When your season is a 162-game grind, having this kind of depth is hugely important. Injuries are going to happen and players are going to underperform for long stretches, giving you needs that you didn’t anticipate in February and March. As such, it’s important to complement your major-league depth with plenty of reinforcements on the farm. We all know about how highly regarded this Boston farm system is, but that’s in terms of overall talent. Do they have the proper depth in the upper levels to help out the big-league squad at any position where a need may pop up?

Catcher

We’ll start behind the plate, because that’s usually where people start this kind of thing and I have a crippling inability to think for myself. It’s here where the Red Sox possess an impressive amount of depth that will be the envy of the league barring any sort of trade. Boston wasn’t one of the best teams in the league here last year, but they’ll likely be returning a Blake Swihart/Ryan Hanigan duo that looked much better down the stretch. On top of that, they’ll also have Christian Vazquez back from his Tommy John rehab. The defensive wizard will probably work the rust off in Triple-A, but he’ll be ready whenever an injury occurs and gives the Red Sox maybe the best third catcher in the league. Sandy Leon accepted his assignment to Pawtucket after the season, giving them even more depth behind the plate. This will not be a worry this winter.

Infield

As I mentioned before, the Red Sox have two perfect backup infielders in Holt and Shaw, as they can both handle multiple positions and have shown an ability to thrive in an everyday role. However, if/when they need to step into the starting lineup, that will open up empty bench spots. In Pawtucket, they look like they’ll have some middle infield options, but the corner infield could be more iffy. Starting up the middle, Deven Marrero is the obvious guy to look to. He’s a plus defender and came up for the first time in 2015. There’s still plenty to worry about with his bat, but as a third option coming from Triple-A he works just fine. However, Marrero is also a possible trade candidate, which could leave a hole. Luckily, Boston acquired Marco Hernandez as the player to be named later in the Felix Doubront deal a couple years ago, and he looks like a future utility player. While he doesn’t possess the same kind of glove as Marrero, he plays good defense at both second base and shortstop. Hernandez has also showed off solid bat-to-ball skills in the minors and should see some MLB time in 2016.

On the corners, things are a little less certain, as Boston’s depth depends on some reclamation projects. Chief among them in Allen Craig, who was outrighted off the 40-man roster once again. The only way he’ll see the majors again is if he lights the International League on fire over the first month or two of the season. Garin Cecchini never reached the heights of Craig, but he’s also fallen pretty far from his top prospect days, and 2016 could be his last chance to earn a permanent spot on a major-league roster. Finally, Sean Coyle was one of the dark horses to play a role on the 2015 team, but injuries and underperformance in the minors nixed that idea. It doesn’t look likely that any of these players will bounce all the way back in 2016, but there is some hope here that at least one can get back to (or finally reach) a respectable level.

Outfield

I alluded to this above, but this is the weakest area on the roster in terms of depth. Their current starting trio is full of youth and potential, but there’s not a lot of that in Pawtucket right now. On Opening Day, the only player who will be ready to step right in from Triple-A appears to be Bryce Brentz. That says about all you need to hear about the situation. Manuel Margot spent a good portion of last year in Double-A and should see Pawtucket at some point in 2016, but he’s not a viable depth option until at least July. That’s if he even stays with the organization. Expect the Red Sox to dip their toes into the minor-league free agent pool to find some extra outfield depth.

Rotation

This is the antithesis of the outfield, as Pawtucket’s rotation should be filled with viable rotation depth for the majors. There’s a chance that Henry Owens, Brian Johnson and Steven Wright all start the year in that rotation, and they are likely to be three of the top four backup starting pitchers, along with Joe Kelly. You can never have enough starting pitching, of course, and they could look for some more depth to add to this group, but it’s not a dire need at this moment if they add some quality to the top.

Bullpen

Like the rotation, the Red Sox should have plenty of relief arms handy in the Pawtucket bullpen. We saw the same pattern in 2015, as there were plenty of options to call upon when a fresh arm was needed. Of course, the issue was that none of those arms were particularly good. They’ll likely be looking at a similar cast of faces in 2016, at least to start the year. Heath Hembree, Jonathan Aro and Edwin Escobar will lead the way, although Pat Light and Jorge Marban should be able to provide some depth as well. Later in the year, Brandon Workman could be back in the mix and guys like Madison Younginer and Williams Jerez could have taken an unexpected step forward. Bullpen depth changes and evolves quickly and often, but as of right now there is some solid depth to pick from in case of injury.

★★★

The Red Sox are going to be focusing on the David Prices of the world this winter, but every year we see the best teams in the league rely on strong depth. Injuries happen to every ball club, and players who start the year in the minors have to play unexpectedly large roles in the middle of the season. Boston appears to be prepared for this scenario at most positions, with corner infield potentially being an issue and the outfield looking particularly shallow. While most of your attention can be paid to the big names, don’t forget about the depth pieces that get brought in to supplement the fringes of the roster.

Photo by Greg M. Cooper/USA Today Sports Images

Triple-A Pawtucket

Player of the year: Deven Marrero, INF — This selection is telling of the kind of year it was in Pawtucket. The team’s lineup this season consisted primarily of major league castoffs such as Allen Craig and Jackie Bradley Jr., and then there was Marrero trying to earn his first big league callup. Although his numbers weren’t impressive — a .250 true average and .309 wOBA in Triple-A isn’t exactly major league-caliber — the 2012 first-round pick did enough to earn multiple opportunities with the Red Sox this season and should see more as we get deeper into September. Marrero was at his best at the plate toward the end of the season, hitting .306 over his final 24 minor league games, and by playing shortstop, third and second base continued to show the kind of defensive versatility that’s invaluable to a big league club.

Pitcher of the year: Brian Johnson, LHP — This distinction could’ve just as easily gone to Henry Owens. However, Johnson’s season-long consistency stood out in 2015. The 24-year-old made 18 starts in Triple-A, posting a 3.22 FIP and 8.44 K/9 while giving up more than two runs in just four of those starts. The highlight of Johnson’s year came May 29 when he tossed six perfect innings and struck out a season-high nine batters. He did get one forgettable spot start with Boston in July before returning to Triple-A, but the lefty’s season ended abruptly Aug. 2 when he experienced elbow tightness in the fourth inning of what would be his final start of the year. The Red Sox shut Johnson down soon after. Although there was no ligament damage found, it’s unclear what kind of impact the injury will have on him going into next season.

Biggest surprise: Dayan Diaz, RHP — Diaz’s major league dream seemed all but over after an ugly 2013 season in the Cubs organization. But his two years in the Sox’s system have revitalized his career, with this season being his most impressive yet. The righty posted a 1.94 ERA and 7.76 K/9 in 27 appearances out of the bullpen for Pawtucket, using his hard fastball to overpower hitters and a late-breaking slider to keep them off-balance. The 26-year-old’s performance this season propelled his stock within the system and could make him a viable candidate for a spot in next season’s Red Sox bullpen. Diaz’s command starts to fade as he pitches later into games, but he has the type of stuff to be a serviceable back-end arm out of the bullpen.

Biggest disappointment: Garin Cecchini, 3B/1B/OF — Unfortunately for Cecchini, this was an easy choice to make. One year after making his major league debut, Cecchini endured the worst season of his professional career, finishing with a .209 TAv and a 21.3 percent strikeout rate. He did show signs of a turnaround at the plate in August and eventually earned a brief callup to the big leagues again, but the overall product was ugly, especially after a brutal first two-plus months of the season. Cecchini dabbled with left field this season along with his primary spot at third base, but that was about all he did well in 2015. At 24, Cecchini still has time to turn his career back around, but there’s no doubt this year was a major setback.

Double-A Portland

Player of the year: Sam Travis, 1B — Travis’ 2015 got off to an impressive start in High-A Salem, and he hardly slowed down when he was promoted to Portland in late June. The first baseman played 65 games in Portland, sporting a .297 TAv and .376 wOBA, and improving his BB% to 11.7 percent. Travis didn’t take long to adjust Double-A. He struggled over the first week, but hit .318 from July 2 onward, proving his rapid ascension through the system is no fluke. Travis was drafted in the second round out of Indiana in 2014 and has been impressive in his professional career to this point. If Travis can continue to hit at this rate and improve his power, there’s no reason to think he can’t — at 22 — earn a promotion to Triple-A at some point next season.

Pitcher of the year: Jorge Marban, RHP — Pat Light may be the bigger name with greater potential, but Marban’s Double-A numbers were much more impressive over more innings of work. The 26-year-old wasted no time proving he belongs in the Red Sox’s organization after pitching in the Independent League and in Australia from 2012 through 2014. Marban made eight appearances for High-A Salem before being promoted to Portland, where he posted a 1.36 ERA and 3.78 FIP in 24 relief appearances. Those efforts earned him a callup to Triple-A in mid-August and have him on his way to a shot at the big leagues.

Biggest surprise: Marco Hernandez, INF — Hernandez was nothing more than compensation for dumping Felix Doubront off to the Cubs. Expectations were never high for the 23-year-old shortstop, but boy has he shattered those bestowed upon him. Hernandez boasted a .290 TAv, .375 wOBA and led the team in OPS (.832). Meanwhile, he was an everyday shortstop in a farm system loaded with talented infielders. By mid-July, Hernandez was playing in Triple-A Pawtucket, where he’s yet to match his Double-A production offensively. Hernandez has still been solid defensively, however. He’s seen time at second and third base in Pawtucket and has increased his utility potential.

Biggest disappointment: Manuel Margot, OF — It may be unfair to judge a 20-year-old for poor production in Double-A, but given the expectations and where Margot ranks among prospects within the organization, it’s still a disappointment. The fact that he was even promoted from High-A in June was surprising enough. He posted a respectable .273 TAv with Salem, but certainly didn’t seem ready for bigger challenges. Things, of course, only got worse in Portland as he finished the season with a .268 TAv while his K% ballooned to 12.8 percent over 63 games. The good news is he finished the season strong, batting .325 (29-for-89) over the final 22 games, so his status as a top-flight prospect is safely intact.

High-A Salem

Player of the year: Wendell Rijo, 2B — Rijo powered his way into this spot with a strong finish to 2015. The 20-year-old second baseman hit .283 after Aug. 3 to raise his TAv to .264 for the season and make his case for a promotion by some point next year. Rijo isn’t a standout prospect, but he’s young and has plenty of room to grow. One thing that could help Rijo going forward is limiting his strikeouts. He sported a .321 BABIP this season, but also struck out at a 20.7 percent rate. If he can make more consistent contact and improve his plate discipline the rest of his numbers should go up as well. But that’s just one criticism. Overall, there’s much like about Rijo and this season was a step in the right direction.

Pitcher of the year: Ty Buttrey, RHP — This was an important season for Buttrey. The righty was signed to a $1 million overslot deal after being drafted in the fourth round in 2012, but had yet to live up to the promise that came with it. Buttrey, at 22 years old, finally changed that in 2015. He made four dominant starts in Low-A Greenville before being promoted to High-A, and continued to pitch well, finishing with a 3.71 FIP over 21 starts in Salem. One slight on Buttrey heading into the season was that he had yet to fill into his 6-foot-6 frame. He wasn’t exactly overpowering hitters this season — his 6.30 K/9 was down from previous seasons — but his command improved and his walks decreased.

Biggest surprise: Aaron Wilkerson, RHP — Wilkerson is 26 years old and threw his first minor league pitch in 2014, yet he’s quickly become a player worth watching over the coming years. He was signed by the Red Sox out of the independent leagues during the 2014 season. Since then he’s shown the kind of command and strikeout ability that could one day turn him into a major league reliever. The righty started this year in Low-A Greenville, but after five appearances was promoted to Salem and shined, sporting a 1.90 FIP and 9.68 K/P over 17 appearances, 12 of which were starts. He was at his best in May when he posted a 0.71 ERA in 25.1 innings in which he allowed just 11 hits and six walks. Performances such as that earned him a promotion to Double-A Portland in August. He finished with a 2.58 FIP over seven starts.

Biggest disappointment: Trey Ball, LHP — It’s too early to judge Ball as a 21-year-old prospect, especially after just two full seasons as a pro. But Red Sox’s fans concerns over the 2013 seventh overall pick’s performance thus far are justified. Ball’s struggles in 2014 were well-documented. This season was actually worse. Ball owned a 5.13 FIP over 25 starts, and saw an increase in walks and decrease in strikeouts compared to 2014. And unlike last year, he didn’t get better as the season progressed. Ball was solid in his final outing of the season, allowing two runs and striking out six over five innings. However, he posted a 10.80 ERA in his six starts prior. The lefty still has time to fill out his lanky 6-foot-6 frame and further develop his secondary pitches, particularly his curveball, which he started throwing as a junior in high school, but he has much to prove going into next season.

Low-A Greenville

Player of the year: Rafael Devers, 3B — Watching Devers, at 18 years old, blossom into one of the top prospects in the Red Sox’s organization was fun. The third baseman made a name for himself after a scalding hot start to the season in which he hit .382 through June 1. Since then his stock has risen. He garnered much attention on the interwebs and even drew comparisons to Robinson Cano — not bad company at such a young age. Devers eventually leveled out, finishing with a .282 TAv and .352 wOBA, and struck out at a 16.5 percent rate, but there’s no denying his potential. His solid build, fluid swing and plus power make for a nice offensive player. He his a defensive liability, so perhaps a move to first base or to a full-time DH role is in his future.

Pitcher of the year: Michael Kopech, RHP — Kopech’s season was cut short due to a 50-game suspension for illegal use of a stimulant, but it was an exceptional year for the 19-year-old nonetheless. The 2014 first-round pick showed overpowering stuff that could one day put him atop a major league rotation, posting a 9.69 K/9 to go with a 3.34 FIP over 15 starts. He allowed just two total runs over 15 innings in the three starts before his suspension, and gave up no more than three runs — a number he reached in just three outings — in all of his starts. Losing Kopech for the final 50 games was a disappointment for Greenville, but shouldn’t be a setback for the righty as he tries to make quick work of the minor leagues.

Biggest surprise: Javier Guerra, SS — Guerra entered the season as a mid-tier Red Sox prospect, but his value rose considerably after an impressive 2015. It was well-established that Guerra is an outstanding shortstop with good range, instincts and plus arm strength. But his bat was supposed to be his downfall. Well, turns out he can hit, too. Guerra far exceeded offensive expectations both from an average and power standpoint, posting a .280 TAv to go with 15 home runs and a .171 ISO. Guerra’s power numbers stood out the most given he’s still undersized. And at 19 years old, he’s bound to add more strength.

Biggest disappointment: Michael Chavis, 3B — It was a rough first year for Chavis, the team’s top pick in 2014. He struggled both in the field and at the plate this season. But especially at the plate. Chavis held a .244 TAv and struck out at an absurd 30.6 percent rate — 30.6 percent!!! — the latter being by far the most alarming. It’s something that needs to change in the coming years. He did hit 16 home runs and finished with a .182 ISO, but that swing-for-the-fences approach hindered his overall production. Chavis needs to shorten his swing and take more of a line-drive approach in order to improve his baffling average and strikeout numbers.

Top photo by Kelly O’Connor/www.sittingstill.smugmug.com

Allen Craig

Here we have someone who is definitely not a prospect, but is far and away the most interesting player who’s up with the Red Sox this September. Craig was half of the return from the disastrous John Lackey trade, and played so poorly after coming to Boston that he was sent to Triple-A Pawtucket after just four months with the team. He racked up 166 plate appearances between the end of the 2014 and the start of 2015 and he managed a microscopic .427 OPS in that time. Four qualified batters have a higher OBP than that this season. So, yeah, he’s been pretty bad.

To make matters worse, he didn’t exactly light the world on fire in Triple-A. Although his .274/.368/.350 looks solid enough on the surface, it is mostly terrible with context. Crag is a 30-year-old former All-Star who’s received MVP votes in two different seasons. For a guy with a career .160 ISO with two seasons of .200+ ISO’s under his belt, that lack of power against Triple-A pitchers is disconcerting. His plate approach becomes far less impressive when you recognize the competition he’s been facing.

This may be Craig’s last chance to show anything with the Red Sox, and it’s not even clear how much of a chance he’ll get. The outfield is full at the moment. First base is also full, with Hanley Ramirez transitioning there soon and Travis Shaw earning consistent playing time. With that being said, Boston will make sure that Craig gets his time, because they need to know if he made any strides in the minors. While he’s not an exciting September call-up in the traditional sense, he may be playing for his career, and that’s certainly worth watching.

Garin Cecchini

Photo by Kelly O’Connor/www.sittingstill.smugmug.com

If there were such thing as a minor-league version of Craig, Cecchini may be that guy. He soared through the minors earning accolades from all over for his tremendous hit tool. While his defense was never his strong suit, it was passable. He looked like a guy who would hit for high averages while drawing plenty of walks, a profile that had many drooling despite a relative lack of power. Over the last couple of years, though, his stock has dropped precipitously and now it’s not clear that he’ll even have a major-league career. He’s had a miserable season in Pawtucket, and it’s no sure thing that he’ll even get the call this month. He’s 24 years old and the time is ticking for him to make good on his promise. The Red Sox have a busy offseason ahead, and Cecchini could serve as a throw-in in some major trade. Boston may be smart to give teams a chance to see him more consistently against major-league pitching.

Deven Marrero

Although he was drafted just three years ago, the former first-round pick is already 25 and on the verge of being a major-league player. Even if he’s just a utility player, he’s good enough defensively to carve out a role at the highest level. The bat is far behind the glove, but like Cecchini, Marrero could serve as a minor piece in a major deal this winter. When teams don’t have the top prospects to call up this month, this next best thing is to have pieces to showcase for trades. Marrero will give them a chance to give Bogaerts some rest down the stretch. Even if he doesn’t showcase himself well enough for a trade, it will be exciting enough to watch him play shortstop.

Pat Light

Photo by Kelly O’Connor/www.sittingstill.smugmug.com

Everyone who writes or talks about the Red Sox has one opinion in common: Boston’s bullpen flat-out stinks. As such, any semblance of help from the farm in this area would be nice to see in September. For the most part we’ll be seeing familiar faces coming up from Pawtucket from the Jonathan Aro, Noe Ramirez, Heath Hembree and Edwin Escobar group. However, there are some other names who have a chance at seeing some time this year, and Light is the headliner of this group. A former starting pitcher, he’s taken a huge leap this year since transitioning to the bullpen. He’s now striking out more than a batter per inning between Double-A and Triple-A, pumping his velocity up to the high-90’s. Dave Dombrowski has a lot of work to do with this relief corps, so it would behoove him to see if any of his young arms can contribute in a meaningful way next year. In that case, Light is the number one name he has to get some eyes on.

Dayan Diaz/Jorge Marban

For the last names, we turn once again to the bullpen. I group Diaz and Marban together because neither is likely to play the type of major role that Light has the potential to play, but either one could carve out a smaller role for himself in 2016. Diaz likely has the best chance of the two. At 26, he’s been in the organization for two years now, and has moved up relatively quickly. As a fastball-first pitcher, he’s been able to rack up the strikeouts in the minors, but his command and control have been issues. He’s been better in shorter outings, however, and he’s been outstanding in Pawtucket this season. Next year, he could solidify the role that was occupied by a revolving door of Hembree, Aro and Ramirez this season.

Marban is a much newer name than Diaz, as he was plucked from Independent League ball prior to this season. He’s had a meteoric rise through the system, starting the year in Salem before ending up in Pawtucket by season’s end. Although his strikeout numbers won’t blow you away, they’re high enough to get by, and his control has helped him put up great numbers. His ceiling isn’t on Light’s or Diaz’s level, but he’s done enough to earn a chance in a bullpen that is full of subpar arms.

For a bad team, the Red Sox are severely lacking in intriguing September call-ups, but that doesn’t mean they don’t exist. Craig may be playing for his career. Cecchini and Marrero could showcase themselves as lower-end pieces in trades coming this offseason. Light, Diaz and Marban could earn themselves a role in the uncertain 2016 bullpen. The most interesting players to watch this month have already been on the roster, but the newcomers will be worth your time as well.

Photo by Nick Tuchiaro/USA Today Sports Images

Triple-A Pawtucket: Deven Marrero, SS/2B and Jorge Marban, RHP

Marrero’s ascension to the big leagues was faster than most expected given his low offensive production in Triple-A and the occupied infield spots on the major league club. However, injuries to the likes of Dustin Pedroia and Brock Holt have provided him with multiple call-ups to the Red Sox, even if he’s been limited to seven plate appearances and a pair of pinch-running situations. He’s yet to do much with those opportunities, but the 2012 first round pick is at least making his case for a longer major-league stint when the roster expands in September. Marrero has never projected to be an outstanding hitter, sporting a fringe-average hit tool, so his .244 true average in Triple-A this season isn’t of real concern. However, the 24-year-old has been hot since rejoining the PawSox Aug. 12, batting .307 (16-for-52) over the last 12 games. He’s recorded a base hit in all but one game since being sent back down.

Although it’s a small sample size, and only one of those hits – a home run on Sunday – has gone for extra bases, Marrero’s production should help him further his case for a return to Boston come September. Of course, the true value of Marrero lies in his glove. He’s a plus defender with a strong arm and elite athleticism, making him capable of playing anywhere in the infield. If the Red Sox are smart, Pedroia will barely, if at all, see the field for the rest of the season, and playing Josh Rutledge every day serves no long-term purpose. That should at least open some opportunities for Marrero to play second base. And, of course, any excuse to bench Pablo Sandoval and start someone else at third is a good one. Add in some offensive production on Marrero’s part and his overall value expands.

Jorge Marban’s journey to Triple-A has been a lengthy one. The 26-year-old righty flamed out in 2011 after two miserable seasons in the Rangers organization, and has since seen his baseball career take him through three years in the independent leagues before landing in the Australian Baseball League at 25 years old. He sported a 2.12 ERA and 11.65 K/9 in 24 appearances in Australia before being signed by Red Sox scout Steve Fish, who also managed Marban’s ABL team last November. Since then Marban has rapidly risen through the Sox’s system and is well on his way to earning a shot at the majors in the coming years. He started this season in High-A Salem, but has since worked his way up to Pawtucket after just 32 appearances combined in Salem and Portland, pitching exclusively out of the bullpen. He posted a 1.36 ERA, 3.76 FIP and 7.09 K/9 in Double-A before being called up and making his Triple-A debut Aug. 14.

The results have been encouraging for Marban through three appearances in Pawtucket. He’s allowed just one run over 6.1 innings, striking out nine batters. This isn’t to say Marban is a sure thing, of course. He’s not the savior of Boston’s dreadful bullpen. Although he has his strengths – he mixes a nasty splitter with a mid-90s fastball that creates swings and misses at an impressive rate – Marban’s command is still a concern. He posted a 6.00 BB/9 in Portland and has already totaled three walks in his brief Triple-A stint. He also possesses a slider that needs work. However, considering how long it’s taken Marban just to get to this point, the fact that he’s ascended this quickly and is making a name for himself is encouraging enough for this season.

Double-A Portland: Manuel Margot, OF and Carlos Asuaje 2B/3B

Manuel Margot entered the season as the Red Sox’s third-ranked prospect by Baseball Prospectus. Given his natural bat-to-ball ability, his power potential and his speed and athleticism, it was a well-deserved recognition. He lived up to that hype with a solid stint in High-A Salem, sporting a .271 TAv, .339 wOBA and 113 wRC+ in 46 games before being promoted to Double-A Portland in late June at just 20 years old. Double-A, however, has been a struggle for the outfielder, especially over the past month. Margot is hitting .241 (14-for-58) in August, dropping his TAv to .250 in Portland. At this point, it’s natural to question whether or not he was ready to be promoted. Given Margot is only 20, there is certainly no need to rush him through the system. He’s had a difficult time adjusting to Double-A pitching, and his strikeout rate (14.7 percent) is the highest it’s been at any level since his summer with short-season Lowell two years ago.

Manny Margot. Kelly O’Connor, www.sittingstill.smugmug.com

Margot excels with a fluid swing and an excellent approach. It’d be crazy not to expect his plus offensive tools to lead to results at the Double-A level. One thing hurting him, however, is his aggressiveness early in counts. That’ll catch up to him as he faces better pitching with each promotion, which is evident in the ballooning strikeout rate and the weak contact he’s generating in Portland. These flaws, and his poor numbers in Double-A overall, aren’t to say this season has been bad overall. He’s already totaled 36 stolen bases and 34 extra-base hits for the year. However, his path to the major leagues, particularly as a mainstay, may take more time than the late 2016 ETA that some had projected before the season.

Yes, we just highlighted Carlos Asuaje in last week’s prospect update. But at that time he wasn’t riding a nine-game hitting streak. He’s collected multiple hits in four of those nine games, including a four-hit effort last Wednesday. Asuaje’s numbers haven’t been particularly impressive in his first full season in Double-A, as he owns a .268 TAv and .340 wOBA in 2015. But they’re not bad for a player who projects to be nothing more than a utility player if he can reach the big leagues. Asuaje has primarily played second base this season, but he’s also seen time at third and left field. That versatility alone gives him value to an organization. Offensively he’s shown average hit potential with below-average power, but he’s good at finding the gaps for extra bases. In fact, he leads the Eastern League with seven triples this season and is also in the top half of the league with 22 doubles. His approach and knowledge of the strike zone are also positives.

High-A Salem: Teddy Stankiewicz, RHP

Teddy Stankiewicz appeared to be turning a corner. After a dreadful first three months that saw him get hit hard on numerous occasions, the righty finally started finding consistent success on the mound this season, tossing a pair of shutouts over a four-start stretch in which he struck out at least three hitters per outing. Stankiewicz was back to his early season ways on Friday, however, allowing seven runs over 4.2 innings in what was arguably his worst start of the season. He seemed to struggle with his control in particular, walking one batter, hitting another and throwing two wild pitches. Although he’s been better overall, Stankiewicz is letting pitches get away from him, as he’s hit four batters over his last three starts. That inability to find the strike zone is surprising given his command – he owns a 1.75 BB/9 this season – has been one of his strengths throughout his career. Friday’s letdown upped his FIP to 4.03 for the season.

Every bad outing from Stankiewicz is notable given his failings this season. However, that shouldn’t discount the way he’s improved since mid-July. He was at his best at this time last season in Low-A Greenville and at 21 has plenty of time to develop. Let’s also not forget he came into this season with a whole new delivery, which would naturally lead to a learning curve. Perhaps his next start, which will be one of his final of the season, will be a better indicator of whether it was just a bad start amidst a string of good ones, or a sign that poor outings are still a habit. Regardless, what continues to make Stankiewicz valuable is his ability to eat innings. The righty is eighth in the Carolina League in innings pitched (123.1) and has made at least one fewer start than four of the seven hurlers in front of him. Imagine what those numbers could look like if those innings become more productive.

Low-A Greenville: Rafael Devers, 3B

Rafael Devers is like the film Titanic. It’s nearly impossible to find a bad thing written or said about either of the two. Devers has garnered James Cameron’s film-esque praise throughout this season. Heck, he’s received plenty of attention on this site alone. Devers has earned it, of course, but we’re not here today to spend too much time drooling over his plus hit tools and 30 home run potential (although those have been pretty impressive so far). Since I’m in charge of the next paragraph and I’m no fun, we’re going to be a little picky (I promise, just a little). The one thing that’s been concerning about Devers’ approach lately has been his rising strikeout rate. Although a 17.5 percent K% isn’t terrible for an 18-year-old with plus bat speed and solid mechanics for his age, it’s worth noting this number has gotten progressively worse, whether it be due to a naturally aggressive approach or pitchers finding new ways to attack him. He held a 15.8 percent mark before the All-Star break. He’s struck out at a 23.7 percent rate since Aug. 1.

Should we be alarmed by such drastic spike? I wasn’t sure at first, so I decided to compare it to a player he’s drawn multiple similarities to: Robinson Cano. Cano played a single season of Low-A ball for Greensboro in the South Atlantic League at 19 years old in 2002. His slash line that season (.276/.321/.445) was notably similar to Devers’ 2015 marks so far (.275/.318/.433), but Cano struck out at a less eyebrow-raising 15.3 percent rate that season. So is Devers’ rise in strikeouts a concern? Yes, primarily because that has the potential to only get worse if he’s promoted to High-A next season – unless he can improve his approach. However, if you’re still hoping for Devers to become the next Cano, there’s still plenty of reason for optimism.

Photos by Kelly O’Connor/www.sittingstill.smugmug.com

Triple-A Pawtucket: Henry Owens, LHP

After yet another baffling Red Sox loss Thursday afternoon, NESN aired that night’s PawSox game against Rochester. With Henry Owens on the mound, it seemed like a perfect opportunity to inject some optimism back into the hearts of ever-frustrated fans. The left-hander hardly did that, allowing four runs over five innings in a 4-1 Pawtucket loss. It was the second straight start in which the 22-year-old gave up four runs. It dropped his ERA to 3.49 and FIP to 4.41 through 11 starts this season.

Owens came into the year as one of, if not the, Sox’s top pitching prospect and a hopeful to reach the big leagues as early as September. Although that all may still be true, it hasn’t looked that way for parts of 2015. Owens’ walk rate (5.76 BB/9) and strikeout rate (7.43 K/9) are both at their least productive in his professional career and he’s still prone to getting himself into trouble. However, the dropoff is not as concerning as it appears. Owens hasn’t dazzled like many hoped or expected, but he hasn’t had any major clunkers either. The high walk numbers and shortened outings are simply part of a young pitcher adjusting to a new level of competition, while Owens is also trying to improve his secondary stuff, most notably his curveball which is still a work in progress.

Owens is still just one year removed from cruising through the Eastern League. He needs to develop better command and his secondary pitches, but he’s still a potential middle-of-the-rotation starter in the coming years. No need to panic.

Double-A Portland: Jose Vinicio, 2B and Jorge Marban, RHP

Jose Vinicio was signed as a 16-year-old out of the Dominican Republic, and has made a gradual rise through the Red Sox system since. Last week, a month before his 22nd birthday, Vinicio was finally called up to Double-A Portland. He’s a rangy, above-average infielder who played exclusively at shortstop before this season. This year he’s seen more time at second base, including in his first two games in Portland.

While his glove and speed are his strengths, Vinicio’s bat is still a work in progress. He posted a .223 TAv in 31 games in High-A Salem. He’s a switch hitter with good bat speed despite a lack of power. But Vinicio finished strong at the plate before his promotion, going on a seven-game hitting streak that included five multi-hit games. Vinicio has three hits in his first eight Double-A plate appearances.

Jorge Marban’s journey to the Red Sox farm system is a unique one. The right-handed pitcher started off in the Rangers organization before spending the last three years in the independent leagues. The Sox discovered Marban during winter ball in Australia, and he’s turned into a nice signing this season. Between High-A and Double-A, Marban’s worked 10 straight scoreless appearances out of the bullpen over 16.2 innings. He’s yet to give up a run in his six Double-A outings, posting a 2.63 FIP and 9.28 K/9.

High-A Salem: Aaron Wilkerson, RHP

Aaron Wilkerson isn’t a typical Carolina League pitcher. The 26-year-old right-hander was signed out of the independent leagues just last year with limited hope for a fruitful professional career. But if Wilkerson’s performance last month showed anything, it’s that he won’t be disappearing any time soon. Wilkerson had perhaps the best statistical month of any Sox minor league pitcher in May, posting a 0.71 ERA in 25.1 innings in which he allowed just 11 hits and six walks. His strength is compiling strikeouts, which was evident in the 38.2 percent strikeout rate he boasted in those five appearances, three of which were starts.

Wilkerson didn’t pick up where he left off in his first start of June Friday night, allowing four runs on six hits in 2.1 innings of relief. Despite Wilkerson’s rough outing, the numbers suggest he’s been strong overall. He sports a 1.44 FIP and is an impressive strikeout pitcher with decent velocity  –  his fastball usually hovers around the low-90s. His 11.39 K/9 and 5.83 strikeout-to-walk ratio are notable enough to assume he’ll continue to advance through the system, although he may need to settle as a full-time reliever if he wants a shot at the major leagues in the future.

Low-A Greenville: Mauricio Dubon, SS/2B

Few players in Greenville have hit the ball better of late than Mauricio Dubon. The 20-year-old is coming off a six-game hitting streak and has a hit in seven of his last eight games, including three multi-hit games. The streak upped his TAv to .281 and his wOBA to .352. At 6-feet, 160 pounds, Dubon’s smaller frame makes him primarily a contact hitter, but he’s turned his plus speed into runs, scoring 13 times over this eight-game stretch. A 26th-round pick in 2013, Dubon appears to be surpassing expectations so far. Along with his hitting coming around, Dubon has been a reliable fielder at both second base and shortstop, using his range and above-average arm strength as assets.

Photos by Kelly O’Connor, www.sittingstill.smugmug.com