More and more in today’s baseball society, teams are relying on young talent to help them win. That is why there were so many legitimate choices for Rookie of the Year last year. Even the big market, high-spending teams rely on young talent. The Boston Red Sox rely on Jon Lester, Daniel Bard, Jacoby Ellsbury, Dustin Pedroia, and Jed Lowrie. The NY Yankees relied on Melky Cabrera, Joba Chamberlain, Phil Hughes, Phil Coke, Dave Robertson, and Alfredo Aceves to win the 2009 World Series. In 2008, the Tampa Bay Rays relied on an entire roster of young talent (with ROY Evan Longoria leading the way) to surprise all of baseball and make it to the World Series. So what young players are looking for a breakout year in 2010? What young players need breakout seasons for their team to contend for a playoff spot? In the next few days, I will look at each division and each team to discuss what players to keep an eye on in 2010.

The American League East is always being talked about as the best division in baseball because of the Red Sox and Yankees. Now people include the Rays. The Baltimore Orioles made improvements to their young roster and the Toronto Blue Jays are considering 28 year old Aaron Hill to be a veteran. Let’s take a look at the young players who need to have a breakout season or will have a breakout year in 2010:

Brett Gardner

Brett Gardner, NYY (OF): Gardner was given the starting centerfielder’s job on Opening Day in 2009. However Gardner struggled offensively early on (.214) and an injury (fractured thumb) led to a DL stint with Melky Cabrera taking over for good. He did hit .270 with 26 stolen bases in 2009. The Yankees traded for All-Star centerfielder Curtis Granderson (who may move to left field) but then traded away Cabrera. The starting outfield looks to be Gardner, Granderson, and Nick Swisher in right field. The Yankees did sign veterans Randy Winn and Marcus Thames which will push Gardner in spring training and will be looking to pounce if Gardner struggles. Manager Joe Girardi loves Gardner’s style of play as he is always hustling and rarely has a clean uniform.  During his workouts this winter, the speedy outfielder worked on bunting and has taken fly balls in right field. “…I’ve been bunting a lot, working on that more and trying to bring that back into my game,” Gardner said. “I’ll just go into Spring Training, stay healthy and do the best I can…” Could Gardner be the next Nyjer Morgan? Gardner has more defensive upside, walks more, and makes better contact. Speed is the name of his game and Gardner could wreak havoc for Yankee opponents.

Clay Buchholz

Clay Buchholz, Red Sox (RHP): Buchholz has been an enigma since splashing onto the scene in 2007 with his no-hitter. 2008 was a disaster as he was sent back to the minors (I saw him in Double-A where he pitched great in the playoffs) to try and figure things out. After starting the 2009 season in Triple-A Pawtucket, Buchholz returned to Boston when Tim Wakefield’s back troubles flared up again after the All-Star break. Buchholz went 7-4 with a 4.21 ERA in 16 starts. Down the stretch for the Red Sox, Buchholz pitched the way many expected he would. In September and October, he went 4-1 with a 2.87 ERA in 6 starts while striking out 26 and walking just 9. He made on start against the LA Angels in the divisional series and gave up just two runs in five innings. Buchholz is expected to be one of the five starters to head up north for Opening Day. With the defense around him more improved, Buchholz’ ground ball rate may be higher. However if he struggles, the Red Sox can always just bring up another young arm (like Michael Bowden or Junichi Tazawa) or trade for someone in July. Buchholz’ star is shining brightly again. It will be up to him to keep it lit.

Daniel Bard

Daniel Bard, Red Sox (RP): Bard received a significant amount of playing time in 2009 and early on manager Terry Francona limited the amount of tight pitching situations he was in. However by the end of the season, he was still lighting up the radar guns, but this time was doing it with the game on the line in the seventh or eighth innings. Bard became the reliable option to set up closer Jonathon Papelbon with speculation that he would at some point take over as closer (a job that he would love to have).  Overall Bard had a 3.65 ERA in 49.1 innings with 63 strikeouts. Coming into the 2010 season, Bard is more comfortable with his team and the situations he will pitch in. “I think you learn about getting thrown into some high-pressure situations and see how you react to them. And you say, “OK, I can do this.” It just gives you that confidence. If you fail, you say, “OK, I’ve done this before. You know what to do the next time this happens,” Bard wrote in a diary entry for ESPNBoston.com. Having confidence and being able to brush off poor performances is a trait that is hard to teach and one that will help him grow as a pitcher. He wrote that the biggest thing he learned in his rookie year was to not pitch up in the zone (especially to the Yankees). This spring training he feels more relaxed and is confident in getting the ball to Papelbon with a lead in 2010.

Tags:

Boston Red Sox, Brett Gardner, Clay Buchholz, Daniel Bard, NY Yankees, Tampa Bay Rays

With full pitcher and catcher workouts set to begin, there has been some discouraging news from some camps.

First came the news that Cliff Lee underwent foot surgery last week. He will miss the first few weeks of spring training and may not be ready for the start of the Seattle Mariners regular season. The Mariners felt that removing the floating bone spur now was better than having Lee pitch through the discomfort all season. Lee is one of the major additions the Mariners made this offseason (along with Chone Figgins, Milton Bradley, and Casey Kotchman) to make them a favorite to overtake the LA Angels in the American League West.

Jair Jurrjens

Then came news that the Atlanta Braves young hurler Jair Jurrjens was having shoulder discomfort and needed an MRI. Jurrjens did not throw during the offseason and felt the discomfort right before he left Curacao and it continued during his first throwing session in Florida. Jurrjens threw 188.1 innings in 2008 and felt fatigue down the stretch as he never threw more than 143.1 innings in a professional season. After taking conditioning tips from John Smoltz, Jurrjens did not show fatigue in 2009 as he threw 215 innings while going 14-10 with a 2.60 ERA. He was also dominant in his last five starts as he comprised a 0.97 ERA in 37 innings. Many have been waiting for the moment that Jurrjens would encounter arm problems as his workload as exploded over the last two season.

However the MRI results were encouraging as it showed just shoulder inflammation. Jurrjens will rest for the rest of the week and begin his throwing program next week. He may be set back a bit in spring training but should compile enough Grapefruit League innings to be ready at the start of the regular season. Good news for the Braves as Jurrjens is expected to carry an even larger burden after the trade of starter Javier Vazquez.

Dice-K

The Boston Red Sox made quite a few moves in the offseason and added workhorse John Lackey to bolster an already strong rotation. However the rotation is only strong if the pitchers are healthy and consistent, which the Red Sox pitchers were not in 2009. News out of Red Sox camp in Fort Myers is that right-handed starter Daisuke Matsuzaka has a sore upper back. The back injury will delay his throwing program at the start of spring training. 2009 was disappointing for Dice-K as he had two stints on the disabled list with weakness in his throwing shoulder. He made just 12 starts in 2009, going 4-6 with a 5.76 ERA. He walked 30 while striking out just 54 and opponents hit .325 against him. The back soreness may have been caused by his intense offseason workout regime that was required due to the injuries he has endured since signing with the Red Sox. The Red Sox believe that there will be plenty of time in spring training to get Dice-K ready for the regular season. The Red Sox need Dice-K is they are going to compete in the American League East and make it back to the World Series.

Tags:

Atlanta Braves, Boston Red Sox, Cliff Lee, Daisuke Matsuzaka, Jair Jurrjens, Seattle Mariners

Jon Lester

Ever since the Boston Red Sox finally broke “The Curse” in 2004 (and won the World Series again in 2007), they are perennial favorites due to a good farm system and the ability to spend money. Heading into 2009, many felt the Red Sox had too much pitching due to the offseason acquisitions of Brad Penny and John Smoltz. However by late summer, the Red Sox were looking for more pitching. Smoltz was released with an 8.33 ERA and Penny was moved to the SF Giants. They signed free agent Paul Byrd in August and he struggled to a 5.82 ERA in 7 starts. Daisuke Matsuzaka spent a good portion of the season on the DL, as did knuckerballer Tim Wakefield, and Josh Beckett was inconsistent. The Red Sox relied on Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz to carry the load and promoted Japanese prospect Junichi Tazawa after just a half season in the minors.

The bullpen was a cast of characters that wasn’t as reliable as in years past. Closer Jonathan Papelbon was not as dominant, yet the Red Sox may have found themselves a setup man in hard-throwing rookie Daniel Bard. Hideki Okajima may be showing signs of tiring after years of overuse. Gone are swingman Justin Masterson, and late-inning relievers Takashi Saito and Billy Wagner.

Offensively, many of the stars were injured or unproductive. DH David Ortiz struggled mightily through the beginning of the season, but he began to pick up steam later in the year, though only to hit .238. Rightfielder JD Drew battled through injuries for another season, leading to the promotion of rookie Josh Reddick. Jason Varitek’s game has completely left him, leading to the trade for Victor Martinez. Shortstop was a concern all season as Jed Lowrie continued to suffer through a wrist injury and Nick Green produced offensively but made frequent errors, until the addition of Alex Gonzalez (though he signed with Toronto this offseason).  Enter new shortstop Marco Scutaro who has thrived with regular playing time after making a name for himself as a utility guy.

General manager Theo Epstein has been playing the waiting game with free agent outfielder Jason Bay and has not been as active as some of the other teams in the American League East (like the Yankees and Orioles). 2010 could be Terry Francona’s best year of managing if he can guide the Red Sox into the playoffs. Here’s their wish list:

1. 

   Jason Bay

   A leftfielder: Tops on the list would be to re-sign Jason Bay, then if not, maybe make a run at Matt Holliday. However neither seem eager to sign anytime soon. This offseason the Red Sox signed veteran Mike Cameron, who is a good defender but the Red Sox already have a great centerfielder in Jacoby Ellsbury. Will a move to left for Ellsbury create tension with the club? If JD Drew cannot play everyday, the Red Sox will still be short an outfielder, unless they sign a bench player or let rookie Josh Reddick fill that role (though some more seasoning in the minors would be best). Cameron may provide better defense than Bay, but his offense is not at the same level.

2. A big bat: If Bay does not sign, the Red Sox need a big bat. Outside of Victor Martinez, Dustin Pedroia, and Kevin Youkilis, the Red Sox have no idea what they will get out of the rest of the lineup. They do not have anyone that will hit 40 homeruns in a season. Rumors have them linked to San Diego Padres first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, but a deal will probably cost them the farm system and Clay Buchholz. With the thumb injury to third baseman Mike Lowell (making him untradeable) the Red Sox are unsure of who will play third, first, and catch (can they afford to have Jason Varitek catch regularly with Youkilis at third and Martinez at first or will Kotchman play first, putting Martinez behind the plate?).
3. 

   John Lackey

   Starting pitching: The Red Sox learned last year that you can never have enough pitching. They went out and signed top free agent pitcher John Lackey and he will complement the pieces that are already there. However, there are question marks to the rotation. Can Dice-K stay healthy? Can Buchholz repeat the success he had in 2009? Can Beckett be consistent or is his workload catching up to him? Can Wakefield’s back make it through an entire season? Will they finally give prospect Michael Bowden a legitimate shot and is Junichi Tazawa ready? They traded for Minnesota Twins pitcher Boof Bonser, who was hurt for all of 2009, but gave up a possible young bullpen piece (Chris Province). Not sure where, or if, Bonser will fit into the pitching staff. I think the Red Sox need another starter. Rumors have them interested in Ben Sheets, who did not pitch at all in 2009, or they could use someone from the farm system.

4. Bullpen help: Outside of closer Jonathan Papelbon, righty Daniel Bard, and lefty Hideki Okajima, I’m not sure there are any guaranteed spots in the pen. And the above three had their struggles in 2009. Manny Delcarmen was left off the playoff roster and fell out of faith with the Red Sox Nation. Ramon Ramirez had a solid ERA, but blew 4 saves and gave up quite a few inherited runners. Rookie Dustin Richardson was effective in his three innings of work in September and followed a successful minor league season with a solid stint in the Arizona Fall League. The key to winning it all is to have a great and solid bullpen. As of right now, they do not.

Tags:

Boston Red Sox, Clay Buchholz, Daisuke Matsuzaka, Daniel Bard, David Ortiz, Dustin Pedroia, Hideki Okajima, Jason Bay, Jason Varitek, John Lackey, Jonathan Papelbon, Josh Beckett, Josh Reddick, Junichi Tazawa, Kevin Youkilis, Manny Delcarmen, Mike Cameron, Mike Lowell, Victor Martinez

The future for the Red Sox at shortstop could be great if the scouting reports on two young prospects are correct. With the Red Sox declining Alex Gonzalez’ option for 2010, whoever plays shortstop (Jed Lowrie, Gonzalez, or someone else) in 2010 could just be keeping the job warm for one of the youngsters.

After signing international free agent Jose Iglesias in July for over $8 million, many in Red Sox Nation want him in the majors now. However Iglesias is just 19 years old and a shortstop learning the US game (he defected from Cuba). In the Rising Stars game in the AFL, he looked overmatched, striking out twice (though it was only 2 at-bats and hardly an indication of his talent or future). He is considered to be flashy at shortstop and is considered big league ready defensively, though his offense lags behind. The AFL is Iglesias’ first experience in professional baseball and he is handling the bat pretty well overall (.286, 2 HR, 11 RBI, 3 SB), even though he had not played in over a year. He also drove in five runs in a game in the AFL. The Red Sox director of player development Mike Hazen stated in an interview with Joe McDonald that “He’s a fun player to watch with a lot of energy. He has a clear passion for the game…”

Casey Kelly pitching for Greenville

The Red Sox will need to have a discussion with their other young shortstop, to try and decide his future: as either a shortstop or a pitcher. The Red Sox allowed Casey Kelly to split 2009: the first half as a pitcher and the second half as a shortstop which has continued in the AFL. The first round pick in 2008 was wooed away from the University of Tennessee to play quarterback so long as the Red Sox allowed him to pitch and play shortstop. Kelly said that he has followed his heart with his decision to play baseball instead of going to college to play football and will continue to follow his heart when making this decision too. Many believe he could be a Roy Hallady-type pitcher, the same pitcher he was almost traded for. In the AFL, Kelly has played in just 7 games, hitting .240 with 4 RBIs and 5 walks.

The Red Sox have a few bullpen options coming through the organization (besides Richardson) participating in the AFL. Chris Province began his career as a starter in the Red Sox organization, but moved to the bullpen in 2009. The 4th round draft pick in 2007 out of Southeastern Louisiana University, Province was great at Double-A Portland in 43 games. As an Eastern League All-Star, Province was 2-4 with a 2.60 ERA and 55 strikeouts. In the AFL, he has been just as good, posting a 2.79 ERA in 8 games with 2 saves, 8 strikeouts, and no homeruns allowed.

Richie Lentz seemed to be on the fast track to Boston after progressing well in 2008. However the 19th round pick in 2006 out of the University of Washington regressed in 2009 after repeating Double-A Portland. In 29 games, he had a 6.75 ERA with 33 walks and 48 strikeouts. The command issues Lentz had battled throughout his career came out in full force. The AFL season has brought better results for Lentz as he is 1-0 with a 1.98 ERA in 9 games. Opponents are hitting just .200 against him and have 13 strikeouts to just 2 walks. Lentz draws incentive from his friend and former college teammate Tim Lincecum because he wants to go as far as he can in baseball. Everything that went wrong with Lentz in 2009 has mainly been mental and as he stated in an interview with Boston Baseball “…I just want to make sure that I keep my head on my shoulders and the little man off.” If Lentz can recover from his terrible 2009 season, he should be back on the fast track and could be part of the Boston bullpen by the end of 2010.

Ryan Kalish batting with Portland

In 2009 for outfielder Ryan Kalish, he got back to just being aggressive at the plate. He hit .279 with 24 doubles, 6 triples, and 18 homeruns in 135 games. Kalish also had 77 RBIs, 21 stolen bases, and 68 walks. Completely over his wrist injury, he has his power stroke back to go with his other well-rounded tools. He has progressed with the mental game, like relaxing and letting the game come to him. Despite the fact that Kalish is expected to be at the top of the 2010 prospect rankings, this outfielder is playing the game for himself, not anyone else, and is looking at being a prospect as a blessing. As a 9th round pick in 2006, he keeps things simple. Teammates call him a caveman because he doesn’t pay attention to stats or analyze stuff. In the offseason, he is going to work on getting stronger and faster. In the AFL, Kalish is hitting .288 in 17 games with 14 RBIs. He is also hitting .450 with 14 RBIs with runners in scoring position. In an interview with Baseball Prospectus, Kalish stated “In the end, the baseball gods will reward the people that play the game right. You’re hustling balls out for the team, and you have the right mental approach where it’s not all about yourself. The game tends to reward people…” Kalish has the right attitude for an up-and-coming player and look to see him in Boston roaming the Fenway Park outfield in the near future.

Tags:

Arizona Fall League, Boston Red Sox, Casey Kelly, Chris Province, Jose Iglesias, Richie Lentz, Ryan Kalish

The Boston Red Sox have an organization filled with possible major league talent. Having the Futures at Fenway doubleheaders in August at Fenway Park gave Red Sox Nation an opportunity to see the prospects of the organization in the big league ballpark. A few of those players are participating in the Arizona Fall League for the Mesa Solar Sox.

Dustin Richardson pitching for Pawtucket

The first, Dustin Richardson, made his major league debut on September 28th after a whirlwind season starting in Double-A Portland, where he was named as an Eastern League All-Star, to Triple-A Pawtucket, and then to Ft. Myers to prepare for a possible call up. The 6’5 lefty that was drafted in the 5th round of the 2006 draft out of Texas Tech, made his debut on the same day he arrived in Boston when manager Terry Francona called on him with 2 outs and 2 men on base to face the Toronto Blue Jays All-Star second baseman Aaron Hill (and he did not allow a run). He admitted to reporters after the game that “It took me until about the third inning to finally realize I was a baseball player again…I just wanted to hit the fast-forward button and get out there and get it over with…” In 3 games in the majors, Richardson pitched 3.1 innings without allowing a run. Since moving to the bullpen, Richardson has been successful. In 2009 with Double-A Portland and Triple-A Pawtucket, he was 2-2 with a 2.55 ERA in 45 games with 96 strikeouts. The only lefty with a spot in the Red Sox bullpen in 2010 is Hideki Okajima and Richardson’s performance in the AFL could make him a front-runner to join hard-throwing rookie Daniel Bard in the back end of the bullpen in 2010. So far, Richardson has struggled a bit in the AFL, going 0-1 with a 6.52 ERA in 9 games, though he has 14 strikeouts. Four of the seven runs he has allowed came on a game-ending grand slam.

Randor Bierd, who was acquired from the Baltimore Orioles for David Pauley in January of 2008, spent the entire 2009 season in Triple-A Pawtucket. His numbers were okay, going 3-1 in 25 games (7 starts) with a 4.55 ERA. In the AFL, Bierd has been starting, and although opponents are only hitting .228 against him, he has allowed 10 walks and holds a 5.40 ERA in 6 starts. He started out well in his first 3 starts in the AFL, but has struggled as of late. Bierd could be given an opportunity to start for the Red Sox in 2010 or provide middle-relief out of the bullpen.

With the acquisition of catcher Victor Martinez, the Red Sox have some time to wait for their catchers to develop. With George Kottaras, Dusty Brown, Mark Wagner, and John Otness at the upper levels, Luis Exposito will be given the opportunity to mature and develop his game-calling and leadership. As a draft-and-follow in 2006 out of St. Petersburg Junior College, he attracted the Red Sox with his defensive ability though he has also added power potential. While splitting 2009 between Single-A Salem and Double-A Portland, he hit .287 in 99 games, with 29 doubles, 9 homeruns, and 57 RBIs. Exposito will probably begin the 2010 season starting in Portland, but with a good showing in the AFL (he his hitting .282 in 11 games) and spring training, he could move quickly. 2011 could be the year he starts in Boston.

Tags:

Arizona Fall League, Boston Red Sox, Dustin Richardson, Luis Exposito, Randor Bierd