With the minor league season underway its time to look at the four minor league teams in the upcoming off-days. First up are the Worcester Red Sox...formerly Pawtucket. Going into today's game against the Buffalo Bisons, the WooSox are currently 7-5 on the season. Normally they'd be a month and a half into the season but because of Covid, the minors didn't start until two weeks ago. Still, the WooSox have a bunch of prospects and possible callups that could be in Boston in no time.
1. Eduard Bazardo
The 25 year old Bazardo has already pitched in two games for Boston this year and hasn't allowed a run. He was an international signing out of the Dominican Republic in 2015. If and when someone gets hurt or is ineffective, he'll be one of the first to come up and see what he's got.
2. Tanner Houck
The 25 year old Houck is the top pitching prospect in the Red Sox system with Brian Mata out for the season with Tommy John surgery. He went 3-0 for Boston last September but is caught in the number's game with Boston's rotation healthy and productive. Eventually someone is going to get hurt or stink so Houck will be up sooner rather than later.
3. Connor Seabold
The 25 year old was the centerpiece of last year's Brandon Workman trade. Seabold is currently on the injured list but he's projected to not only pitch well in Worcester but could be a possible Boston September call-up. The fact the Sox managed to get him, Nick Pivetta and Brandon Workman back this season is a huge fleece of Philadelphia.
4. Connor Wong
The turning 25 year old catcher was part of the Mookie Betts trade and is Worcester's starting catcher to begin this season. The BoSox are pretty set at catcher this season with Christian Vazquez and Kevin Plawecki but if someone gets hurt, Wong is just a call away.
5. Jeter Downs
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The 22 year old infielder was the centerpiece of the Mookie Betts trade besides Wong and Alex Verdugo. Downs may need a year of seasoning in Worcester before being either a September call-up or part of the major league team in 2022.
6. Josh Ockimey
The 25 year old power hitting first basemen is another unfortunate victim of the numbers game. With Michael Chavis and Bobby Dalbec up in Boston that can man first, Ockimey is the odd man out. As with everyone else, injuries and incompetence could have Josh up in Boston at one point or another.
7. Jarren Duran
The 24 year old Duran is the most ready of all the prospects to make his major league debut. He's been tearing up AAA pitching the past two weeks and with the offensive problems in the Boston Red Sox outfield, Duran could make his debut anywhere within 2 weeks to 2 months. Unless he's involved in a Blockbuster trade, you'll be seeing him VERY soon.
8. Michael Gettys
The 25 year old Gettys is one of the most prodigious power hitters in Triple A baseball. 2 years ago he crushed 31 home runs for the San Diego Padre's AAA team and the Worcester Sox are hoping he brings the same power back this year. He was never much of an average guy but look out if he gets a piece of one.
9. Yairo Munoz
The 26 year old infielder was a surprise minor league signing last season and made his ML debut with the Boston Red Sox in September. An injury derailed crucial playing time but he's back in Worcester this season looking for another chance to crack the majors.
10. Marcus Wilson
The 24 year old centerfielder has been a nice surprise this season for Worcester so far. He's already cracked 3 home runs and stole 2 bases. If Duran is headed to Boston pretty soon, Wilson will be more than capable of handling the outfield for Worcester after Jarred is gone.
Honorable Mention: Danny Santana
Not really a prospect, Santana is rehabbing with Worcester until he's called up to the Red Sox. He was one of the few free agent signings the Boston Red Sox were high upon including Adam Ottavino and Hunter Renfroe. Santana hit 28 home runs and drove in 81 runs for the Texas Rangers in 2019 and Sox brass home he can bring the same power and rbi bat to Boston. He hurt his foot in spring training and it seems like he'll be coming up to Boston pretty soon. Whether or not he stays his anyone's guess.
That about wraps up this edition of Down on The Farm. Tune in next Monday for a look at the Portland Sea Dogs.
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