Jon Papelbon

BOSTON RED SOX TOP 20 PROSPECTS

1. Craig Hansen, RHP, Grade A-
   
2. Jon Lester, LHP, Grade B+
   
3. Jon Papelbon, RHP, B+
   
4. Dustin Pedroia, 2B, B+
   
5. Jacoby Ellsbury, OF, B
   
6. Clay Buchholz, RHP, B
   
7. Michael Bowden, RHP, B
   
8. Manny Delcarmen, RHP, B-
   
9. Jed Lowrie, 2B, B-
   
10. Brandon Moss, OF, B-
    
11. Luis Soto, OF, B-
    
12. Edgar Martinez, RHP, C+
    
13. Abe Alvarez, LHP, C+
    
14. Jeff Corsaletti, OF, C+
    
15. Yahmed Yema, OF, C+
    
16. Cla Meredith, RHP, C
    
17. David Murphy, OF, C
    
18. Jermaine Van Buren, RHP, C
    
19. Chris Turner, OF, C
    
20. Andrew Pinkney, 3B, C

A rapidly improving farm system, with particular strength in pitching. Hansen, Lester, and Papelbon are a nice foundation for a pitching staff, with Delcarmen and Martinez providing additional relief depth. Buchholz and Bowden, 2005 draftees, will need time to develop but I like both of them.

The hitting side is a bit thinner once you get past Dustin Pedroia. 2005 outfield draftees Ellsbury, Corsaletti, and Yema are all guys I like, although the latter two are possible "tweener" types who will have to show enough power at higher levels.