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Bryce Brentz' stock has taken quite a hit. The 25-year-old outfielder was never a prospect of the highest caliber, but with some decent years in Salem and Portland, Sox fans certainly weren't ready to call the first-round pick a dud.
2013, however, did not help. A bizarre pre-season injury left Brentz at the butt of many a joke and, more importantly, on the disabled list to start the season. Even when he finally made his return to Pawtucket, Brentz struggled. His hair trigger at the plate was on full display, resulting in an 86:20 K:BB ratio and the lowest OPS of his career, ignoring post-promotion figures.
Still, Brentz certainly has his redeeming qualities. When he gets the barrel of the bat on the ball, he can produce some very real power. This season, that was still good for 17 bombs in 326 Pawtucket at bats. He's got a cannon arm, too, if not the range that you'd necessarily want in Fenway's right field. Perhaps more than anything else, though, Brentz has the majors in his sights. At 25, with a full year of Triple-A experience, Brentz provides some decent cover for any outfield injuries the Red Sox should suffer, which could make him more valuable in the eyes of many.
Whether or not Brentz gets that shot this season, the Red Sox will almost certainly be looking to gauge interest in the outfielder as the year goes on now that he requires a valuable 40-man spot. No matter how he performs, Brentz is not going to be the centerpiece in any major deal, but there will always be someone willing to take a chance on a major league ready outfielder if the price is right.
- Xander Bogaerts, SS
- Jackie Bradley Jr., CF
- Garin Cecchini, 3B
- Henry Owens, LHP
- Matt Barnes, RHP
- Blake Swihart, C
- Allen Webster, RHP
- Brandon Workman, RHP
- Mookie Betts, 2B
- Trey Ball, LHP
- Anthony Ranaudo, RHP
- Christian Vazquez, C
- Manuel Margot, OF
- Teddy Stankiewicz, RHP
- Drake Britton, LHP
- Brian Johnson, LHP
- Bryce Brentz, OF
By now you all know how this works: I'll name candidates in the comments below, and you rec the comment of the player you want to vote for. For those unfamiliar with how to go about that, just click "actions" underneath the comment and then "rec." Nice and easy, though you do have to be a member to join in.
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