8/28 Gameday Thread: Rowdy Ronny Raudes, I think

Does GCL have enough games left to allow Groome another start or so before potentially moving to Lowell?

I'm not necessarily advocating for it, but Raudes is the Red Sox pitcher that would be the best candidate to move up quickly. In my opinion, he's a better option to rush than Kopech, Groome, or Espinoza, had the Sox kept him. He may not be a big K guy in the league, or ever be better than a #3 starter, but as a guy who limits HRs, walks very few batters, and in general has great command at such a young age, I could see him in the big leagues by 2018, at age 20. His numbers at A ball at 18, are better than Porcello's minor league numbers in high A at age 19.

If he can develop his changeup to be an average 3rd pitch, I can easily see his progression going:

2017: ~150 innings, 100 in Salem, 50 in Portland
2018: ~170 innings, 80 in Portland, 80 in Pawtucket... possible callup for spot starts in September
2019: Pawtucket/#5 starter

In 2018, he's rule 5 eligible too, so a September 2018 call up may happen because later in the offseason he would be added to the 40 man anyway.

Moncada was 1 for 5 with 2 Ks, a two hopper to third and finally a hard one-hopper to first. His hr was well-struck but aided by a strong wind. His first 4 ABs were RH.

He made an error (9) on a slow bounder to third...as he first charged then retreated stabbing at an in b/t hop. This appeared due to inexperience. He otherwise displayed a strong arm and is an obvious specimen.