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40 in 40: Bogaerts, Xander

Bogaerts, Xander- #2

Position: SS/3B

Bats: Right, Throws: Right

Age: 21

Size: 6'3", 185 lbs

Acquired: Signed as an IFA in 2009

Contract: $490,000 (Arb-2017, FA-2020)

Comments: There's probably not a whole lot more left to say about Xander at least for the moment. Even though his book has yet to be written, Bogaerts is the unamimous #1 Red Sox prospect and the #2 guy in all of baseball on many Top 100 lists. Bogaerts came up with the parent club as a 20 year old last August and immediately impressed the club enough to play the youngster on the National Stage in the Playoffs and World Series. He is already a very patient hitter with raw power to all fields and what is scary is that he is still developing. He comes into 2014 with a hold on either the SS or 3B job and his floor is already at least a "major-league regular" with sights set on a ceiling of stardom (think Troy Tulowitzki/Hanley Ramirez level). The Red Sox maintain control of Bogaerts for the next 7 years and he is being looked at as a franchise cornerstone - no pressure on the young Aruban!

Facts/Notes:

  • Bogaerts is from the island nation of Aruba and as we heard time and time again during the World Series, speaks 5 languages (thanks Tim and Joe!). He was recently knighted in Aruba, so we know have "Sir Xander"
  • Bogaerts is just the 5th major leaguer from Aruba behind (Radhames Dykoff, Gene Kingsale, Calvin Maduro and Sidney Ponson)
  • Bogaerts brother, Jair is a minor leaguer who spent 2010-2011 in the Sox Dominican Summer League program.

Season Outlook: As the roster stands now, Xander is the starting SS for the club and the hope is we get to see his name next to SS for many years to come. The Sox haven't had much long-term luck at the position since Nomar left town in 2004 and Bogaerts could be the answer. He'll probably start lower in the order but if he begins to produce he could move rapidly up with the better bats. With an acquisition of a SS......oh nevermind