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.