first-round pick Kris Johnson is expected to begin in Pawtucket, while oufielder Ryan Khoury will begin the year in Double-A Portland.

 Tags  Dan Barbarisi Daniel Bard Lars Anderson Pawtucket Red Sox

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