Ryan Dent

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Boston Red Sox #28 prospect in 2010
  Dent played with Twins top prospect Aaron Hicks on the Wilson High (Long Beach) team that won the 2007 national championship. The Red Sox rated Dent as a first-round talent that year and were delighted to get him with the 62nd-overall pick and sign him for $571,000. He had a miserable first full pro season in 2008, leading the New York-Penn League in strikeouts (87) and finishing with the worst batting average (.154) in the circuit. Dent made drastic improvements in 2009, recognizing pitches and managing his at-bats better, giving hope that he one day will take advantage of his tremendous bat speed and raw power. He still swings too often early in the count and pulls off too many pitches, so there's more work to be done. He has plus speed and basestealing aptitude, though he could be more aggressive on the bases. Boston's 2009 minor league defensive player of the year, Dent has split time between second base and shortstop as a pro. His actions, range and arm are all solid. The Red Sox think he plays better at shortstop, though he's destined to see more time at second base (and perhaps center field) after the Red Sox signed Jose Iglesias and Jose Vinicio on the international market last year. Dent will try to maintain his progress this year in high Class A.
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  Ranked Boston Red Sox #15 prospect in 2008
  The Red Sox slotted Nick Hagadone at No. 18 and Dent at No. 19 on their draft board, but didn't have a pick in the first round after giving theirs up as compensation for free agent Julio Lugo, so they weren't sure they'd get either player. They got both, however, taking Hagadone 55th overall and Dent 62nd. Dent had starred on the showcase circuit the previous year, helping the Reds' scout team win the World Wood Bat Association championship. He signed two days before the Aug. 15 signing deadline for $571,000, which was slightly over slot and $500 less than Hagadone's bonus. Dent was one of the best athletes in the draft. He can go from the right side of the plate to first base in 4.1 seconds, and he's also strong enough to drive balls into the gaps. He could develop 15-20 homer power in time. He has a quick stroke and sound hitting mechanics, and he should hit for average if he tones down his aggressiveness. Despite his speed and athleticism, he's not smooth at shortstop. His actions, range and arm are all just average, unlike the rest of his physical tools. The Red Sox see him as a shortstop and would like to play him there, but they also have more shortstops than they know what to do with. With Oscar Tejeda ticketed for low Class A, Dent will get the bulk of his playing time at second base if he's assigned there as well. Center field is another option for him, though Boston definitely will keep him in the infield for now.