OTM's Top 20 Red Sox Prospects: #16 Jonathan Egan

by Randy Booth on Feb 1, 2007 11:56 PM EST in Minors

Name: Jonathan Egan
Age: 20
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 206
B/T: Right/Right
POS: Catcher
Draft: 2nd round, '05
Projected '07 team: Greenville (A-)
ETA: 2010

SoxProspects.com
Egan's 2006 stats

Jonathan Egan is one player that needs to be closely watched in the 2007. Not only does he have a lot of potential on the field, he also has a past that is riddled with bad news.

According to Diehard Magazine, Egan was arrested for felony possession of a controlled substance and driving while entoxicated after the '05 season. Egan says he is passed that:

"I had some personal things to take care. I had to get some things squared away so I could play ball and put all that behind me, and all that stuff is behind me. I'm learning from my mistakes and just looking at it as something that happened in the past, something I can grow from every day."

Source: Egan Q&A

Other than his off the field issues that are, hopefully, cleared up, Egan has a high cieling. His displayed great power in high school, belting 16 home runs his season season in just 68 at-bats. In his sophomore season he hit 12 home runs.

His defense isn't his best asset, for sure, but he's positive about it improving:

"The only thing I feel down on is my throwing. Last year, that was one of the best parts of my game. This year, it wasn't as good in the beginning, but toward the end of the season it was getting better. I think it was because I had more games under my belt. I didn't play for six or seven months. Being in a game-speed environment helped me a lot."

Source: Egan Q&A

Egan's talent is there. There is no question about that. However, 2007 will speak volumes about him as a player. He performed very well in the GCL in '06 but, like most early draft picks, everyone does. Greenville will be a good challenge for him but he should be able to handle it and put up strong numbers: .300+ average, 10+ home runs (depending on his at-bats).

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Comments

Egan

It's probably time to let bygones be bygones: those off-field incidents happened a while ago, and there's not been a hint of trouble since.

With Kottaras, Egan and Wagner, we finally have a bit of promise at the catching position in the minors. I'd like to see us acquire another high-minors prospect though, in case Kottaras doesn't work out.

Vote for Pedroia

by britsoxfan on Feb 2, 2007 4:52 AM EST reply actions

Re: Egan

Time enough for that when and if Kottaras doesn't work out. No need to jump the gun.

"You know you're having a bad day when the fifth inning rolls around and they drag the warning track." - Mike Flanagan, Baltimore Orioles pitcher, 1992.

by SoxDevil on Feb 2, 2007 9:46 AM EST up reply actions

Re: Egan

Yup, but Wagner and Egan are in the low minors. I still think we could do with a bit more depth in that position. No panic moves necessary, though.

Vote for Pedroia

by britsoxfan on Feb 2, 2007 10:51 AM EST up reply actions

Re: Egan

I've heard speculation that Salty (the kid in the Braves system) will be traded because he's blocked by Brian McAnn (maybe Keith Law said it?). He's supposedly got a great bat.

Just my two cents. Keep the change.

by tommy.otm on Feb 2, 2007 12:41 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Egan

They may, but it will certainly be on their terms. Salty's a pretty well-regarded prospect overall. And the Braves aren't neccessarily locked into Salty as a C. His offense would be at least acceptable at 1B as well. Ditto for McCann, so we may see a reality show in the Braves future...

"Catch Me If You Can." Two catchers compete for the love of their pitching staff. Fundamentals. Catching baserunners. Calling pitches. Late-night poker games and beer runs. Coming next summer to ESPN 2.

"Sorry? Sorry doesn't cut it Melissa, I want an apology."-Jason Penopolis, Home Movies

by Allen Chace on Feb 2, 2007 11:53 PM EST up reply actions

Re: OTM's Top 20 Red Sox Prospects: #16 Jonathan E

Egan was arrested for felony possession of a controlled substance and driving while intoxicated after the '05 season sounds like a typical high school senior to me

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by jsnvaritek33 on Feb 3, 2007 1:21 PM EST reply actions