The Red Sox are coming off two painfully embarrassing seasons, and while fans will rightfully expect things to be turned around quickly, they can also take solace in the fact that the farm system is getting stronger.
The Red Sox' top 10 prospects list was unveiled on BaseballAmerica.com on Wednesday, and the Boston list is as impressive as it's been in a long time.
There shouldn't be much surprise as to who leads the way. Shortstop Xander Bogaerts is the No. 1 choice from Baseball America. The 20-year-old shortstop was the club's minor league offensive player of the year in 2012 after hitting .307 with 20 home runs and 81 RBIs while seeing time in both Single-A Salem and Double-A Portland. Bogaerts, who represented the organization at the Futures Game this summer in Kansas City, is believed to have All-Star potential.
Jackie Bradley Jr., who was the club's 2012 minor league defensive player of the year, found himself in the second spot. He had a fine year this season, hitting for average and power in the process of reaching Double-A Portland. There are plenty who believe that he could reach the majors as early as late 2013, and some even think he could be Jacoby Ellsbury's successor if the current big league center fielder walks following the 2013 season.
UConn product Matt Barnes follows at No. 3, and Allen Webster, who was acquired in the August mega deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers, sits at fourth on the list.
Check out Baseball America's top 10 Red Sox prospects below, and get more information on the list and the Boston farm system by clicking here.
1. Xander Bogaerts, SS
2. Jackie Bradley, OF
3. Matt Barnes, RHP
4. Allen Webster, RHP
5. Henry Owens, LHP
6. Blake Swihart, C
7. Garrin Cecchini, 3B
8. Bryce Brentz, OF
9. Jose Iglesias, SS
10. Deven Marrero, SS
