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Crockett is replacing Mike Hazen, who is general manager Ben Cherington's top assistant. Before spring training ends, Crockett spoke with NESN.com to discuss the progression of the players in the Red Sox farm system.
NESN.com: How would you characterize the state of the farm system as you take over?
Ben Crockett: I think the farm system is in a pretty good place right now. I think we have a group of upper-level guys that –– some were in big league camp and some not quite yet –– but a group there that's knocking on the door of the major leagues and could potentially help this year if needed and if they continue to perform the way they have. I think there's a wave behind them of pretty high-upside, young players that took steps forward last year and have continued to impress in camp here. From top to bottom, we're pretty pleased with the way things are. We're going to try to improve and the staff and coordinators have worked very hard this spring to get these guys going. The players, to their credit, have rose to that challenge and have matched that effort.
NESN.com: Bobby Valentine has talked about possibly getting Lars Anderson reps in the outfield in the minors, what are your thoughts on that?
BC: I know he was working out there in big league camp and it's really something that we'll encourage. I think the more positions a guy can play, the better opportunities they're going to have to get at-bats and get opportunities. Certainly Lars had a good season for us, had a real good spring training on the major league side and wherever he is, he’ll get a lot of at-bats.
NESN.com: What's impressed you the most about Lars' strong spring?
BC: He hasn't been down in minor league camp yet, so I haven't seen him on an everyday basis, but everything I saw in major league camp –– and everything I heard from the staff up there –– is that he truly believes he's a major leaguer now. He came in physically ready to go and made a few mechanical adjustments, but I think the primary thing was the confidence and really feeling comfortable in that environment –– looking around and realizing he has the talent to be in that group and belongs there. Whether it's now or down the road.
NESN.com: Alex Wilson had a strong year in the minors last year, what are you looking for from him in 2012?
BC: Alex is going to get a regular turn in the rotation. We need to continue to see that development. He did a great job in Portland last year, jumped up to Pawtucket and really didn't skip a beat. That was pretty impressive. In big league camp, he got to throw a little bit –– as is the nature of a younger guy there –– but didn't get to throw quite as much. Now, he's back down here to kind of get his innings built up and get ready to get going. He had a really impressive performance [recently]. That was very nice to see and kind of puts him on track to start the season.
NESN.com: How's that changeup he's been working on looked to you?
BC: The changeup was really good the other day. I think he threw 10 or 12 of them for strikes and it was pretty impressive. As a starter, certainly to have that three-pitch mix is very important. He certainly has that fastball velocity and has the power slider and the changeup. At times, it was a weapon for him last year. And at other times, he didn't have as good a feel for it. So just gaining the consistency with that and improving the fastball command, which is key to any major league pitcher.
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