Guest Blogger: PawSox Heavy Profiles the Team

We have very, very few fan blogs about minor league teams and PawSox Heavy is one of those stalwart few. PawSox Heavy is focused on the Boston Red Sox AAA team, the Pawtucket Red Sox. The Bulls only 2013 visit to Pawtucket will will be over the next four days and the PawSox don’t show up in Durham until after the mid-July All-Star game. Given the nature of AAA baseball, by that time the Red Sox (and the Bulls) are likely to be very different teams.

We recently emailed Jenks and asked if we could get a profile of the this year’s team and Jenks very kindly sent up this interesting look at her team:

This season’s Pawtucket Red Sox sees a return of developing players, along with the usual mix of career minor leaguers, former major leaguers, players looking to repair their career, and of course, Jackie Bradley Jr. So far, many of these players seem capable of helping out Boston in case of emergency. 

What stands out most about the 2013 team is the offense. In recent years, Pawtucket has seen decent pitching with a deficit of run support. Currently, though, Pawtucket is third in its league in runs scored per game, behind only the Durham Bulls and the relentless Buffalo Bisons. 

One offensive standout is top-ten prospect Bryce Brentz. Brentz, a right-handed corner outfielder, immediately displayed his ability to hit for power and drive in runs. Other bats considered to be organizational depth include former Cardinals stock Mark Hamilton, first baseman Brandon Snyder, and  outfielder Jeremy Hazelbaker. And catcher Ryan Lavarnway is back in Pawtucket, still working on his defense behind the plate.  

Two pitchers to watch out for this season are Allen Webster and Rubby De la Rosa, both acquired from the Dodgers in 2012’s blockbuster trade. Young prospect Webster is a groundball pitcher with potential to start in the majors. De la Rosa has had a few rough early starts, but should level out as the season progresses and he works on controlling his fastball. 

Of course, the two players that generate the most excitement are talented outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr, fresh off a stint with Boston, and shortstop Jose Iglesias. Iglesias, who’s known for his dazzling defense, has shown improvement at the plate and is generating more contact. Bradley has only just begun to play at the Triple-A level, but it will be exciting to see how much he accomplished at that level. 

The PawSox won the Governors’ Cup in 2012, the first time in 28 years. Perhaps the team, led by new manager Gary DiSarcina, will have a shot at repeating the accomplishment. 

You will note the mention of the Governors’ Cup in the last paragraph. That tells you the writer is an International League Triple -A fan — who else cares about the Governors’ Cup?

Thank You Jenks! If you ever make it to the DBAP stop by Section 207, Row L. Good luck to your Sox for the rest of the season — that would be after the Bulls leave on Sunday.