JAN

12

The good news for the Sox is they received important contrubutions in 2007 from their top two prospects on this list. The bad news is other than those two players it will be awhile before another rookie makes a similar impact.   1) Clay Buchholz, 23, RHP, first round supplemental, 2005 Brother of Colorado Rockies pitcher Taylor Buchholz. Became 21st rookie in ML history to throw a no-hitter, doing so in just his second career start. Led all minor leaguers with 12 strikeouts per start. Compensation pick from the Mets for the signing of Pedro Martinez. Both curveball and change rank at 70 on the 20/80 scout scale, low 90's fastball is third best pitch. Picked up a slider in 2007 spring training which already is ML average. Previous make-up issues, including arrests for theft and breaking and entering the Sox feel were one time college pranks, there have been no other off field issues to this point. A top athlete in the system, Buchholz' time in the 60 is better than Jacoby Ellsbury's. Weaknesses are stamina, he would have been on Boston's postseason roster except he was shut down with a case of dead arm. Also doesn't throw his fastball enough, his other pitches are so good. Boston would like to see a better mix in pitch selection. Easily Boston's best pitching prospect since Roger Clemens, Buchholz is a lock for a spot in the Bosox' 2008 rotation. 2) Jacoby Ellsbury, 24, lefthanded hitting and throwing outfielder, first round, 2005 Hit .353 for Boston in 116 regular season AB's, then upped the mark to .438 in the postseason. Plus speed, stole 50 of 57 attempts last season. Takes good routes and gets good reads off the bat in CF, speed just another plus in the OF. Has an inside out swing totally devoid of power, has 10 career homers in over 1000 career atbats. Arm is below average. Red Sox put him on an off-season strengthening program and feel 10-15 homers to be a realistic goal. Ellsbury's 2008 location is dependant on incumbent CF Coco Crisp, if he is in Bo...

Read the full post at ArmchairGM

• ArmchairGM Need a Cure for that Daytona/All Star Hangover? Check out Walker's Rants Feb 19
• Lion in Oil LIO Goes Curling Feb 19
• The Big Lead Wrapping Up an HGH-Filled Offseason Feb 19
• Fox Sports Pettitte apologizes, stays mum on Clemens Feb 19
• ArmchairGM Dead Soxy: 2008 Spring Training Edition Feb 19
• Dan Shanoff Tuesday 02/19 A.M. Quickie:Pettitte, Kidd, Texas, Hank S-brenner, More Feb 19
• Bugs and Cranks Reactions to Pettitte's press conference Feb 19
• AOL Fanhouse Hank Steinbrenner's Glass House is Destroyed by Football Shaped Stone Feb 19