6/23 PawSox Update: Navarro, Lavarnway, Iglesias, and More

by Marc Normandin on Jun 23, 2011 12:17 PM EDT in Minors

Andrew Miller, Michael Bowden, and Josh Reddick may all be on the big league roster, but there are still plenty of intriguing prospects and young folk worth mentioning in a PawSox update thanks to some recent promotions from Double-A. And, unlike some of the promotions of prospects at the lower levels, these players have kept performing, though, not every update in today's look at Triple-A is a positive one.

Yamaico Navarro missed a chunk of the season due to a DL stint, but he is back and playing once again. He has just two hits in his six games since returning, but was playing very well prior to the injury: he has a season line of .278/.391/.528, with strikeouts in 15.6 percent of his plate appearances, walks in 12.5 percent, and five homers.

Pawtucket is emphasizing his future as a utility player, with Navarro playing four games at second, nine games at third, six at short, three in left, one in center, five in right, and even two as the designated hitter. With the way Darnell McDonald and Mike Cameron have been scuffling, and the Red Sox possible desire to make sure Josh Reddick continues to get at-bats every day, Navarro may end up in the majors sooner than later.

One would hope after his great start to 2011 that he would be able to perform better than he did last year in the majors, when he hit .143/.174/.143 in 46 plate appearances while looking completely lost at the plate: he struck out 17 times in those 46 plate appearances, and drew just two walks. With Drew Sutton currently up and Reddick seeing time with Carl Crawford on the DL, Navarro has a bit more time before he is needed, so we'll get a chance to see if his bat can come back to him.

***

Che-Hsuan Lin hit .268/.373/.333 for Double-A Portland, once again putting up an unimpressive batting line that was buoyed by spectacular defensive play and his ability to run the bases well. He was shipped to Pawtucket, and has hit .288/.356/.350 in his first 91 plate appearances there, roughly in line with his career numbers (.263/.357/.360, 2,022 plate appearances).

Lin is never going to hit well, but he knows how to draw a walk, and has loads of value in the areas of the game that don't require a bat. His future is as a fifth outfielder who would be the designated defensive replacement and pinch runner for a club, so he won't need to be able to carry his weight offensively, but knowing he could hit a little would be good.

You do have to say this about Lin, though: his ability to be consistently adequate regardless of the level is somewhat amazing. He has never been truly challenged, but never truly succeeded, either. He just kind of... is, every year, every level. It will be interesting to see if big league pitchers are the ones who finally challenge him enough to kill his on-base value and force him into a defense/baserunning only role, but we're not quite there with him yet.

***

Ryan Lavarnway was also recently promoted, but unlike Lin, he made his presence known in Pawtucket. In his first 31 plate appearances at Triple-A, the backstop has hit .393/.452/.714 with two homers and three doubles. He has done nothing but hit since 2009, so this shouldn't be a surprise:

Year	Age	Tm	Lg	Lev	PA	H	2B	3B	HR	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG
2009	21	Greenville	SALL	A	466	115	36	2	21	50	113	.285	.367	.540
2010	22	Salem	CARL	A+	360	88	18	0	14	44	62	.289	.392	.487
2010	22	Portland	EL	AA	190	45	9	0	8	26	42	.285	.395	.494
2011	23	Portland	EL	AA	239	59	5	0	14	25	47	.284	.360	.510
4 Seasons					1368	333	76	2	61	156	290	.284	.375	.508

Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 6/23/2011.

The question, as always, is where his defense is. The Sox moved him up to Pawtucket, one step from the majors, so it can't be a worrisome concern, but it is, of course, something worth looking at. With Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Jason Varitek combining into a solid catcher unit this year, there is no real pressure on Lavarnway to be ready right now, so he should get the rest of 2011 to work on things, and maybe get a chance to play in 2012 with the big league club. Assuming, of course, he keeps on raking, because that's where his real value comes from.

***

There isn't much to say about Jose Iglesias, except that he isn't hitting, still, and is playing fantastic defense as expected. The Red Sox would know better than I, but his struggles at the plate -- 29 strikeouts against 8 walks, just two extra-base hits in 192 at-bats -- have reached the point where he may need to step down a level to Double-A in order to right himself. Given his awful line of .224/.262/.234, you could make the case he didn't finish learning everything he needed to in Portland.

He has a bright future, but this isn't helping the idea that his bat won't play well in the majors. Maybe the 2012 timetable -- which always seemed aggressive but also seemed possible -- should be pushed to 2013, with Jed Lowrie and Marco Scutaro once again manning the position in order to give Iglesias's bat more time to reach the realm of adequacy.

***

Felix Doubront has managed to go most of an entire month without hurting himself*, and has pitched very well in that stretch. He has 17 strikeouts in his last 20 innings (against eight walks), pushing him to 40 whiffs in 37 innings on the season, with a 2.7 K/BB ratio.

Besides health, command is the major worry with the young lefty, so seeing a 2.7 K/BB ratio is a good sign, even if his 3.6 walks per nine doesn't seem great. It isn't, but if he can punch out a batter per inning or more, it is certainly more than tolerable.

The Red Sox want Doubront to be a starter, which is why he didn't get the call when Rich Hill hurt himself and Hideki Okajima requested a trade rather than be recalled. With Andrew Miller now in the majors, Doubront has competition for the fifth spot in the rotation in 2012 -- it will be interesting to see if his role changes once again, assuming Miller is successful in his stint.

*Crosses fingers

Tweet Comment 37 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Boston's handling of their shortstop prospects seems to be emphasizing

why we haven’t had a shortstop stick on the team since Nomar. Lowrie comes along and they make him a super-sub because of Scutaro, he has to go out and wait until Scooter slumps hard to become the starter. Navarro, he of the plus glove and good bat, is being turned into another super-sub because the Boston front office is trying to wedge Iglesias into a place where he just isn’t ready to play.

Theo and his staff are a great team to have at the front, but they seem to be surprisingly incompetent here.

DFA Rev Halofan
I'm a 7 WAR player in bed.
Official Baker of Red Sox Nation
Fear the Roar.

by TheLoneDavid on Jun 23, 2011 12:27 PM EDT reply actions

Well...

I would say signing Julio Lugo is a huge chunk of that, plus the constant one- or half-year options they have picked up. It’s like second base was for the team basically until Pedroia showed up.

Twitter: @Marc_Normandin

by Marc Normandin on Jun 23, 2011 12:41 PM EDT up reply actions

But they finally have the SS prospects to fix the situation

and look at what they’re doing. It’s maddening.

DFA Rev Halofan
I'm a 7 WAR player in bed.
Official Baker of Red Sox Nation
Fear the Roar.

by TheLoneDavid on Jun 23, 2011 12:42 PM EDT up reply actions

I don't know if they do. Going back to the Hanley thread

each of these guys has a major hole.

by cds7c on Jun 23, 2011 1:14 PM EDT up reply actions

I would like to mention, though

That Navarro does not have a plus glove. He has adequate range and a decent arm for short, and is a better fit defensively elsewhere in the infield — aka, positions Boston is definitely set at.

I think of him as the kind of guy who is a starter for someone like the Orioles or Pirates, but is a utility player for the Red Sox.

Twitter: @Marc_Normandin

by Marc Normandin on Jun 23, 2011 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions

I don't know that I agree with your assessment of the Scutaro situation

they signed Scutaro because Lowrie had been unable to play for a long time. Once this season started, it was all of what… 3 weeks until Lowrie had reclaimed the starting job? That actually seemed OK. Lowrie had a chance to earn that spot- which he didn’t do in ST, but did quickly in the beginning of the season.

by wolf9309 on Jun 23, 2011 3:40 PM EDT up reply actions

plus Scutaro is valuable in his versatility

I think he’ll come to earn his contract regardless

by BobZupcic on Jun 24, 2011 8:58 AM EDT up reply actions

Lin's ceiling is all over the place.

5th OF’er?

The Globe had him as potential 4th OFer at best.

I’ve heard some here say they think he could be the starting CF in 2013.

I know he’s a unique talent, but it just seems like nobody knows what he is.

by cds7c on Jun 23, 2011 12:36 PM EDT reply actions

Anyone who thinks he is a starting center fielder

Is still thinking of the guy who was signed years ago, not the guy who has actually played in the Sox organization. His bat just isn’t good enough, and will probably be worse in the majors. His defense is incredible, though.

Twitter: @Marc_Normandin

by Marc Normandin on Jun 23, 2011 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions

Thanks. Expectations: Reset.

by cds7c on Jun 23, 2011 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions

Is still thinking of the guy who was signed years ago, not the guy who has actually played in the Sox organization. His bat just isn’t good enough, and will probably be worse in the majors. His defense is incredible, though.

Hmmm, seems like some other player the Sox are really high on… You know, the one that’s forcing another really good prospect into a super-utility role… I wonder who that could be.

DFA Rev Halofan
I'm a 7 WAR player in bed.
Official Baker of Red Sox Nation
Fear the Roar.

by TheLoneDavid on Jun 23, 2011 12:41 PM EDT up reply actions

Nothing wrong with a super utility guy

Who can hit and field anywhere and will end up playing constantly. Ask Ben Zobrist about that. If Iglesias doesn’t turn out to be anything, it’s not like Navarro couldn’t go to short primarily. Nothing wrong with taking risks, especially when upside is involved.

Twitter: @Marc_Normandin

by Marc Normandin on Jun 23, 2011 12:43 PM EDT up reply actions

But he couldn't hit in Portland

he can’t hit in Pawtucket, and he will probably not hit in the majors. I said it elsewhere already today, send him back down to Portland, Salem if you have to, and let him work his way back up, he’s not developing in Pawtucket and they may be actively hurting him. Let Navarro play short and make Lowrie the super-sub if you have to.

DFA Rev Halofan
I'm a 7 WAR player in bed.
Official Baker of Red Sox Nation
Fear the Roar.

by TheLoneDavid on Jun 23, 2011 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions

He hit fine in Portland

Given his age, lack of pro experience, etc. But yes, I agree he should probably be back in Portland to figure things out.

Twitter: @Marc_Normandin

by Marc Normandin on Jun 23, 2011 12:46 PM EDT up reply actions

Only when ‘Fine’ is defined strictly as the amount of offense required to make his defense maybe worth it.

A sub-.700 by any other meaning is not ‘fine’. Just because he was young and without experience doesn’t make that OK. It means he was inappropriately placed at the wrong level for him. It wasn’t successful and there is no way to translate that to what he would have hit at an age appropriate level they need to demote him a level or two and build him up the way you’re supposed to build up all the other hitters.

"We are not normal, We are Legends. People will tell their kids about us." - Deon Butler before Ohio State Game 2008.

by Rogue Nine on Jun 23, 2011 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions

Numbers aren't everything when it comes to prospects, especially ones who are young for the level

Twitter: @Marc_Normandin

by Marc Normandin on Jun 23, 2011 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions

But that's the point!

He is TOO YOUNG! He needs to be demoted to Portland at the least, unless he’s so good at defense that you only need to play him out there and can stack your lineup with 8 DHs and Jose then he’s not worth having on the team right now. He is not a good player as currently constructed.

DFA Rev Halofan
I'm a 7 WAR player in bed.
Official Baker of Red Sox Nation
Fear the Roar.

by TheLoneDavid on Jun 23, 2011 1:00 PM EDT up reply actions

He was young for the level and failed. He’s young for his current level and failing there. I think that is seriously hazing up any possible projections, because we have no idea if he would even succeed at a lower level over a significant time. I think he’s been terribly mishandled so far.

"We are not normal, We are Legends. People will tell their kids about us." - Deon Butler before Ohio State Game 2008.

by Rogue Nine on Jun 23, 2011 1:03 PM EDT up reply actions

I agree he is failing this year

But between injuries, his age, and coming from Cuba, I don’t agree he failed last year. I also don’t think he was good enough last year to merit a promotion to Pawtucket. Doing fine and being ready are two different things. We’re going back and forth over something we agree on, basically.

Twitter: @Marc_Normandin

by Marc Normandin on Jun 23, 2011 1:07 PM EDT up reply actions

He's not doing fine though

and his production in Pawtucket clearly show he’s not ready. Numbers may not be everything when it comes to prospects, but a .496 OPS, yes, OPS, is not something that screams “I deserve to stay in AAA.”

DFA Rev Halofan
I'm a 7 WAR player in bed.
Official Baker of Red Sox Nation
Fear the Roar.

by TheLoneDavid on Jun 23, 2011 1:09 PM EDT up reply actions

From the article we are commenting on right now

There isn’t much to say about Jose Iglesias, except that he isn’t hitting, still, and is playing fantastic defense as expected. The Red Sox would know better than I, but his struggles at the plate — 29 strikeouts against 8 walks, just two extra-base hits in 192 at-bats — have reached the point where he may need to step down a level to Double-A in order to right himself.

Twitter: @Marc_Normandin

by Marc Normandin on Jun 23, 2011 1:12 PM EDT up reply actions

Also, he's putting up a sub-.500 OPS in AAA

That’s unacceptable no matter how good your defense is.

DFA Rev Halofan
I'm a 7 WAR player in bed.
Official Baker of Red Sox Nation
Fear the Roar.

by TheLoneDavid on Jun 23, 2011 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions

If his patience is real, why not a starting CF?

If he puts up a .370 OBP in the pros his wOBA would have to be around average right even without any power to speak off? Top that off with elite CF defense and you’ve got… checking WAR tables… Denard Span on pace for a 5 WAR season. That’s starting CF level to me.

People keep saying that at the next level the better pitchers are going to eat him alive, every single year it seems, well when are they going to start doing that? I’m looking at our pitchers and don’t see a lot of guys who can ‘pound the zone’ to take advantage of his approach. At what point can we start assuming he will succeed rather than assume he will fail?

"We are not normal, We are Legends. People will tell their kids about us." - Deon Butler before Ohio State Game 2008.

by Rogue Nine on Jun 23, 2011 12:51 PM EDT up reply actions

When he gets to the majors and doesn't fail

Big difference between facing the Ghost of Kevin Millwood and the occasional pitching prospect every night than facing In
His Prime Kevin Millwood And Other Really Great Pitchers all the time.

Lots of walks in the minors are not always a good thing. More experienced pitchers will take advantage of a player who doesn’t swing when he should, especially if that player can’t hurt them with power. Lin’s OBP has already dipped at the two higher levels — it’s not going to improve with another jump.

Twitter: @Marc_Normandin

by Marc Normandin on Jun 23, 2011 12:55 PM EDT up reply actions

Not sure I consider 53 (only 19 in AAA) games between AA and AAA as enough to consider it a dip, he also posted his highest OBP to date in AA over the whole season last year. That was far from a dip.

"We are not normal, We are Legends. People will tell their kids about us." - Deon Butler before Ohio State Game 2008.

by Rogue Nine on Jun 23, 2011 12:59 PM EDT up reply actions

Lin might only get a shot

When and if Ellsbury leaves, and even then only in the event that one of Kalish and Reddick flops AND the team doesn’t bring anyone in via FA. As it is now, Reddick will hopefully be in line for the starting RF job in 2012, and Kalish might not be far behind.

by Sologub on Jun 23, 2011 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions

Also Hassan

With the OF prospects the Sox currently have, Lin would be lucky to be the 4th OF here, but he could be a starter elsewhere.

DFA Rev Halofan
I'm a 7 WAR player in bed.
Official Baker of Red Sox Nation
Fear the Roar.

by TheLoneDavid on Jun 23, 2011 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions

Yeah, maybe not here specifically, maybe he could be a great trade chip

But out OF depth is ridiculous, maybe he’s a 4th OF here, but elsewhere a starter.

"We are not normal, We are Legends. People will tell their kids about us." - Deon Butler before Ohio State Game 2008.

by Rogue Nine on Jun 23, 2011 1:04 PM EDT up reply actions

His power is terrible, but his contact and discipline are outstanding.

He should produce an OBP upwards of .360 and can steal bases. Sounds like a decent leadoff hitter to me.

Theo-trade John Lackey for a used condom and a punch in the nose. Remember, it's all about value.

by LesterJohn on Jun 23, 2011 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions

Wait, every baseball player must hit for power right?

by BobZupcic on Jun 24, 2011 9:00 AM EDT up reply actions

Because the chicks dig it.

"We are not normal, We are Legends. People will tell their kids about us." - Deon Butler before Ohio State Game 2008.

by Rogue Nine on Jun 24, 2011 9:26 AM EDT up reply actions

The question is how he deals with major league pitching

which is much less likely to be wild and walk a singles hitter than pitchers in the minors. Even now, he’s sitting with a sub-.700 OPS for the year, which just isn’t terribly exciting and says “4th outfielder” to me. He can steal bases, but not with a terribly impressive rate of success. I’m sure his defense is incredible, it’s just his offensive abilities sound more like a less impressive David Eckstein than anything else to me.

by wolf9309 on Jun 24, 2011 9:51 AM EDT up reply actions

Kyle Weiland is really flying under the radar.

He’s having a damn good year. It seems like everyone writes him off. Sure, he pitches to contact, but he does it well.

Theo-trade John Lackey for a used condom and a punch in the nose. Remember, it's all about value.

by LesterJohn on Jun 23, 2011 3:58 PM EDT reply actions

He's a little old

4.05 BB/9 is a little worrisome. He does seem durable and he does post promising strikeout numbers however.

"We are not normal, We are Legends. People will tell their kids about us." - Deon Butler before Ohio State Game 2008.

by Rogue Nine on Jun 23, 2011 4:25 PM EDT up reply actions

I think I like Weiland more as a reliever the more I follow him

But it’s good Boston is letting him learn more as a starter. More innings, more experience, etc. He should surprise a lot of people once he gets a shot.

Twitter: @Marc_Normandin

by Marc Normandin on Jun 23, 2011 5:09 PM EDT up reply actions