Michael Alamanzar

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Boston Red Sox #9 prospect in 2009
  The son of former big league pitcher Carlos Almanzar, Michael signed in 2007 for $1.5 million, a club record for a Latin American amateur. He was advanced enough offensively that the Red Sox let him make his U.S. debut and even promoted him to low Class A at age 17. Almanzar has the swing, bat speed and leverage to hit for huge power once he matures physically. Given his bloodlines, it's no surprise he has better instincts and strike-zone awareness than most players his age. He's athletic for his size and shows a plus arm at third base. Almanzar is so young and raw that he'll require time to add strength and refine his tools. His struggles in the South Atlantic League were no surprise. He's a below-average runner and doesn't have a quick first step, so he may need to move from third to first base down the road. He needs more consistency with his approach and his defense, particularly on throws. Once again in 2009, Almanzar will be one of the youngest players in the SAL. Will Middlebrooks also is ready for Greenville, so Almanzar may have to share third base and see some time at DH.
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  Ranked Boston Red Sox #16 prospect in 2008
  To sign Almanzar out of the Dominican Republic last summer, Boston gave him a $1.5 million bonus, a club record for a Latin American player. He's the son of former big leaguer Carlos Almanzar, who pitched in the Red Sox system in 2007. Michael is lanky and athletic, with the bat speed and leverage to hit for a ton of power once he matures physically. He's just 6-foot-5 and 180 pounds now, so there's room for him to add a significant amount of strength--and he already had legitimate gap power as a 16-year-old. He has a good load and trigger in his swing, and though there's some bat wrap in the back of his stroke, it doesn't hamper him. Almanzar played shortstop in the Dominican but will play third base in pro ball. He runs well, but at his size he'd almost certainly outgrow shortstop. He's more fluid and has better actions at the hot corner. He has the arm to make the longer throws, as it's plenty strong. He needs to remember to keep his elbow up so his tosses will be more accurate. Almanzar will need plenty of time to develop because he's so young and skinny. Given his background in baseball and his makeup, Boston believes he can handle an assignment to the Gulf Coast League this year at age 17.