RHODE ISLAND NATIVE TOPS RED SOX CHARTS

The internet is here to stay. That is, until something replaces it. Based on my experience, it’s inevitable. Eight tracks, gave way to to cassettes, which were replaced by cds. Movies are now on dvd. DVR replaced the VCR. It just goes on and on. I guess that’s a good thing. I’m not sure. Anyway, It was exciting to see Ryan Westmoreland get some love from Baseball America. The “Bible” tabbed the Portsmouth R.I. native as the number one prospect in the entire organization. Ahead of Lars Andeson, Josh Reddick, Casey Kelly, Jose Iglesias and everyone else that wears a minor league uniform in the organization. The 19 year old outfielder was described to me by a member of the Boston front offfice as a “Jacoby Ellsbury with power.” Pretty high praise. I play cards every Thursday night with the guys at the Knights of Columbus in Middletown, RI. Westmorelands’ grandfather, Mick Hussey and his uncle, Kevin Hussey are there on a regular basis. Very often, between hands of “pitch” the discussion turns to baseball. I know those two are extremely excited about Ryans’ progress as he recovers from the broken collarbone that sidelined him for the end of the 2009 season. It has to be an amazing feeling to have a loved one considered a “savior” for the home team. By all accounts, Westmoreland is a great kid. I’ve only met him once and interviewed him over the phone twice. He is said to be respectful and appreciative. I suspect I will find out first hand when he makes his McCoy Stadium debut some time down the road. As the voice of the PawSox, I’m afforded a front row seat to the future. In many ways, it’s like the saying ”What happens in Vegas…” You see the true colors. Guys can be nice for the 4 and a half minutes they’re on the pre-game show or the two minute post-game interview. It’s always interesting to see how they hold up on a nine hour bus ride, or how they endure the inevitable 0-15 slump. We use the “Baseball America Prospect Handbook” on a regular basis as we prepare for our broadcasts. It is a really useful reference tool for broadcasters and fans. I did get a kick out the publications’ projected 2012 opening day lineup for the Boston Red Sox.

C-Victor Martinez

1B- Lars Anderson

2B- Dustin Pedroia

3B- KevinYoukilis

SS- Jose Iglesias

LF- Jacoby Ellsbury

CF- Reymond Fuentes

RF- Ryan Westmoreland

DH- Josh Reddick

SP #1- Jon Lester

SP #2- Josh Beckett

SP #3- Clay Buchholz

SP #4- Casey Kelly

SP #5- John Lackey

Closer- Jonathan Paplebon

Somewhat optimistic, seeing that Anderson, Iglesias, Fuentes, Westmoreland and Kelly have yet to come within miles of McCoy. All of them could be on the fast track. I’m just glad I’ve got a front row seat.