No surprises here, as one week after missing out by just one vote, Felix Doubront has taken a landslide victory over the field for spot #14 on our top prospects list.
It was a disappointing 2011 for the then-23-year-old lefty. After making a promising major league debut in 2010, Doubront was seen as the likely answer to any depth or injury problems the Sox would have in their rotation. Unfortunately, Doubront showed up to spring training out of shape, and struggled with his own injuries even as spots opened up left and right in the beleaguered Red Sox rotation.
Thankfully, it seems as though Felix has taken the lessons of last year to heart. He looks to be in fine shape this spring, and is off to a strong start as he fights for the fifth spot in Boston's rotation. The bigger issue with Felix right now is his lack of options--the Sox will either have to keep him on the team, or expose him to waivers which he's almost guaranteed not to pass through. With that in mind, he might actually have a step up on his competition--Padilla, Cook, et al.--if he can keep up on the mound.
1. Ryan Lavarnway, C/DH
2. Will Middlebrooks, 3B
3. Xander Bogaerts, SS
4. Ryan Kalish, OF
5. Anthony Ranaudo, SP
6. Jose Iglesias, SS
7. Matt Barnes, SP
8. Garin Cecchini, SS
9. Brandon Jacobs, OF
10. Bryce Brentz, OF
11. Blake Swihart, C
12. Sean Coyle, 2B
13. Jackie Bradley Jr., OF
14. Felix Doubront, LHP
Six to go, and then we're at the regular season. The middle-of-the-system depth is finally growing a bit thin, but there's still some good prospects out there to choose from, so as per usual, rec your vote below to weed out the best of 'em.
Vote away!