Iggy Called Up...Man Love Escalates

Jose Iglesias was called up to the big leagues earlier today.  He's not expected to play today, tomorrow, or maybe even the next day....but the news alone has me all sorts of excited.

With Scutaro out with a strained oblique, and Pawtucket's Yamaico Navarro going down with an injury last week (who is technically ahead of Iggy on the depth chart), Iggy got the call he's been waiting for.

Personally, I think it's a bit early for the 21 year old Cuban to be in the big time lights, but it was primarily a result of circumstance.

While my (and 94 percent of Red Sox Nation's) expectations for Iggy are irrationally high, there is reason to believe he may indeed be ready for the big show later this year.

In the minor leagues, he's shown the ability to consistent hit the ball, get on base, and make plays on the base paths (while he's not exactly Jacoby, he's a smart base runner who can swipe bags with intelligence as opposed to pure speed).

Multiple scouts have already said Iggy's glove is "major league ready"....it's only a matter of time until he gets his time to shine in the Fens and even the Pink Hats learn his name.

With Lowrie currently representing one of Boston's best lineup options, I'm not ready to rush Iggy up to the bigs by any means (personally, I think he's better suited to stay in Pawtucket the entire year).

However, there is nothing wrong with admiring our future short stop and wishing him the best.  Let's just hope unexpected injuries don't rush any of the process.

Go Sox, Go Boston, Go Iggy....just go.

Iggy Update: Where to Play?

WEEI.com - FORT MYERS, Fla. — According to team sources, the Red Sox are still debating whether to have top prospect Jose Iglesias open the 2011 season in Double-A Portland or Triple-A Pawtucket. The team wants to assign Iglesias to a level that will maximize the likelihood of his being big league ready for the 2012 campaign."
 
"Because the shortstop -- already considered a defensive star -- lost a couple months of his 2010 season with Portland due to a broken finger, the team might want him to get more at-bats in Double-A before an early season promotion to Triple-A. That said, the team might also decide that Iglesias is better served by a challenge at a more advanced level."


While I see both sides to this story, I find one thing particularly interesting.  This is one of our top prospects right?  The shortstop of our future?  The next Ozzie Guillen? The guy that in fantasy baseball, I'll likely end up trading half my team for just so I can have an extra obsession with his play?

Then why don't we have this plan hammered out yet?  Theo and company are predominately meticulous with their player development game planning.  This one seems odd to me.

By all accounts, Iggy has no issues with his broken finger from last year, and performed quite well in the fall league and spring training thus far.  Knowing that, it makes me think that the argument of "they wanted to see where he was coming into the season" seem a bit far fetched. 

I'm in favor of starting him in Portland for a month or two, and, so long as he's healthy and performing reasonably well, pull him up to Pawtucket. It seems like it would fall in line with Boston's way of building a bit of confidence followed by a challenge. Depending on Boston's performance and needs, as well as Iggy's, there are some rumors that he could be a September call up.

Random ITM note:  if this Pawtucket team doesn't contend for the league championship, something is wrong with Rhode Island's water....the team is pretty stacked. 

It's Iggy's World and We're Just Living in it

Take that Vlad Guerrero, Dice-K, and the hundreds of other atheletes that either refuse to, or think it's too hard to learn English.

So what does Iggy do?  He requests an English interview with the God of baseball, Peter Gammons.  See how much he poured?

This kid has been here for a year, and according to mulitple sources, when he's not in the gym, he's studying English and US history.  Have I mentioned I'm a fan of his? 

(ITM note:  I really need to scoop up his jersey T, before Ft Myers).

Oh, and did I mention that Iggy went 2 for 3 with three RBI last night (true, it was against Northeastern, but by now you understand I'm hardly raitonal).

Baseball America's Top 100 Prospects: My Main Man Iggy...

It's no secret, everyone knows I've got a man crush on Jose "Iggy" Iglesias.  The hands of a mongoose and the makeup of a really well-rounded ballplayer.  I think half of London already knows that I'm all sorts of infatuated with the 20 year old Cuban.

So while I'm a little upset he's only checking in at #52 on Baseball America's list of the Top 100 prospects, I'm convinced it's because most people haven't seen this stud live and in person.

I liked him prior to last year's Spring Training....but after reading more about him, and meeting him in Ft Myers....it quickly turned into a case of baseball man love (see Jacoby Ellsbury in early 2007, right before the pink hats and eventual injuries got to him).

A-rod is apparently trying to move in Iggy too...he better recognize.   "It's a Miami thing"....easy pal.

Either way, Iggy is Boston's top rated prospect, but you can also find Anthony Ranaudo (#67) and left-hander Drake Britton (#97) on the list. 

Not that I care, but look at who checks in at #37 and #75....

Baseball America's 2011 TOP 100 PROSPECTS


1. Bryce Harper, of, Nationals

2. Mike Trout, of, Angels

3. Jesus Montero, c, Yankees

4. Domonic Brown, of, Phillies

5. Julio Teheran, rhp, Braves

6. Jeremy Hellickson, rhp, Rays

7. Aroldis Chapman, lhp, Reds

8. Eric Hosmer, 1b, Royals

9. Mike Moustakas, 3b, Royals

10. Wil Myers, of/c, Royals

11. Jameson Taillon, rhp, Pirates

12. Dustin Ackley, 2b, Mariners

13. Shelby Miller, rhp, Cardinals

14. Manny Machado, ss, Orioles

15. Matt Moore, lhp, Rays

16. Michael Pineda, rhp, Mariners

17. Freddie Freeman, 1b, Braves

18. John Lamb, lhp, Royals

19. Mike Montgomery, lhp, Royals

20. Chris Sale, lhp, White Sox

21. Jacob Turner, rhp, Tigers

22. Desmond Jennings, of, Rays

23. Brandon Belt, 1b, Giants

24. Martin Perez, lhp, Rangers

25. Lonnie Chisenhall, 3b, Indians

26. Dee Gordon, ss, Dodgers

27. Chris Archer, rhp, Rays

28. Zach Britton, lhp, Orioles

29. Kyle Drabek, rhp, Blue Jays

30. Gary Sanchez, c, Yankees

31. Casey Kelly, rhp, Padres

32. Tyler Matzek, lhp, Rockies

33. Jarrod Parker, rhp, Diamondbacks

34. Kyle Gibson, rhp, Twins

35. Randall Delgado, rhp, Braves

36. Travis d'Arnaud, c, Blue Jays

37. Mike Minor, lhp, Braves

38. Brett Jackson, of, Cubs

39. Jonathan Singleton, 1b/of, Phillies

40. Brett Lawrie, 2b, Blue Jays

41. Manny Banuelos, lhp, Yankees

42. Jordan Lyles, rhp, Astros

43. Dellin Betances, rhp, Yankees

44. Jenrry Mejia, rhp, Mets

45. Aaron Hicks, of, Twins

46. Tony Sanchez, c, Pirates

47. Alex White, rhp, Indians

48. Trey McNutt, rhp, Cubs

49. Wilin Rosario, c, Rockies

50. Billy Hamilton, ss/2b, Reds

51. Christian Colon, ss, Royals

52. Jose Iglesias, ss, Red Sox

53. Nick Franklin, ss/2b, Mariners

54. Jason Kipnis, 2b, Indians

55. Zack Wheeler, rhp, Giants

56. Brody Colvin, rhp, Phillies

57. Jean Segura, 2b, Angels

58. Simon Castro, rhp, Padres

59. Wilmer Flores, ss, Mets

60. Miguel Sano, 3b/ss, Twins

61. Drew Pomeranz, lhp, Indians

62. Zack Cox, 3b, Cardinals

63. Grant Green, ss, Athletics

64. Devin Mesoraco, c, Reds

65. Nick Castellanos, 3b, Tigers

66. Danny Espinosa, ss/2b, Nationals

67. Anthony Ranaudo, rhp, Red Sox

68. Danny Duffy, lhp, Royals

69. Jake Odorizzi, rhp, Royals

70. Jarred Cosart, rhp, Phillies

71. Jake McGee, lhp, Rays

72. Derek Norris, c, Nationals

73. Yonder Alonso, 1b/of, Reds

74. Jurickson Profar, ss, Rangers

75. Anthony Rizzo, 1b, Padres

76. Tyler Chatwood, rhp, Angels

77. Cesar Puello, of, Mets

78. Andrew Brackman, rhp, Yankees

79. Stetson Allie, rhp, Pirates

80. Nolan Arenado, 3b, Rockies

81. Matt Dominguez, 3b, Marlins

82. Tyler Skaggs, lhp, Diamondbacks

83. Chris Dwyer, lhp, Royals

84. Tanner Scheppers, rhp, Rangers

85. Brent Morel, 3b/ss, White Sox

86. Craig Kimbrel, rhp, Braves

87. Andy Oliver, lhp, Tigers

88. Josh Sale, of, Rays

89. Zach Lee, rhp, Dodgers

90. Rubby de la Rosa, rhp, Dodgers

91. Chris Carter, 1b/of, Athletics

92. Hak-Ju Lee, ss, Rays

93. Arodys Vizcaino, rhp, Braves

94. Jonathan Villar, ss, Astros

95. Deck McGuire, rhp, Blue Jays

96. Wilson Ramos, c, Nationals

97. Drake Britton, lhp, Red Sox

98. Austin Romine, c, Yankees

99. Matt Davidson, 3b, Diamondbacks

100. Joe Benson, of, Twins

My Main Man: Iggy Being Iggy

As if you needed another reason to be excited for Spring Training and the future of the Red Sox....let's not forget about Iggy.  One of the best parts of landing AGon was that we didn't have to give up Iggy...aka, Boston's future shortstop (projected starter in 2012).

I'm not even sure what happened around the 13 second mark, all I know is I'm amazed.  The glove work alone has me excited to see what this kid can do at the big league level.  This video is actually from November after he poured all over the Arizona Fall League (earning a spot as one of the top performers in the league).

Also, Dice-K...listen up, the man already speaks better English than you do, and word on the street is that's he's doing more and more interviews in English, hoping to fully transition.  He's also studying US history.

Great work again Theo....now sign some quality bullpen arms would ya?

A Few Short Videos From Ft Myers

You gotta love reality slapping you in the face. There is nothing like returning from Florida to the low 40's and pouring rain. With that in mind, a few short videos below help bring us back:

Dice-K taking on a minor league hitter at the training complex (ITM note: the hitter in this video is 16 years old. Yep, 16).

Here's Iggy tagging a triple in a Double AA game. Terrible camera operator, but we'll blame it on the beverages.

A near senseless video, but look at the quick hands! Man love for Iggy.

A close up look at Casey Kelly's mechanics. Short stride?

Lars Anderson, our 2008-2009 hero in the making....with the whiff.

We'll post a few more pictures etc sooner than later as well.

A Quick Recap From Ft Myers

ITM just returned to our disaster of a hotel room after a great day of baseball. We were lucky enough to meet, take a picture, and briefly chat with Jose Iglesias after morning workouts at the minor league complex a few miles away from City of Palms Park. Safe to say our tails were wagging in excitement.

After stalking Casey Kelly for a bit, and learning that he was the starting pitcher in the Double AA match up against the Rays, we decided to take in a few innings.

We sat with Kelly's family and other minor leaguers with the 20 year old stud on the mound. It felt amazingly similar to watching a little league baseball game. With most fans up the street at the big league club, we got an up close and personal experience with the best prospects in the Sox system.

Kelly went 3 innings, allowing one earned run and some loud outs, but there is no doubt the kid has a ton of talent. He's got a live fastball with late movement and a great breaking ball, but got into trouble at times when missing a few of his spots over the plate.

I know we're pretty high on Iggy (our new nickname for Iglesias, pass it on) as it is, but he managed to confirm our man love even more today. He made a smooth backhanded play to his right and showed off a strong arm across the diamond to get a speedy runner. At the plate, he went 2 for 3, going to the opposite field with an outside fastball and hitting a triple to the left-center gap (ITM note: we have exclusive video of the triple, and other minor league happenings....we can call it exclusive because there were no other cameras there today....we'll post it once we get home).

We also managed to take in a bit of the Triple AAA game which was being played simultaneously on the adjacent field. Lars Anderson (pic below) worked a walk and showed off some speed around the bases, scoring from first on a double.

After about 4 innings we ran up the street to City Palms Park to take in the last few innings of the big league club. We got in to see Marco "don't hate on me" Scutaro hit a tater to give the Sox a 3-0. The high number players were quickly substituted in and the game ended at 6-0. After asking around, we were told Wakefiled was lights out for 5 quick innings....making Tito's job that much more difficult of course.

Here are a few blackberry pictures from the day, better pics/video to follow once we're back to upload them:

....yes, that last pic is a list of do's and don'ts for living with alligators......where are we???

Pedroia Takes Iglesias Under His Wing: Be Concerned

(AP)

Earlier today, I struggled through watching Tom Caron and company complain about it being "cold" in Ft Myers. Meanwhile, my car's doors were frozen shut this morning as a result of Boston's weather of late.....so take your skirt off TC, you're getting paid very well to spend your late winter in Southern Florida with Heidy Watney and the Boston Red Sox....No more complaining.

With that off my chess, I can move onto the best Dustin Pedroia quote I've heard all year.

Apparently, the little guy has taken a liking to Jose' Iglesisas; the twenty year old short stop who ITM manages to work into every post, who has an outgoing personality of his own. Predoia has taken Iglesias under his wing.

The second basemen (and apparent clubhouse leader at just 26) recently had Iglesias over to his house for a BBQ in an attempt to get to know each other better. You figure, sooner than later, these two will be spinning double plays up the middle at Fenway....and despite a partial language barrier, they'll be bantering back and forth the entire time.

One bench coach went so far as to say the two of them should have a reality TV show together. Pedroia didn't give me much time to let my mind wonder about the possible things being said between the two.....

While working together on double play feeds, Pedroia helped Iglesias with his timing and feeds.....but when Pedroia received a feed from Iglesias at a different location than he wanted, he shouted (jokingly...I hope): "Just remember, when we're out here, I'm F'n Fidel Castro, and you're just a peasant!"

Welcome to America Jose', and welcome to the middle infield in Boston, I hope you like it.

As much as I bitched about Spring Training below, it also serves to focus on the few non stressful items associated with baseball in Boston. Sure I'm concerned about overall health and how the new guys are fitting in, but let's be honest, Pedroia's antics, and Iglesias' fielding, are significantly more important at this point.

To check out Pedey dominating a push up competition, click here.

That will quickly change as we approach April 4th. Go Sox.

Iglesias Might Convince ITM to go to Ft Myers After All

(He's studly already, I can just feel it)

Even in the far east, I can't get enough of Jose Iglesias. I'm not sure I've ever had a man crush on someone who I've never see play, but Jose is different. I've made every attempt to calm my optimism about the 20 year old Cuban, but I can't. He's here, he's working hard, and I'm damn excited about it.

In fact, as soon as I return, I plan on buying one of his jersey t shirts (ITM note: if he goes bust as a result, it's not my fault).

Apparently, Lou Merloni shares this kind of excitement....and Framingham Lou is never wrong about baseball. Here is a snippet from Lou's article on WEEI.com

"...before I even got to see Iglesias on the field, I must say, I was very impressed. From day one, Jose walked around the clubhouse shaking hands, signing autographs and taking pictures with would-be fans trying to get a glimpse at the future. With a very impressive grasp on the English language, Iglesias handled himself like a seasoned veteran.

Every morning I was greeted with a smile and a handshake. This young man gets it. But how good is he? I spent the first few days watching him hit in the cage. He looks like he has a good approach at the plate, staying inside the baseball, driving the ball up the middle and the other way. His stroke was short and compact and his hands looked quick. If I had to compare him to someone, I think that Orlando Cabrera would be a good comparison — a player without much power but a good major league hitter.

I had to wait a few days to see him take ground balls, which was killing me because that’s what I was really looking forward to. Let’s just say that it was worth the wait. There’s a certain level of cockiness and confidence that all great infielders possess in order to play the position at such a high level. At the young age of 20, Iglesias already has that trait. There was never a doubt with any ground ball hit his way. Like every great shortstop, it seemed like the ball never hit his mitt. It was catch and release. Smooth. He turned double plays flawlessly. He charged the ball. He ranged to his left and his right."

As much fun as he was having taking ground balls, I must say, it was even more fun to watch. The Red Sox have found their shortstop of the future, and after watching Jose Iglesias take ground balls for a week, I would say that it’s in very good hands."

Jose Iglesias is clearly a man after my own heart. If that article doesn't get you excited then you're simply not human, and certainly not from Boston. Couple Lou Merloni's review of the short stop of Boston's future with Joe Murph's recent email to me that all of a sudden he "needs to go to Spring Training"...and you've got me searching travel sites like crazy for deals to fly down to Spring Training in March.

NEVER AGAIN

In Game Post: Sox Sign Cuban Shortstop

The Sox have jumped out early on the O's tonight, but a bigger story in my mind is the breaking announcement of the signing of Cuban shortstop Jose Iglesias to a four-year Major-League contract. The contract is set to begin in 2010, and the Sox added the shortstop to the 40-man roster. The deal is reportedly for $8.25 million.

Iglesias is considered an elite defender, having drawn some scouting comparisons to Ozzie Smith, perhaps minus the back flips. In typical Red Sox fashion, there are questions about his offensive ability.

This following information and quotes are from a Full Count post on the Red Sox’ international amateur shortstop signees in July:

(Iglesias) is considered a very athletic player with good speed who plays dazzling dazzling defense. Even so, there are questions about his ability to hit enough to justify an investment along the lines of the Sox’ rumored offer. He has shown little power in his Cuban career, though he was very young for the competition while playing in the Cuban National Series.

Dayan Viciedo, a 19-year-old power hitting third baseman whom the White Sox signed to a four-year, $11 million deal out of Cuba this offseason, played in several international tournaments with Iglesias. At the Futures Game in St. Louis, Viciedo offered the following scouting report on his former teammate and countryman:

“He’s a very good fielder in particular. You can put him anywhere,” said Viciedo. “He can play third, short and second. He’s a very good player.”

Asked about Iglesias’ hitting, Viciedo paused to consider his answer. “He defends himself,” said Viciedo.

Iglesias defected while playing at a tournament in Canada last August.

That said, one international scout for an American League club suggested that his team, like the Sox, believed that Iglesias might have legitimate offensive ability. The scout suggested that Iglesias has the hand-eye coordination that could project to make him a viable No. 2 hitter.

Iglesias, 19, is slated to play for the Mesa Solar Sox in the Arizona Fall League beginning in October. He played 75 games for los Vaqueros de La Habana of Cuba’s major league Serie Nacional during the 2007-08 season, batting .322 (101-for-314) with 11 doubles, four triples, 39 RBI, 51 runs scored and 17 walks. The 5-foot-11, 175-pound Iglesias was 17 years old when that season began. A right-handed hitter, he posted a .329 (81-for-246) average against right-handed pitching. A native of Havana, Cuba, Iglesias established residency in the Dominican Republic before signing with the Red Sox.

Just another reason to be excited about the future of the Boston Red Sox. Here's hoping they can keep me excited about the 2009 playoffs with a win tonight.