Tuesday, December 17, 2013

'Baseball America' Sees Sox Depth For Years

As the authoritative Baseball America points out, the surprising World Champion Red Sox were able to go from worst to first by adding seven free agents without sacrificing one chip in their stellar farm system. That may be Ben Cherington's lasting 2013 legacy—a ring and an intact organization. The publication goes on to list the top ten prospects in Boston's system—headlined by Xander Bogaerts, Henry Owens and Jackie Bradley, Jr. The team's organizational depth is impressive at nearly every spot on the diamond—but starting pitching, catching and the left side of the infield (which allowed for the Jose Iglesias deal) are particularly rich. Kudos to Cherington (a guy whose tenure preceded this ownership group) for setting up this franchise for both short and long-term success.