Which prospect will be the next to emerge and follow in the footsteps of Jacoby Ellsbury, Jed Lowrie, Dustin Pedroia, Jon Lester, Justin Masterson and Clay Buchholz?
-- Bruce H., Watertown, Mass.
Really, it starts with Buchholz. Though he did emerge in 2007, he took a huge step back in '08 and the Sox would love to have him become a big part of their team in 2009. Buchholz is currently regaining his confidence in what has thus far been a highly successful stint in the Arizona Fall League.
Other than that, keep a close eye on Michael Bowden. I wouldn't be surprised if you see him by July or August, much like Jonathan Papelbon in '05 or Masterson in 2008. As far as position players go, Lars Anderson is probably the best hitter they have in the system right now. The first baseman spent the last 41 games of the season at Double-A Portland and will presumably continue there in 2009.
I'm really hoping that Clay Buchholz can move on from his less than stellar 2008 bomb of a season and look to start having the success that we all know he's capable of having given the stuff that he has. He has a real solid repertoire of pitches. His curveball and changeup are definitely above average but it has just been a matter of locating those pitches. If he can start locating his pitches more efficiently and work on his strength and conditioning to add some more velocity to his fastball, I feel he can really contribute to this team.
But yeah, in all seriousness, I agree. Everyone has a bad year.
I hope not, he's definitely a good prospect who will come into his own shortly, he just needs a bit more time.
