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Post by brendan98 on Apr 23, 2013 10:08:33 GMT -5
So Michael Almanzar has become mostly an afterthought in the hierarchy of Red Sox prospects, long gone is the excitement of the 17 year old, with the frame and the bloodlines, who received the $1.5 M signing bonus back in 2007. Almanzar’s progression has been slow, and his stats were underwhelming in his first four pro seasons, and after posting an awful .578 & .469 OPS in a 2011 season split between Greenville & Salem respectively, it appeared an almost certainty that Almanzar was a bust.
Then out of nowhere, Almanzar posts a .300/.353/.458 season in 2012, with a much improved walk to strikeout ratio and lower strikeout rate. So the Sox send him to the AFL and he struggles badly, and I think the organization must be wondering what they have in this guy. Despite the poor AFL performance, Almanzar is sent to AA for the first time for the 2013 season, and one could easily make an argument that he has been the most impressive Red Sox positional prospect so far this year, albeit in a SSS. So far this year, Almanzar is sporting a 1.001 OPS.
What is it that the Sox have in Almanzar? Is he a late bloomer, or an enigma?
His numbers seem to indicate that he has developed a better approach at the plate since last season. Could it be as simple as a young player finally beginning to slow the game down in his head, letting his talent begin to show?
If this is the real Michael Almanzar, and he is about to push for a MLB job in the next couple of years, he is almost certain to move off 3B. I saw him play the position early last season, and although it was just 2 games, he was awful defensively, so bad I even question his ability to handle 1B adequately, although I’d have to think that he could become at least average at the position with some work.
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Post by wskeleton76 on Apr 23, 2013 10:11:35 GMT -5
Can he play LF? Looking at his body with long limb I thought he might fit well as outfielder.
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steveofbradenton
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Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,823
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Post by steveofbradenton on Apr 23, 2013 10:43:06 GMT -5
After seeing Michael in Greenville for what seemed an eternity, I must admit I gave up on him a long time ago. Not only was his play on the field poor, but I didn't care for his effort and mannerisms.
Even last year sort of seemed like fairy dust, but his play in AA at 22 has made me sit-up and take notice. I now search his name out in the box scores. Wow! I'll believe it when I see it over the complete season because I'm still worried about is work ethic and position.
Still, as we all do, I can dream that a light-bulb came on his head!
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Post by jchang on Apr 23, 2013 12:26:07 GMT -5
I don't see why he should be considered a late bloomer at 22 in AA. Only Xander and Heiker are younger. there are only 7 players younger in Salem. A heavy bat and better defense than Manny still makes a good prospect?
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Post by brendan98 on Apr 23, 2013 12:47:59 GMT -5
I don't see why he should be considered a late bloomer at 22 in AA. Probably wrong choice of words, better to call him slow to develop. I agree that at 22 in AA he is in a pretty good spot in his development if his future development is at a more normal pace (closer to 1 level per season). |
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Post by jchang on Apr 23, 2013 13:29:18 GMT -5
I worried that Almanzar was sent to Greenville at too young an age. It can't be good for a 17-18 year old hanging out with 21 year olds - as in easy access to booze, but he was too good for GCL. Now that he is on a good age advanced track, the place other high prospects had trouble was AA, but not Mike. I won't complain now, but when Michael finishes AA batting over 300, it think it would be time to bring him to the front page.
ps, I will make the 3-4 hr drive to Salem now, how's the weather?
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Post by bluechip on Apr 23, 2013 14:01:44 GMT -5
I would not say that I am excited about Alamzar, but I will admit that I am intrigued. It is very good to see that he is starting to produce at an advanced level, while still at a young age.
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Post by widewordofsport on Apr 23, 2013 14:26:51 GMT -5
I'm still at the point of chalking it up to getting his diabetes under control. Let him hit till summer, then package him for someone who can help the big club.
Problem being I don't see many holes on the Red Sox that could be filled by trade... they either need players with superstar potential, or young prospects nowhere near the 40 man roster. Almanzar isn't getting you your 1B or RF of the future, so maybe they just let it ride and hope.
I personally can't see a kid who spent five years in A ball all the sudden hitting in the majors. Though I thought that last year about A+ vs. AA, so what do I know.
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Post by jmei on Apr 23, 2013 14:28:30 GMT -5
ps, I will make the 3-4 hr drive to Salem now, how's the weather? One of the many hidden perks of this website. The wiki is fun to browse, too. |
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danr
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Posts: 1,871 
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Post by danr on Apr 23, 2013 14:54:26 GMT -5
I personally can't see a kid who spent five years in A ball all the sudden hitting in the majors. Though I thought that last year about A+ vs. AA, so what do I know. I think you should apply a different calculus to players like Almanzar, who are signed at 16 or 17 almost entirely on spec. Virtually everything about being a pro has yet to develop, including becoming an adult. Some of that is hard, and people do it at different rates. I don't have an opinion of him because I have no idea what was going on while he developed. But he does seem to have developed into a fairly skilled pro, with some maturity now, and still is younger than some other prospects. He could be in the process of becoming a really good story. |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 23, 2013 15:02:26 GMT -5
Almazar is rule-5 eligible after this season. He was last year as well. If he continues to perform well, the sox will have to add him to the 40-man. There are a lot of rule-5 eligible players after this year that HAVE to be protected. Some of them are Bogaerts, Workman, Brentz, and Cecchini. Then there are a bunch more solid prospects in Almanzar, Jacobs, KDLC, Vincio, Hazelbaker, Hernandez, and Couch. In addition, if Ranaudo continues to perform well after a rough 2012 campaign, he HAS to be added to the 40-man as well.
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Post by widewordofsport on Apr 23, 2013 15:32:03 GMT -5
sox4life - Exactly why I think he's trade bait. Just because he is improving as a hitter doesn't mean his attitude/defense has come along with it. Seems to me from reports that it hasn't, but what the Red Sox do with him this year will speak to whether that is true. I think you sell high, simply because to put him on the 40 man, Boston would have to go with fewer than 20 RH relievers or 6 catchers on the 40 man, and that just would be crazy.
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Post by Chris Hatfield on Apr 23, 2013 15:33:07 GMT -5
I'm still at the point of chalking it up to getting his diabetes under control. I'm assuming that this is just a reference to Chih-Hsien Chiang, rather than an actual assertion that Almanzar has diabetes (which he doesn't as far as I know), right? |
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Post by widewordofsport on Apr 23, 2013 15:34:36 GMT -5
It's a different thread, but Brentz/Workman/Bogaerts are obvious, and maybe Ranaudo. I don't think anyone else on the list is a 'must'. Cecchini is too far away, and Hazelbaker will really have to play his way into "can't lose him for nothing" status. Almanzar is a long way away from being a 40-man lock, IMO.
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Post by sibbysisti on Apr 23, 2013 15:37:32 GMT -5
Count me with steveofbradenton as one who was going to run him out of the organization in 2011 not only for his hitting stats, but poor defense and an apparent attitude problem. But it looks like he's found redemption. Lets hope he maintains his commitment and shows stable production.
Third base is a position for optimism with Michael and Cecchini coming up behind WMB.
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Post by widewordofsport on Apr 23, 2013 15:39:21 GMT -5
Chris - yes, I should have made that clearer so it didn't seem like I'm spreading health rumors. Obviously Chiang (.281 OBP last year in AA/AAA, .260 in AA this year) was a smart high-sell two years ago. Almanzar has more of a pedigree and baseline talent, but I do worry it's not something that will be sustained long-term, and I'd rather protect and keep some of the other prospects.
Maybe the best idea for the FO is to keep him, watch him a full year, and he'll either play his way onto the 40 man, or not be good enough to get picked up in the R5D.
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Post by widewordofsport on Apr 23, 2013 15:43:54 GMT -5
1) Can Almanzar stick at 3B defensively, really?
2) What's most important this year to me is his splits vs. good AA pitchers. When he gets good contact off Bundy, Meyer, Taillon, or "League Leading 0.52 ERA Stolmy Pimentel", it'll be a bigger deal to me.
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Post by brendan98 on Apr 23, 2013 16:24:05 GMT -5
From what I saw early last year, it is highly unlikely he sticks at 3B. I guess it is possible to make dramatic improvement at the position, but I think it doubtful.
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Post by pkelly491 on Apr 24, 2013 22:27:39 GMT -5
2-for-5 today with a 2B and 2 RBI. Seems like he is the real deal at least at the dish. Can't wait to see him in person. Not sure if he is that good of a hitter who can be a big league regular at 1B or DH.
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Post by sarasoxer on Apr 25, 2013 9:21:24 GMT -5
Count me with steveofbradenton as one who was going to run him out of the organization in 2011 not only for his hitting stats, but poor defense and an apparent attitude problem. But it looks like he's found redemption. Lets hope he maintains his commitment and shows stable production. Third base is a position for optimism with Michael and Cecchini coming up behind WMB. Well, I agree with you & Steve and Brendan....and those who also say that heck he is only 22 and in AA. The former 'walk-on-water' Bradley is 23 and in AAA. The kid seems to have a chance as a hitter when just yesterday we had all written him off. The biggest issue is whether he has a position. He will not play 3B as those who have seen him at that spot so surely know. I can't see him in the OF either when I recall his awkward and slow running style (admittedly from 4 years ago). I think it will be 1B (minimal range), DH or bust. |
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Post by raftsox on Apr 25, 2013 9:36:25 GMT -5
I don't think we need to worry too much about 40 man/Rule 5 problems just yet. There are always trades of fringy players on the 40 man for backup purposes, and plenty of Rule 5 eligible guys get traded just before the draft.
On a side note: did any of you admin people keep him in your deep keeper fantasy leagues?
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Post by jchang on Apr 26, 2013 10:28:47 GMT -5
The new rank of 27 is a good place for Almanzar, but his grade is still 2, while everyone else from 17-37 is 3, so I assume it was just an oversight. Sure there may not be an obvious need position for him, or he might get traded in a package. But I do not think it is fully clear whether his destiny is everyday player or bust. I will hope he earns the DH spot. this link is in the weekly notes today, www.pressherald.com/sports/the-kids-a-man-and-expecting-to-meet-those-expectations_2013-04-21.htmlso it would be nice to attach it Almanzar's entry in the Prospects page |
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Post by rjp313jr on Apr 26, 2013 16:47:17 GMT -5
I really hope someone doesn't screw his career al la Willie Mo and take him in the Rule 5....
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Post by larrycook on Apr 27, 2013 8:45:43 GMT -5
His swing looks really good thus far this season. Better than Bogaerts.
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Post by burythehammer on Apr 28, 2013 16:22:14 GMT -5
Tremendous interview up on EEI's site with Speier and Kevin Boles about Almanzar. Really thoughtful, interesting answers from Boles.
Personally I started following the minors in 2007 and Almanzar was really the first guy I started following from the moment he entered the organization and fell in love with him as a prospect. I know I totally gave up on him before last year and really didn't think much of his year in Salem either. I'm still tempering expectations but it's awesome to see him turn his career around like this.
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