Red Sox Among Top Spenders In 2010 Draft

The Red Sox dished up $10,664,000 in signing bonuses in this year’s draft, putting them fourth amongst all teams this year, and topping their previous high of $10,515,000 in 2008—a year which yielded Casey Kelly, Ryan Westmoreland, and Ryan Lavarnway, among others.

The top two teams in the Nationals and the Pirates were boosted by big bonuses to the first two overall picks in Bryce Harper and Jameson Taillon. The Red Sox spread out their spending more, with four players receiving bonuses over $1 million, and several others approaching it. Anthony Ranaudo’s $2.55 million was the most the Sox spent on any player.

The Rays came in at number 12 with $7,150,800, while the Yankees spent only $6,652,500. The Orioles’ total was inflated by Manny Machado’s $5.25 million bonus, and the Blue Jays actually managed to top the Red Sox by nearly $1 million, as the team shifts its focus to amateur player development.

Anthony Ranaudo, Brandon Workman Will Report To Lowell, Will Not Pitch

Anthony Ranaudo and Brandon Workman, Boston's third and fourth overall picks in this year's draft (No. 39 and No. 57 overall), will report to Single A Lowell, but will not pitch. Both Ranaudo and Workman signed with the Red Sox on Monday, the deadline for 2010 draft picks to agree to a deal.

Anthony Ranaudo's Deadline Deal Completes Red Sox' Excellent Draft Class

It came down to the final hour -- indeed, Alex Speier's news of his signing was tweeted at exactly 12:00 A.M. -- but the Red Sox were able to reach an agreement with seemingly their most elusive 2010 draft pick, Anthony Ranaudo, a right-handed pitcher from LSU.

Up until the deal was struck -- the Red Sox agreed to pay $2.55 million, roughly equal to what MLB recommends a team pay for the No. 5 overall pick, and largest signing bonus ever given by the club to a college player -- the team apparently had "no clue" if they'd be able to land Ranaudo, who was seemingly content with not signing and simply returning to pitch at LSU for his senior season.

Ranaudo was drafted with the No. 39 overall pick (in the sandwich round) back in June, and then spent his summer with an impressive performance in the Cape Cod Baseball League, throwing 29.2 shutout innings and striking out over a batter an inning. Elbow issues with LSU in 2010 -- and representation from Scott Boras -- left Ranaudo signing with Boston anything but a sure thing, but in the end, Theo and company were able to get it done.

"He has a chance to really repeat his delivery and pitches with a plus fastball and a plus breaking ball and an average changeup, and [he] is someone who obviously went through a little bit of adversity this year but he bounced back and started to really put it together at the end," said Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein the night of the draft. "He's somebody we really think is on the [rise], and went into the year as one of the top college pitchers in the draft."

Ranaudo's deal means that the Sox successfully signed 14 of their top 15 picks from June (they missed out on Tyler Barnette, a ninth-round pick), including their top 10 selections.

Also late Monday night, Boston was able to come to terms with their seventh-round pick, LHP Chris Hernandez (Miami), agreeing to a deal worth $375,000. At the time he was drafted, Sox director of amateur scouting Amiel Sawdaye said of him, "None of his pitches are straight. Everything moves. He's just a guy who has a really good chance to get to the big leagues because of his repertoire from the left side."

In addition to Ranaudo, Monday also brought it with agreements with No. 57 overall pick Brandon Workman (RHP, Texas), third-rounder Sean Coyle (SS, Germantown Academy, PA), fourth-rounder Garin Cecchini (SS, Barbe HS, LA), eighth round pick MMatthew Price (RHP, Virginia Tech), and 11th-rounder Lucas LeBlanc (OF, Delgado Community College, LA).

It was an expensive day -- the Sox spent $7.25 million in deals on Monday, and totaled about $10.4 million overall in draft pick signings -- but one that could prove to be a pivotal day for the franchise. As Over The Monster said, "This was a huge day for the organization's future."

Boston Red Sox Sign Anthony Ranaudo To $2.55 Million Deal

Sean McAdam of CSNNE.com reports on Twitter that the Boston Red Sox have come to an agreement with pitcher Anthony Ranaudo.

McAdam tweeted, "RedSox sign RHP Anthony Ranaudo for $2.55 million."

The signing means Boston has come to an agreement with their top six picks in this year’s draft.  

Ben Buchanan of SB Nation’s Over The Monster writes that the signings represent a big day for Red Sox Nation.

They came, they drafted, they paid out the nose.

But it looks like the Red Sox will get their money's worth.

With the signing of Anthony Ranaudo, the Red Sox finished a hard day's work, ending with a ton of new talent wearing Red Sox uniforms. Ranaudo, one of the top talents in the draft, leads the pack, but Garin Cecchini (a middle infielder with at least above average everything) is not far behind. And it's impossible to forget all the other guys picked up today. They even managed to slip Chris Hernandez in under the radar.

For everything Red Sox, head over to Over The Monster.

Garin Cecchini Agrees To Deal With Red Sox For $1.31 Million

Garin Cecchini has agreed to a deal with the Red Sox, with a bonus of $1.31 million, reports WEEI's DJ Bean, who adds that Cecchini is "psyched." 

Cecchini, a shortstop from Louisiana and a fourth-round selection by the Red Sox (No. 143 overall), was reportedly demanding a bonus of  anywhere from $1.35 to $1.75 million. As we said earlier, he was likely a priority for Boston, as the highest drafted player who the Sox would not receive a compensation pick for next year if they failed to sign him.

According to Baseball America's Jim Callis, Cecchini will donate $20,000 to The Jimmy Fund.

Red Sox Reportedly Sign Fourth-Round Pick Garin Cecchini

Garin Cecchini, the shortstop from Louisiana that the Red Sox selected with the No. 143 overall pick (fourth round), has reportedly reached an agreement with Boston according to Yahoo! Sports' Kendall Rogers, who adds that the Red Sox are "cleaning up right now."

It was reported earlier on Monday that the team was close with Cecchini.

Despite his high bonus demands -- anywhere from $1.35 to $1.75 million -- he was likely a priority for Boston, as the highest drafted player who the Sox would not receive a compensation pick for next year if they failed to sign him.

Assuming all deals are official, the Red Sox have now locked up five of their top-six draft picks. The lone exception is LSU pitcher Antony Ranaudo, the No. 39 overall selection.

Red Sox Reportedly Sign Second-Round Pick Brandon Workman, Third-Rounder Sean Coyle

Brandon Workman, a pitcher from Texas whom the Red Sox took in the second round (the 57th overall pick) of the 2010 MLB Draft, has reportedly agreed to a deal with an $800,000 bonus with Boston (exceeding the recommended $634,500 for the No. 57 pick), this according to WEEI's Alex Speier.

The agreement was finalized after a call between the Red Sox and Workman's represenatives on a 2 p.m. call, with the player coming down from his asking price of $1.25 million and the Sox coming up from the MLB's suggested slot of approximately $634,000. He will begin his professional career in the coming days, reporting to Fort Myers.

Additionally, Boston came to an agreement with third-round pick Sean Coyle for a reported $1.3 million (roughly one million more than baseball's "recommended bonus" for a player drafted with the No. 110 pick). Coyle is a shortstop from Germantown Academy in Fort Washington, Pa.; he was a member of USA Baseball's 18-and-under team and had signed to play at the University of North Carolina.

The Red Sox reportedly also reached a deal with an eighth-round pick, Matthew Price, a right-handed pitcher from Virginia Tech (he was a 34th-round selection of Atlanta Braves in 2008, but did not sign).

On Monday, the deadline for signing 2010 draft picks, the Red Sox also reportedly locked-up OF Lucas LeBlan (pick No. 353) and are close to signing Garin Cecchini, a high school shortstop they took in the fourth round.

Red Sox Sign Third Rounder Sean Coyle

Another Red Sox draftee has agreed to terms, this time it’s the team’s third round pick Sean Coyle coming to terms.

Coyle will earn 1.3 million dollars, which is higher than the MLB average for third round picks by about a million dollars.

A word from Baseball America’s Jim Callis

A shortstop from Germantown Academy in Fort Washington, Pa., Coyle is a 5-foot-8, 175-pounder who plays bigger than his size and projects as a second baseman in the mold of Brian Roberts. He has plus speed and good instincts on the bases, as well as surprising power and a competitive makeup.

Red Sox Close To Deal With Garin Cecchini

More good news for the Red Sox on deadline day, as it seems the Red Sox are closing in on a deal with fourth round pick Garin Cecchini.

Cecchini is a big-tools infielder whose draft stock fell after an ACL tear. His bonus demands are high, setting a mark of $1.75 million to lure him away from—you guessed it—LSU.

He is also the highest drafted player who the Sox would not receive a compensation pick for next year if they failed to sign him, perhaps making him even more of a priority.

LeBlanc's Deal May Be For $500,000, Or Not Done At All

Conflicting reports over Lucas LeBlanc signing with the Red Sox.

On the one hand, neworleans.com has sources saying the deal is for $500,000.

On the other hand, Alex Speier’s source says that, while the Sox are close with LeBlanc, the deal isn’t done yet.

Stay tuned for more.

Red Sox Sign 11th Round Pick Lucas LeBlanc

The Red Sox have signed their 11th round pick Lucas LeBlanc away from LSU just 12 hours before the signing deadline.

LeBlanc is an unexpected signing, having already turned down a large offer from the Sox. While there’s no information on the specifics of his bonus yet, something around Kendrick Perkins’ $600,000 bonus isn’t unreasonable.

LeBlanc’s signing came as a surprise, with all signs pointing towards his attending LSU. It’s possible this is bad news for the Sox’ chances to sign another high-cost pick.

Anthony Ranaudo Finishes Cape Cod League Stint

Anthony Ranaudo has pitched his last game in the Cape Cod League, and now must choose between returning to the LSU Tigers, and signing with the Boston Red Sox.

If the Red Sox needed proof that Ranaudo still has the stuff that had him grading out as one of the top pitching talents in the draft before (and even after) his mediocre 2009 season, they have it now. Ranaudo threw 29.2 shutout innings in the Cape Cod League, striking out over a batter an inning.

Now the ball is in the Red Sox’ court to either pony up the top-10 money he wants, or to pass on what could be a future ace. They have until August 15 to get a deal done.

Anthony Ranaudo Looking For A Big Bonus

According to the Cape Cod Times, David Grewe, associate head coach of the LSU Tigers, says Red Sox supplemental pick Anthony Ranaudo will return to LSU unless he receives a signing bonus in line with a top-10 pick.

If Anthony’s not treated and viewed as one of the top 10 picks in the draft by the Boston Red Sox, in terms of their financial commitment, then Anthony wants to come back to LSU and prove that he can be that guy.

If this is true, the Red Sox can expect to shell out at least two million dollars if they want to sign Ranaudo.

The big righty struggled in his last season after an early arm injury, but is looking to rebuild his value to where it initially was with a strong showing in the Cape Cod League. Whether or not the Red Sox are willing to make that investment will likely come down to his performance there.

Red Sox Sign Top Two Picks, Many More

The Red Sox have signed their top two draft pricks, Kolbrin Vitek and Bryce Brentz, as well as eight other lower-round picks, per WEEI’s Alex Speier:

Also agreeing to terms with the club were 12th-round selection, right-handed pitcher Garrett Rau from California Baptist University; 13th-round selection, right-handed pitcher Keith Couch from Adelphi University; 34th-round selection, right-handed pitcher Michael Gleason from California State University-Chico; 39th-round selection, shortstop Nick Robinson from North Central College; 40th-round selection, outfielder Luke Yoder from Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo; 41st-round selection, catcher Jayson Hernandez from Rutgers University; 45th-round selection, shortstop James Kang from Pomona-Pitzer College; and 49th-round selection, first baseman Trygg Larsson-Danforth from Yale University. Rau, Couch, Robinson and Hernandez have been assigned to Lowell while Gleason, Yoder, Kang and Larsson-Danforth have been assigned to the Rookie-Level Gulf Coast League Red Sox.

All ten of the players signed were college players. None of the later round picks really fall into the category of high-talent, expensive signability picks, so none are really terribly surprising.

For continuing coverage of the Red Sox’ draft pick signings, head to the SB Nation’s Over The Monster.

Red Sox Reach Agreement With Top Pick Kolbrin Vitek

The Red Sox have reached an agreement with their first round draft pick Kolbrin Vitek, per a Keith Law tweet. If all goes well with his physical, Vitek should be signed and hopefully playing short-season ball before too long.

While it’s good to get these deals done, Vitek was never really in doubt. It wasn’t long after the Red Sox made their pick that word started to spread that the team already had a verbal agreement in place. Supplemental pick Bryce Brentz and third rounder Sean Coyle are also rumored to be all-but-signed.

2010 MLB Draft: Red Sox Draft Grades Out As One Of The Best

One day after the end of the draft, and the Red Sox seem to be clear winners.

Andy Seiler of MLB Bonus Baby listed the Red Sox in his top-5 (in no particular order), and after the 4th round pick of Garin Cecchini remarked “Best draft by far now. Wow.”

Keith Law of ESPN called the Red Sox winners in the first round, and noted that they just kept picking up more first round talent on day 2.

Jim Callis of Baseball America believes the only thing that could keep the Red Sox from having the best draft is if they don’t sign their picks.

This certainly seems to be a successful debut for Amiel Sawdaye. Despite only drafting once in the top-30 picks, the Red Sox walked away with four of Baseball America’s top-30 ranked prospects, and eight of their top-100.

Now comes the hard part: signing all that high-level talent. Some of these guys dropped for a reason, after all. But with rumors already flying in about agreements having been reached with Vitek (#20), Brentz (#36) and Cecchini (#143), that process is well under way.

2010 MLB Draft, Day Three: Red Sox' Picks In Rounds 41-50

What started with Bryce Harper going to the Nationals with the first pick on Monday night ended on Wednesday when the Yankees selected James Rice with pick No. 1,525, closing the book on the 2010 MLB First Year Player Draft.

Here's how the third day of drafting, rounds 41-50 with a bunch of players you've never heard of, shaped up for the Red Sox:

Round 41, Pick 1253: Jayson Hernandez, C, New Brunswick, Rutgers / R/R 5'10" 200

Round 42, Pick 1283: Daniel Slania, RHP, Salpointe Catholic HS (AZ) / R/R 6'05" 240

Round 43, Pick 1313 Patrick Smith, CF, Redan HS (GA) / L/L 6'00" 170

Round 44, Pick 1343: Zach Kapstein, C, Tiverton HS (RI) / R/R 6'02" 195

Round 45, Pick 1373: James Kang, SS, Pomona-Pitzer Col / R/R 5'09" 175

Round 46, Pick 1403: Jarrett Thomason, RHP, Eastside HS (SC) / R/R 6'02" 190

Round 47, Pick 1433: David Roseboom, LHP, LaSalle Institute (NY) / L/L 6'03" 215

Round 48, Pick 1463: Jared Autrey, RHP, Stephenville HS (TX) / R/R 6'05" 205

Round 49, Pick 1493: Trygg Larsson-Danforth, 1B, Yale / L/R 6'06" 235

Round 50, Pick 1523: Weston Hoekel, RHP, Bishop Kenny HS (FL) / R/R 6'01"

2010 MLB Draft, Red Sox Rounds 31-40

Round 31: Hunter Renfroe, C, Copiah Academy MS

Power bat unlikely to stay behind the plate.

Round 32: Jordan Alexander, CF, Vista HS AZ

Round 33: Mark Donham, RHP, Jupiter Community HS FL

Round 34: Michael Gleason, RHP, Cal St. Chico

Round 35: Joshua Riddle, SS, Western Hills HS KY

Round 36: Shane Rowland, C, Tampa Catholic HS FL

Small-build catcher with fantastic defensive ability. Bat may not be able to cut it, though.

Round 37: Aaron Jones, C, San Clemente HS CA

Another raw, bat-first catcher.

Round 38: Thomas Bourdon, OF, Northwest Catholic HS CT

Round 39: Nicholas Robinson, SS, North Central College

Round 40: Luke Yoder, LF, Cal Poly – San Luis Obispo

Day Three Of 2010 MLB Draft Continues Wednesday At Noon

Just one more day and the MLB Draft madness will be over.

Day three of the 2010 MLB First Year Player Draft continues Wednesday at noon when Round 31 kicks off. The draft finishes after Round 50.

Despite draft pick numbers being in the thousands tomorrow, talent is still to be had. Here is a list of players who were drafted Round 31 and higher:

2010 MLB Draft, Red Sox Rounds 21-30

Round 21: Mason Justice, RHP, Holland Hall HS OK

Round 22: Trace Tam Sing, 2B, Newport HS WA

Round 23: Austin Wright, LHP, Chipola JC IL

Round 24: Sean Yost, RHP, Nebraska

Round 25: Tyler Lockwood, RHP, Texas Christian University

Round 26: Dillon Overton, LHP, Weatherford HS OK

Round 27: Jay Gonzalez, CF, Freedom HS FL

Round 28: Michael Wagner, RHP, Centennial HS NV

Round 29: Paul Davis, RHP, Pensacola JC FL

Round 30: Desean Anderson, CF, Ragsdale HS NC

2010 MLB Draft, Red Sox Rounds 16-20

Round 16: Adam Duke, RHP, Spanish Fork HS UT

Hard throwing righty who can hit mid-90’s. Strong commitment to Utah.

Round 17: Jason Garcia, RHP, Land O’Lakes HS FL

Round 18: Dallas Chadwick, RHP, Shasta HS CA

Round 19: Eric Jaffe, RHP, Bishop O’Dowd HS CA

Another signability pick. Ranked 91st in the draft by Baseball America.

Round 20: Roderick Shoulders, C, Brandon HS, FL

Probably a first baseman down the line. Big bat potential.

2010 MLB Draft, Red Sox Rounds 11-15

Round 11: Lucas LeBlanc, OF, Delgado College

Average all-around type player with a solid commitment to Louisiana State.

Round 12: Garret Rau, RHP, California Baptist University

Round 13: Keith Couch, RHP, Adelphi University

Good sinker that sits around 90. Below average secondary offerings.

Round 14: Michael Hollenbeck, C, Joliet Township HS IL

Bat with potential, but needs a lot of polish on defense.

Round 15: Steve Wilkerson, SS, Pope HS GA

Big tools raw player with a commitment to Clemson that will be tough to break.

2010 MLB Draft, Pick 323: Red Sox Draft Jacob Dahlstrand (RHP, Memorial HS TX)

With the 323rd pick in the 2010 MLB First Year Player Draft, the Red Sox selected high school right-handed pitcher Jacob Dahlstrand out of Texas.

A Red Sox and Josh Beckett fan, Dahlstrand has a big arm that can hit the mid-90’s with his fastball. He also throws an average slider.

2010 MLB Draft, Pick 293: Red Sox Draft Tyler Barnette (RHP, Hickory HS NC)

With the 293rd overall pick in the 2010 MLB First Year Player Draft, the Red Sox selected right-handed pitcher Tyler Barnette out of North Carolina.

Barnette features a fastball that can hit the low 90’s and has shown good control with. Doesn’t have much in the way of secondary pitches other than a curveball that needs work.

2010 MLB Draft, Pick 263: Red Sox Draft Mathew Price (RHP, Virginia Tech)

With the 263rd overall pick in the 2010 MLB First Year Player Draft, the Red Sox selected right-handed pitcher Mathew Price out of Virginia Tech.

A strong Sophomore year has improved Price’s stock after a weak freshman season. Throwing a low-mid 90’s fastball, Price adds a changeup and curveball that could both pan out as major league pitches.

2010 MLB Draft, Pick 233: Red Sox Draft Chris Hernandez (LHP, Miami)

With the 233rd overall pick in the 2010 MLB First Year Player Draft, the Red Sox selected left-handed pitcher Chris Hernandez out of Miami.

Hernandez doesn’t have overpowering stuff, sitting around 88 MPH with his fastball. He adds a solid curve and changeup, though, and has the potential to beat righties and lefties alike.

2010 MLB Draft, Pick 203: Red Sox Draft Kendrick Perkins (CF, La Porte HS TX)

With the 203rd overall pick in the 2010 MLB First Year Player Draft, the Red Sox selected high school outfielder Kendrick Perkins out of Texas.

Kendrick Perkins is a defensive force in the paint, and will keep opponents away from the basket—wait a second, something’s wrong here.

Oh, nevermind.

Kendrick Perkins is another high-ceiling outfielder with a good deal of power, but actually shows a good deal of maturity at the plate. He likely projects as a corner outfielder down the line, with good speed on the basepaths.

For more on Perkins, visit SB Nation's Over The Monster

2010 MLB Draft, Pick 173: Red Sox Draft Henry Ramos (RF, Alfonso Casta Martinez HS PR)

With the 173rd overall pick in the 2010 MLB First Year Player Draft, the Red Sox selected high school outfielder Henry Ramos out of Puerto Rico.

The switch hitting Ramos has huge power potential, but really lacks polish out of high school. If Ramos can work on discipline and contact, he’ll be a very valuable player who has average or better tools in every category.

For more on Ramos, visit SB Nation’s Over The Monster

2010 MLB Draft, Pick 143: Red Sox Draft Garin Cecchini (SS, Barbe HS LA)

With the 143rd overall pick in the 2010 MLB First Year Player Draft, the Red Sox selected high school shortstop Garin Cecchini out of Louisiana.

An over-slot pick with a commitment to LSU, Cecchini profiled as a first round pick with a strong bat and solid defensive skills for a third baseman. A torn ACL limited his ability to showcase his talents, though, and likely hurt his stock some. Given that he’s not about speed, though, it’s not likely to effect his overall game.

For more on Cecchini, visit SB Nation’s Over The Monster

2010 MLB Draft, Pick 110: Red Sox Draft Sean Coyle (SS, Germantown Academy PA)

With the 110th overall pick in the 2010 MLB First Year Player Draft, the Red Sox selected high school shortstop Sean Coyle out of Pennsylvania.

At 5’8" and 180 pounds, Coyle will draw instant comparisons to 2004 2nd round pick Dustin Pedroia. He projects as a 2nd baseman down the line, and while he isn’t a plus power guy by any means, he has deceptive pop for his size.

For more on Coyle, visit SB Nation’s Over The Monster

Over The Monster: Brandon Workman 'A Very Solid Pick'

After taking a risk on Anthony Ranaudo, the Red Sox settled down by drafting more of a sure thing in Brandon Workman. As Over the Monster notes, though, the Sox aren’t settling for less:

This is a very solid pick for the Red Sox, considering some mock drafts had Workman going in the first round. Workman was drafted in the third round by the Phillies in 2007, so he’s received a small boost three years later. Workman will probably start out in the minors as a starter, but odds are he could become a reliever. He has split time pretty evenly between starting games and relieving in his career as a Longhorn.

Continue to follow Over the Monster for more Red Sox draft reaction.

2010 MLB Draft, Pick 57: Red Sox Draft Brandon Workman (P, Texas)

With the 57th overall pick in the 2010 MLB First Year Player Draft, the Red Sox selected pitcher Brandon Workman out of Texas.

Workman, a big righty, has a mid-90s fastball and a plus cutter to go along with a large repertoire of secondary pitches. He could project as either a starter or reliever down the line.

For more on Workman, visit SB Nation’s Over The Monster

Over The Monster: Anthony Ranaudo 'Is A Risk'; Bryce Brentz Brings A Power Bat

After an ineffective 2010 season, SB Nation's Over the Monster sees Red Sox draft pick Anthony Ranaudo (39th, LSU) as a high-risk, high-reward kind of player:

Ranaudo is a risk, and one that scares me. Robbed by injury of his effectiveness and--most frighteningly for me--his command last year, if Ranaudo does not return to form, then he is a waste of a pick. On the other hand, if he does return to form, he'll have #1 potential. Having Scott Boras as an agent is never a good thing, but it seems unlikely that the Red Sox would whiff on a supplemental 1st round pick.

I'm just glad they waited until they had a couple more solid picks in the bag.

While Ranaudo brings risk, Bryce Brentz -- the 36th pick overall -- brings something not so risky: power. And a lot of it:

The Red Sox lack big power bats in the outfield, and Brentz is definitely one. I think it might have been the defense that sold this pick, in a way, since finding the big bats that also can play the field better than, say, Manny or Bay is often a difficulty. Seiler suggests that he needs to improve his plate discipline, though, and that's always a big flag, especially in this system.

Continue to follow Over the Monster for more Red Sox draft reaction.

MLB Bonus Baby: Breaking Down Red Sox Draft Picks Bryce Brentz, Anthony Ranaudo

SB Nation's fantastic MLB Draft blog, MLB Bonus Baby, breaks down the Red Sox's No. 36 overall pick, outfielder Bryce Brentz out of Middle Tennessee State:

Brentz isn’t the most toolsy player in the college game, but he can flat-out hit. His hit tool rates anywhere from above-average to plus depending on who you’re talking to, with the backers saying that his bat speed is freakishly good, but the detractors saying he can’t hit a decent curveball. His power isn’t questioned, and it’s a plus tool. His other plus tool is an arm that was responsible for getting him drafted off the mound in high school. He’s tried out center field in college this year, but he’s a possible above-average right fielder at the next level, depending on if he can improve his routes.

MLB Bonus Baby also takes a look at Anthony Ranaudo, the LSU pitcher the Red Sox drafted at 39th overall:

When healthy, he features a plus 91-94 mph fastball with excellent movement and downward plane, and he adds in a plus to plus-plus curveball and an above-average changeup. His command took an exceptional leap forward a year ago, and was considered plus coming into the year.

2010 MLB Draft, Pick 39: Red Sox Draft Anthony Ranaudo (P, Louisiana State)

With the 39th overall pick in the 2010 MLB First Year Player Draft, the Red Sox selected pitcher Anthony Ranaudo out of LSU.

Ranaudo is a top-five talent that saw his stock drop after an injury-plagued 2010 season. After making a name for himself with a fantastic sophomore season at LSU, Ranaudo kicked off 2010 with an army injury and wasn't the same pitcher afterward.

The injury concerns, plus the fact Ranaudo's agent is Scott Boras, dropped the tall (6'7") righty's stock. The Red Sox and Boras have had luck striking deals in the past, though, so seeing Ranaudo join the Sox wouldn't be a surprise.

For more on Ranaudo, visit SB Nation's Over the Monster.

2010 MLB Draft, Pick 36: Red Sox Draft Bryce Brentz (OF, Middle Tenn. State)

With the 36th overall pick in the 2010 MLB First-Year Player Draft, the Red Sox selected outfielder Bryce Brentz from Middle Tennessee State.

Brentz is a solid corner outfielder with a great swing and a lot of power potential. Brentz is considered to be one of the best right-handed college hitters in the draft.

For more on Brentz, visit SB Nation's Over the Monster.

Kolbrin Vetik, Red Sox Already Have Deal In Place; Vetik Likely To Play 3B

The Red Sox and Kolbrin Vetik wasted no time in figuring out a deal that makes both sides happy.

According to multiple sources, Vetik and the Sox came to terms on a deal this past weekend:

Vitek said that he and the #redsox have a verbal agreement on a bonus, and he expects to start career immediately.

The Red Sox have also decided to move Vitek to third base, a move Vetik said he is comfortable with. Vetik played third base his sophomore year at Ball State.

Over The Monster: Kolbrin Vitek Could 'Prove To Be A Star'

SB Nation's Over the Monster says recently drafted Kolbrin Vitek could "prove to be a star" as he progresses in the Red Sox's minor league system:

While Vitek is not one of the guys I'd had my eye on earlier (honestly, I thought he'd be gone by now), he's very much the type of player who could prove to be a star. Big offensive tools from two low-offense positions. Vitek makes a lot of contact, but isn't afraid to take a walk. He's got the speed to steal a base when necessary even if he isn't the next Jacoby Ellsbury, and the possibility to emerge even further as a top player. Well worth a first round pick.

MLB Bonus Baby also has a writeup on Vitek, saying he is an "absolute offensive threat":

He has the tools to be an impact player at second base and center field, and it’s only a matter of decision-making as to where he ends up. At the plate, he’s easily an above-average hitter with above-average raw power, and when you add in his plus speed, he’s an absolute offensive threat.

2010 MLB Draft, Pick 20: Red Sox Draft Kolbrin Vitek (2B, Ball State)

With the 20th overall pick in the 2010 First Year Player Draft, the Red Sox selected second baseman Kolbrin Vitek out of Ball State University.

Vitek is considered one of the best pure-hitters in the draft, with excellent bat speed. He has some power in his stroke, which may improve down the line.

MLB Network's Peter Gammons expects the Red Sox to move Vitek to the outfield. Vitek isn't the strongest defensive infielder, plus the Red Sox have 2008 AL MVP Dustin Pedroia manning second base in Boston through 2014.

---

For more on Vitek, visit SB Nation's Over the Monster.

2010 MLB Draft: Who Will The Red Sox Take At No. 20?

The Red Sox own four of the first 57 picks in the MLB First Year Player Draft: Nos. 20, 36, 39 and 57. For a complete look at Boston's farm system and a positional breakdown, see Ben Buchanan's work here, where he addresses the club's strengths and weaknesses. Now Randy Booth, editor of our Red Sox blog, Over The Monster, breaks down who Boston might take with their first pick.

-----

When pick No. 20 comes around Monday night, all eyes will be on the Boston Red Sox. So where will they go?

They have plenty of choices, of course, and no one knows how the first 19 picks will go down. The hot name right now is LSU pitcher Anthony Ranaudo, a right-hander with some injury problems in 2010, but a high ceiling nevertheless.

Ranaudo and four other potential players the Red Sox may draft at No. 20 are profiled below.

-----

Anthony Ranaudo | RHP | LSU

Ranaudo is a top-five talent that very well could fall to the Red Sox at No. 20 -- but it's no mystery if he does fall.

Not only is Ranaudo's agent the infamous Scott Boras, but injury concerns have dropped the right-hander's stock after a subpar 2010 season. Ranaudo was sidelined a month at the beginning of 2010 because of a sore elbow and hasn't been the same pitcher since.

Ranaudo is a scary presence on the mound for the simple fact he is 6'7". His fastball touches 93 MPH and he has a straight over-the-top curveball. His changeup is considered OK, but the combination of his stuff and ability to hit the zone makes him one of the best pitchers in the draft. However, some of his  "stuff" and "ability to hit the zone" was lost after the injury.

In 2010, Ranaudo racked up a 7.49 ERA in 45.2 innings for LSU. He allowed 53 hits and 23 walks over that span. One nice nugget of information is that Ranaudo didn't lose his ability to strikeout a batter. He still struck out 44 -- almost one batter per inning -- despite the arm issues.

His 2009 season is one in which the Sox would be drafting him for: in 124.1 innings of work, Ranaudo struck out 159, held opponents to a .209 batting average and notched a nifty 3.04 ERA. That's what the Sox would expect out of the tall righty.

If the Red Sox take Ranaudo with the 20th pick, it's likely because they know they'll be able to patch him together and get him back to the pitcher that he used to be. If the Sox didn't think they could do that, they wouldn't waste a first-round draft pick on him. The Sox must also be confident they can sign him, which really hasn't been much of an issue in the past with Boras clients.

-----

Nick Castellanos | 3B | HS (Florida)

Just like Ranaudo, the Red Sox might be able to nab Nick Castellanos at the No. 20 pick because of signability issues.

Castellanos, a 6'4" expected-to-be third baseman out of Florida, is reportedly asking for a nice large signing bonus. As one of the best high school hitters in the draft, he may just be able to get what he demands. This is where the Red Sox step in.

Castellanos was named the Gatorade Florida Player of the Year in 2010 after hitting .542 with six home runs for Archbishop McCarthy. He's dominated at every level of high school ball, which is no surprise as some say he's the best pure hitter in the draft. He's adapt at spraying the ball all over the field, a nice plus for a high school hitter.

With third base being one of Boston's weakest points in their farm system, Castellanos makes sense. However, Castellanos is a lot like the other third basemen in their system: raw. Castellanos projects to have some pretty good power with an average glove at third base. He will really need to bulk up to stay durable, but he already has the quick hands to be able to catch up to fastballs.

-----

Brandon Workman | RHP | Texas

Just like his last name would describe, Brandon Workman is big, tough and throws hard. He's a worker.

The 6'5" righty has a four-seam fastball that can hit the mid-90s and a two-seamer that has some sink to it. His cutter is considered "plus," while he also adds an average curve and change to the mix. It's a pretty full repertoire for a starter, but also a nice little set list if he converts to being a reliever. Workman was a 3rd round pick back in 2007 for the Phillies.

Workman was quite effective this season and he wasn't even his team's best starter. In 99.2 innings, Workman allowed 94 hits, 23 walks and struck out 97. His ERA clocked in at 3.43 while opponents hit .248 against him.

The Sox love themselves strong, college pitchers. Last year they drafted Alex Wilson (Texas A&M, 2nd round) and Kendal Volz (Baylor, 9th), both of whom have already shown they're ready for a promotion. Workman could be the next college pitcher in the Sox system to slide in and start mowing down batters.

-----

Kaleb Cowart | 3B/RHP | HS (Georgia)

Can you say, "Casey Kelly Version Two"?

Cowart is a lot like Kelly in that sense that he's coming out of high school as both an effective infielder and an effective pitcher. And, just like Kelly, the question where he lands -- on the mound or near the bags -- is still up in the air.

Cowart played shortstop in high school, but most scouts see him becoming a third baseman at the professional level. He has a strong arm and is a decent fielder. He has a lot of power potential down the line.

As a pitcher, Cowart's best pitch is a mid-90s fastball with a lot of movement. Unfortunately, he doesn't really have the secondary pitches to back it up. He has a slider and a changeup, but they're not much to speak of at the moment.

Cowart has said he'd like to play every day and be an infielder, but his fastball is exciting enough to make him a pitching prospect. If he can develop some strong secondary pitches, it will probably be a no-brainer. Still, his future is bright either way. (If the Sox do draft Cowart, they may do the same thing with him as they did with Kelly - pitch him for a certain amount of time, let him hit for another, and then make a decision.)

-----

Matt Harvey | RHP | UNC

Introducing Matt Harvey, another hard-throwing college pitcher the Red Sox would like to wrap up.

After having a great freshman season, followed by a less-than-stellar sophomore season, Harvey rebounded for the Tar Heels to be the ace in 2010. The 6'4" righty went 8-3 with a 3.09 ERA in 96 innings of work this season. In that span he struck out 102 and walked 35. Opponents hit just .224 against him.

Harvey's biggest weapon is his mid-to-high 90s fastball that has a little movement on it. His fastball is assisted by a slider, a new pitch that he's developed over the last couple of seasons. It's an OK pitch, but has shown potential with it. He apparently used to throw a hard 12-to-6 curveball in high school, but now primarily throws a slider. He also has an average changeup.

Harvey is the kind of pitcher that could jump in the Red Sox system and find success early. If he shows even all right command and taps his fastball out at 97, he'll start marching up the ranks. Harvey may not slip to 20 though, as he doesn't have the signability issues like others mentioned.

-----

For more Red Sox draft coverage, visit SB Nation's Over the Monster.

2010 MLB First Year Player Draft And Examining The Needs Of The Red Sox

You probably won't notice anything different about how the Red Sox draft in the 2010 MLB Amateur Draft -- but you might.

That's because this year the team features a new Scouting Director, Amiel Sawdaye. Sawdaye was the Assistant Scouting Director the last five years while Jason McLeod ran this show. But when Red Sox Assistant GM Jed Hoyer left to become the GM in San Diego, he brought McLeod with him and Sawdaye earned a promotion.

Will we see a change in philosophy? It's possible, but then again: What exactly is the Red Sox's drafting philosophy?

One factor that separates the Red Sox from other teams is the size of their wallet. Some players demand large signing bonuses. While that may scare off some smaller market teams, that will never scare off the Red Sox. In fact, that tends to help the Red Sox quite a bit; if there's a top five-talent that falls in the round because of "signability" issues, the Red Sox aren't worried -- they can usually make a deal happen.

When it comes to the Sox's preference to drafting college or high school players, they really don't have one. In the seven drafts that Theo Epstein has been the team's GM, their first choice in the draft has been a high school player three times and a college player four times. While the college players have the edge, it's aided in Epstein's first three years, in which he drafted college players David Murphy (2003), Dustin Pedroia (2004) and Jacoby Ellsbury (2005). Since then he has drafted high school ballplayers Jason Place (2006), Casey Kelly (2008) and Raymond Fuentes (2009).

If you're looking for a trend, you won't find one.

Here is how the Red Sox's early picks break down:

                Round 1 - Pick No. 20 (Billy Wagner compensation)
                Round 1s - No. 36 (Jason Bay compensation)
                Round 1s - No. 39 (Wagner compensation)
                Round 2 - No. 57 (Bay compensation)

The Red Sox forfeited the 29th pick overall for signing John Lackey over the offseason. They also lost pick No. 80 (second round) when they signed Marco Scutaro.

Examining The Red Sox Farm System, And The Strengths And Weaknesses Within

It is generally accepted that drafting for need is not the best idea. Draft picks are a valuable commodity and for many teams the best way to fill out their rosters is with cheap talent. But when it comes right down to it, talent levels simply aren't evenly distributed in any given class. If you're picking fifth with an abundance of middle infielders but no lefty starters in your system, and are presented with a top-five talent shortstop and a lefty projected toward the end of the round, you have to go with the shortstop every time.

That being said, though, things are not always so clear cut. Scouting draft picks, who will mostly spend at least two or three years in the minors, is not an exact science. And while talent is value in the world of prospects, it's usually better to hold onto and keep your own guys rather than trade away a blocked prospect for a similarly talented one at another position. It's just too much of a question mark. So when confronted with the choice between the No. 5 prospect on your board at a crowded position, and the No. 6 at a weak one, the choice becomes a lot less obvious. 

So where are the Red Sox weak? Where are they strong? If you've been following along with the minors, you may have a pretty good idea. But if not, here's a quick primer, position-by-position, brought to you by Over The Monster's Ben Buchanan:

Catcher

We start with perhaps the hardest category to judge, highlighted by three interesting players. The system is definitely filled with prospects in this category, but none of them have particularly stood out. Certainly Luis Exposito has had his fair share of hype, but he's not exactly lighting the world on fire in Portland (AA).

Otherwise, there are fringe prospects -- but prospects nevertheless -- and three confusing players. The first one is Adalberto Ibarra, the 23-year-old Cuban backstop whom the Sox signed to a big $4.3 million contract. The money on the deal alone should make anyone take notice, but this guy is definitely a masher, putting up lines of .363/.464/.525 and .341/.470/.481 in two seasons in Cuba. The question is, how will he do in the minors? We haven't even seen Ibarra yet, as he's been in extended spring training to start his career. Can he keep hitting in America? Will his catching skills get up to par (he only started playing behind the plate last year)? Until we see more, it's hard to say where he fits into the system. 

This is a problem shared with Ryan Lavarnway. He, too, can hit the cover off the ball -- but can he catch? Splitting time with the more offensively-challenged Tim Federowicz behind the plate, Lavarnway seems to be more of a DH in catcher's clothing, with over 58 combined passed balls and wild pitches last year. 

Finally -- and this is one some might pass off -- there's Oscar Perez, another fairly big-money signing. Last year, Perez, known for advanced defense with the possibility more than promise of a bat in the future, did not adjust well to professional ball, managing only a line of .210/.289/.292 in the DSL. Still, Perez was all of 17 years old, so it would be foolish to judge him on the basis of that year alone. With a good season, Perez could prove a talent in the otherwise empty lower levels. (Daniel Butler has been on fire, but as a former non-prospect sort of player at 23 years old in Greenville, we're going to need more than 150 at bats to "buy" this breakout.) 

Verdict: It will be hard to arrange playing time for more advanced college level players, but there's some good space too be filled in A-ball.  

First Base/Designated Hitter:

A very top-heavy group here, with obvious headliners in Lars Anderson and Anthony Rizzo. Depending on your opinion of Ryan Lavarnway, he too could fit here - his bat is certainly ready for Portland. In the lower levels, Chris McGuiness has been destroying SAL pitching with regularity, and is probably due for a promotion too, while Boss Moanaroa is something of a fringe prospect whose strong on base skills need to be backed up by the power he has the potential to show. 

Verdict: There's certainly lots of room here at all levels, but this is far from a "need."

Second Base/Shortstop:

A relatively empty position marked by two big international free agents from last year. Jose Iglesias has come on strong in his initial time in Portland, showing a surprisingly good contact bat so far to go with his obvious defensive prowess. Jose Vinicio, all of 16-years-old, is more of an all-around type, but we have yet to actually see him play outside of spring training.  

Otherwise, Derrik Gibson had a lot of hype coming into the season, but has been performing very poorly in Greenville. Oscar Tejeda, on the other hand, had little-to-no hype after a couple of down years, but has come on strong in his first 200 at bats. Given a ridiculous BABIP and non-existent plate discipline, though, I wouldn't necessarily count on him as a long-term prospect. 

Verdict: Though Dustin Pedroia will be around for a long time, second base is probably the emptiest position in the farm system.  

Third Base:

The Sox have some new-found life at third base in 2010, thanks to the emergence of Will Middlebrooks in April with a .362/.436/.565 line. While his numbers have definitely come down to Earth with a prolonged slump, a lot of the good signs remain. He will have to break out of his funk sometime to avoid a return to semi-obscurity, but I expect that it's only a matter of time before he does so. 

The other big name is last year's third-round pick, David Renfroe. While we still haven't seen him play in the season (Lowell's season starts June 18), he received good reviews during spring training, and has all the tools necessary to be a big-name prospect at the hot corner. Also drafted in 2010, 19-year-old Miles Head has a very big bat which we should see in the GCL this year. 

Finally, there's Yamaico Navarro, who has mostly shifted to third from shortstop since Iglesias' arrival, though he could wind up at either position. Navarro has been turning his season around of late, showing some of the offensive promise he did in his 2008 Lancaster and 2009 Salem stints. His season, and career, could really go either way from here. 

Verdict: No high-level talent at a position where we could really use some. Without a top-15 pick, however, the Sox aren't likely to find a guy who has a chance at stepping in very soon like Zack Cox. 

Outfield:

Here there is talent. And lots of it. At pretty much all levels.

Let's start with the big names in AAA: Josh Reddick and Ryan Kalish. While Reddick hasn't had the best year, he could be turning his season around, and he looked good in his first game back in the majors on Saturday. Ryan Kalish, on the other hand, has done nothing but solidify his position as one of the premier prospects in the system. Both are above-average corner outfielders with the ability to play in center. 

The middle levels are perhaps the most devoid of talent, though Portland's Che-Hsuan Lin and Salem's Pete Hissey are both center fielders who can get on base and have the potential to add some power. Hissey is probably about average in center, while Lin borders on the absurd between his range, arm, and glove.

The lower minors are more of a toss up, but with plenty of names worth mentioning. Last year's first rounder, Reymond Fuentes, has the potential to be Jacoby Ellsbury with some pop. Jeremy Hazelbaker has some great offensive tools, but is hampered by some really bad reads. Shannon Wilkerson is a project with some potential, and when Brandon Jacobs makes his debut in Lowell, we can hopefully look forward to some monster bombs off his big bat. 

Verdict: There's almost always room in the outfield, but there's not really any big need. The Sox have mashers, dirt dogs, speedsters, and toolsy wonders aplenty. To say nothing of what would be a huge boost if Ryan Westmoreland gets back to the field.  

Right-Handed Starters:

It seems like there are too many names here to really mention them all, but there is a definite standout at every level but AAA (sorry, Michael Bowden).  

In Portland, the obvious pick is Casey Kelly. Top off-speed stuff, an improving fastball, and 20 years old at the Double-A level. What more can you ask for?  

In Salem, there are actually two of significant note. Stolmy Pimentel has turned around a slow start in Salem, and while his strikeout numbers are still down and his walks up a little, he's had a strong showing so far. Alex Wilson, last year's second round pick, has been something of a model of consistency-almost every game, 1-2 walks, 5-6 strikeouts, 5-6 innings, 0-2 earned runs -- probably ready for Portland. 

Greenville has one of the more intriguing names in Kendal Volz, who can hang his hat on a ridiculous 43:3 strikeout-to-walk ratio through his first 11 games. Volz was a risky pick after three mediocre years at Baylor, but I like what I have seen so far.

In Rookie ball, all eyes will be on Madison Younginer, who has some of the best potential in the system. He might need a lot of work, but he's got a very live arm (fastball topping out at 97) and could rocket up the charts with a good start. 

There's also a very solid second tier of starters who all deserve mention, but it would take too much time to do anything more than list them, so here you go: Michael Bowden, Junichi Tazawa, Stephen Fife, Kyle Weiland, Caleb Clay, Yeiper Castillo and Roman Mendez. 

Verdict: No great lack of pitching at any level, but you can never have enough starting pitching. 

Left-Handed Starters:

As can be expected, there's not nearly as much talent here. But there's still some. Felix Doubront started the year off with an exceptional performance in spring training against major league opposition, and has carried that over into what has been a dominant season so far. After shutting down competition in AA, Doubront earned a promotion to Pawtucket (AAA), and actually has performed arguably better there through 12 innings. As a result, Doubront's stock has risen from a possible back-end/replacement type of starter to a very legitimate major league starting prospect.

Meanwhile, in Greenville, Drake Britton is attempting to make a comeback after Tommy John Surgery. He's been rusty, but effective so far, though he again saw over a month on the disabled list after just two starts. Still, Britton has big time potential should he find his form. 

Also worth noting is Manny Rivera, who had a strong start in Greenville. Some recent trouble and an inability to keep the ball on the ground makes me wonder if he's for real, though. 

Verdict: As before, you can never have enough pitching. But the Sox are a lot closer to having enough right handed pitching than left handed pitching. 

Relievers:

Always a difficult position to judge, simply because a lot of relievers are just converted minor league starters. Currently the Sox have a couple guys in the high minors in Dustin Richardson and Robert Manuel who could make an impact in the majors, and in the lower levels, Cesar Cabral has been phenomenal in Greenville (now in Salem). But it's hard to say there's any guy like Daniel Bard who really demands attention as a reliever. 

Verdict: No big names at a position where the Sox are very needy, but are you really looking to draft guys as relievers?

-----

For more Red Sox draft coverage, visit SB Nation's Over the Monster.