Even most casual Sox fans have heard Iglesias’ name thrown around when discussing the team’s future, of which Iglesias may be a huge piece. He came to the Red Sox by way of Cuba in the fall of 2009, signing a major-league deal with a $6,000,000 signing bonus, which is still the highest figure given out by the organization to date. He immediately starting hitting his way through the Arizona Fall League that year, including his first two home runs as a member of the Sox’ organization. However, Iglesias’ trademark has always been his glove, for which he’s drawn rave reviews from scouts like Keith Law as well as major leaguers like Alex Rodriguez, and that tool in itself is likely to land Iglesias on a major league roster in the future. He’s received acclaim as a top prospect in the major leagues; MLB.com listed him at #42 on their preseason top 50 prospects, and Law had Iglesias at #45.

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By: Matt Mcgrath

Doubront emerged as a viable major league option for the Sox after closing the season strong with the major league team. However, he got off to a rocky start in 2011 from the Sox’ bullpen and was sent back to Pawtucket to stretch him back out as a starting pitcher. After turning in his longest start of the year on July 6^th versus Syracuse (7 innings), he’s definitely put himself back on the map to move back up to the majors, whether with the Sox or with another organization, as his name has been mentioned as the trade deadline approaches.

Doubront is one of the few pitching prospects in the system who has performed consistently as he’s moved up the ladder. Boasting a solid fastball with a plus changeup and curveball, Doubront has the arsenal to move into the starting rotation in the major leagues, but his success at the close of 2010 as a reliever means he may project better there for the Sox than in the rotation, where the team has a number of expensive and viable candidates. The lack of a consistent left-handed arm out of the pen since Rich Hill was lost for the season to Tommy John has led to some questions why Doubront hasn’t gotten the call, but it appears the team believes it may be in Doubront’s best interest to refine his approach as a starting pitcher with Pawtucket rather than exposing him to major league hitters already. His performance for Pawtucket this year has been strong; he’s posted his usual strikeout rates, and continues to scatter hits sparingly, but his trademark control hasn’t been consistent, and this is likely one of his major hurdles the team is looking for him to clear before any promotion. Already on the 40-man rotation, Doubront is a candidate to see time with the Sox at some point this season, whether that’s before or after the September 1^st roster expansion, or he could very well find himself pitching elsewhere in a deadline deal for a star player.

By: Wessel Brocken

Will Middlebrooks is a high school draftee out of Texas, drafted in the 5^th round by the Red Sox and a signed an overslot deal subsequently. He hit .555 (61-for-110) with 22 doubles, five homers, 48 RBIs and 22 steals in 38 games as a senior in 2007. Will was highly regarded joining the organization but unpolished at the same time. Middlbebrooks was playing shortstop back then, the Sox decided to move him to 3^rd base, because he filled out his frame. Since making his debut in 2008, his production at the plate has improved every season, leading to a Carolina League All Star selection in 2010. Will’s 2011 campaign is a successful one so far: hitting .316/.361/.530 midway through the season, while being more than a full year younger than the competition. Middlebrooks slumped in May, but he slugged the baseball in every other month. He made the USA team for the Futures Game in Arizona and he just played in the Eastern League All Star game, going 1 for 2 in both games. Middlebrooks’ splits versus RHP/LHP are virtually the same and that bodes well for the future. Middlebrooks is a good hitter with a beautiful swing who hits the ball to all fields with authority. But he’s too aggressive at the plate, leading to many  strike outs. Will is a good defender with solid footwork, decent range and a plus plus arm.

All things considered I expect Middlebrooks to be the opening day 3^rd baseman for the Red Sox in 2013. He still has to work on his plate discipline, taking more walks like the Red Sox want, but his overall game is pretty polished and he should be an above average Major League 3^rd baseman. This is some footage from last month: Will Middlebrooks

Keith Law from ESPN just updated his top 50 prospect list an he has Middlebrooks as prospect #42 in all of baseball with this motivation: He (WMB) still has to work on recognizing off-speed and working the count. Otherwise he should be a plus defender at third who hits for 25-plus homers.