Posts Tagged ‘Ryan Kalish’
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April Farm Report: A Master and His Bard - Part 2May 2nd, 2008
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In continuing my quick and dirty April farm report for the Red Sox, it’s now time to assess the organization’s Single-A affiliates.
Ah yes, the lower levels of the minor leagues, where young high-ceiling prospects either thrive towards a quick promotion from obscurity or languish into the doldrums of baseball mediocrity.
A quick note before we proceed: Lancaster’s Clear Channel Stadium is a joke.
Now, let me explain. You see, the park sits 2,500 feet above sea level with high winds … no, rather, a jet stream … consistently blowing straight out to right field all day, every day. In terms of park factors, we’re talking about the (pre-humidor) Coors Field Effect times ten here.
Don’t believe me? OK, chew on this: last season, a series between Lancaster and Lake Elsinore produced not only a 30-0 game but a total of 95 hits (!), 83 runs (!!), and 23 home runs (!!!) in all during the three-game set. Yikes.
Therefore, as a result, the stadium is a hitter’s paradise and a pitcher’s worst nightmare, Freddy Krueger style. And it’s also not limited to just Lancaster as most parks in the California League favor the batsmen over their counterpart atop the mound. So, keep that in mind.
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April Farm Report: A Master and His Bard - Part 1May 1st, 2008
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There’s a reason why many Red Sox followers remained hesitant when it came to the discussed but never-to-be trade for ace lefty and change-up king Johan Santana this past off-season.
Just call it prospect envy.
With the success of second baseman Dustin Pedroia, last year’s American League Rookie of the Year, center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury, a key cog in Boston’s World Series sweep of the Rockies, and right-hander Clay Buchholz, owner of a no-hitter in his second major league start, the fans of the Olde Towne Team are starting to expect similar results from each farmhand that makes his way up to the big club.
Add into the mix shortstop Jed Lowire, who has filled in admirably as a super-sub on the major league roster due to injuries in the Boston infield this season, and right-hander Justin Masterson’s impressive spot start against the Angels last week, and this phenomenon of lusting after the unknown—like the backup quarterback in football—only intensifies.
And fans aren’t alone when it comes to prospect envy.
Ultimately, the Red Sox front office, led by general manager Theo Epstein, felt the price for Santana—four top prospects … and a huge contract—was not one worth paying.