2012 Draft Report Cards: Boston Red Sox

By Jim Callis
October 17, 2012

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See also: Draft Report Card Index

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POSITION PLAYERS

QUICK TAKE

The Red Sox were thrilled to get Marrero with the No. 24 choice. He was the only position player they signed for more than $100,000, and after him they focused on restocking the system's pitching

Bonus spending: $7.9 million

Best Pure Hitter: SS Deven Marrero (1) hit just .284 in the spring at Arizona State, but Boston believes in his track record of producing with wood bats. Best Power Hitter: The best raw power belongs to LHP Brian Johnson (1) and RHP Austin Maddox (3), who were two-way players at Florida but will focus on pitching as pros. Among the long-term hitters, 1B Nathan Minnich (8) has the most usable pop. The 2012 NCAA Division II player of the year, he led that level with a .980 slugging percentage while setting Shepherd (W.Va.) records for single-season (21) and career (58) homers. Fastest Runner: OF Khiry Cooper (25) also uses his plus-plus speed as a wide receiver at Tulsa. OF Iseha Conklin (19) has 65 speed on the 20-80 scouting scale. Best Defensive Player:Marrero is a rare college shortstop who should not have a problem staying at the position. He has smooth actions to go with plenty of range and arm strength.

PITCHERS

Best Fastball: The Red Sox rated RHP Pat Light's (1s) fastball as one of the best in the draft because of its combination of velocity and heavy life. He sits at 92-94 mph and has reached 97. Johnson stunned Boston by hitting 98 when facing a college rival in pro ball, but he usually pitches 88-91 mph. Maddox and RHP Ty Buttrey (4) can get to 96. Best Secondary Pitch:Buttrey, who signed for $1.3 million, has a knuckle-curve that needs more consistency but could develop into a true out pitch. Johnson has outstanding feel for both a curveball and slider that could be solid pitches.

ODDS AND ENDS

Best Pro Debut: RHP J.B. Wendelken (13) had a 1.27 ERA, 28-3 K-BB ratio and .147 opponent average in 21 innings in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League. Best Athlete: OF Shaq Thompson (18), who went 0-for-39 with 37 strikeouts in the GCL, is starting at safety for Washington as a freshman. Cooper also plays college football, as does OF Brandon Magee (23), an Arizona State linebacker with NFL potential. Among the baseball-only group, Conklin has the most athleticism. Most Intriguing Background:Johnson's mother is a former Doublemint twin. C J.T. Watkins' (10) father Danny scouts for Boston. J.T. signed but will fulfill his Army commitment first. Marrero's cousin Chris was a 2006 first-rounder and has played in the majors. Closest To The Majors:Johnson, provided he doesn't have any setbacks after taking a liner to the face in mid-August. The sleeper candidate is RHP Mike Augliera (5), a reliever who lives off his command of his solid fastball. Best Late-Round Pick:Wendelken, who posted a 0.20 ERA at Middle Georgia JC, commands his 91-92 mph fastball well. RHP Stephen Williams (16) touched 94 mph in instructional league. The One Who Got Away: RHP Carson Fulmer (15), who has a 92-95 mph fastball, headed to Vanderbilt, and 2B Alex Bregman (29), an undersized but gifted hitter, opted for Louisiana State.