[davethesportsguy]

Potential prospects for the Bosox are Jon Lester, a pitcher who went 11-6 in Portland (AA), with a 2.61 ERA, and he struck out 163 while walking 57. Lester, should start the season in Pawtucket (AAA), but if he pitches well enough, then he should be in the majors by mid-summer.

Another prospect and a starting pitcher, is Jon Papelbon. Papelbon, pitched in Portland, Pawtucket and with the Red Sox. He went 9-5 last year, and struck out 144 and walked only 43.

Finally, Craig Hansen, who some in the organization think is the future closer, is 6-6 and can throw about a 95 mph fastball and a slider.

Some other potentials are the following: Outfielders--Luis Soto, Brandon Moss, Jacoby Ellsbury and David Murphy. Infielders--Dustin Pedoria and Jed Lowrie. Pitchers--Clay Buchholz, Michael Bowden, Manny Delcarmen and Edgar Martinez.

[CityofBrotherlyShove]

Kelly Shoppach was actually sent to the Indians as part of the Coco Crisp deal.

[CityofBrotherlyShove]

Another prospect and a starting pitcher, is Jon Papelbon. Papelbon, pitched in Portland, Pawtucket and with the Red Sox. He went 9-5 last year, and struck out 144 and walked only 43.

It will be interesting to see how Papelbon is used this year. His numbers were outstanding last season, but there's certainly no guarantee he'll be a mainstay in the Sox starting rotation this year, due to the sheer volume of capable starting pitchers already on the Sox roster.

As of right now, the Sox have 6 starters:

Schilling, Beckett, Clement, Wakefield, Arroyo, Wells

(Wells has requested a trade, but to date, it still hasn't happened.)

Some would like to see Papelbon starting games in Pawtucket to gain experience at this point in his career. I'd much rather see him pitching long relief out of the Sox bullpen. It'd be good for his confidence, not to mention give the Sox a solid pen:

Papelbon, Timlin, Seanez, Tavarez, Riske, Foulke