Beau Vaughan

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Boston Red Sox #25 prospect in 2005
  Though Vaughan is similar physically to Jon Papelbon and went one round ahead of him in the 2003 draft, their paths diverged last year. While Papelbon became the organization's top pitching prospect, Vaughan took a step backward, starting with arriving in spring training in less than optimal shape. He came down with a tired arm, so he opened the season in extended spring and didn't make his first start until late May. More arm fatigue meant his season also ended three weeks early. Not only does Vaughan need to improve his conditioning, but he also needs to change his approach on the mound. Though he has an 89-93 mph fastball and an 82-84 mph slider, he likes to nibble with offspeed stuff early in the count. He does have a true curveball and flashes a nice changeup, but Vaughan must realize he'll have more success if he gets ahead by establishing his fastball. The Red Sox hope Vaughan will be motivated to prove his disappointing 2004 was an aberration. He may have to go back to low Class A and start over.
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  Ranked Boston Red Sox #15 prospect in 2004
  Vaughan wasn't drafted out of Phoenix Junio College (2000), South Mountain (Ariz.) Community College (2001) or New Orleans (2002), so he transferred to Arizona State and blossomed into a third-round pick. He's similar to Jon Papelbon, who went one round later last June. They're the same size and have similar stuff, though Papelbon's is slightly better. They're two of the more physical pitchers in the system. Vaughan's best pitch is his 90-94 mph fastball, though he doesn't throw it enough. He has an 82-84 mph slider that he used to trick college hitters using aluminum bats, and the Red Sox are trying to get him to understand that his fastball will work better against wood. His changeup is better than Papelbon's, but his command, delivery and conditioning aren't quite as good. Vaughan and Papelbon should move through the minors together, beginning 2004 in the low Class A rotation.