2009 Draft report: Rounds 1-6

The 2009 draft results are in. For the most part, the Red Sox continued their pattern of drafting athletic players who have positional flexibility and high upside. Epstein doesn’t go for the hulking sluggers or pitchers that blot out the sun; rather, he prefers athletes with a range of skills. The more sports they played, the better.

Round 1 (28th overall): Reymond Fuentes, CF (Fernando Callejo HS, Puerto Rico)

This very toolsy left-handed 18-year old measures in at a slight 6-0, 160 but plays with excitement and passion. Fuentes hit .424/.620/1.091 in 13 games last year, for what that’s worth. He’s noted for a sweet swing from the left side, blazing speed and excellent defense (as with all our CF prospects, the arm is somewhat lacking). With his contact ability, wiry strength and great athleticism, he’s drawn comparisons to former Red Sox Johnny Damon. Not a native Puerto Rican, he moved there at the age of 9. He’s one of those players who makes everything look really easy. He’s also a cousin to Carlos Beltran.

Round 2 (77th overall): Alex (William) Wilson, RHP (Senior, Texas A&M)

Stocky right-hander who weighs in at 6-0, 215. He throws in the low 90s, and complements his sinking fastball with a plus slider (82-84 mph), sidearm slurve (80 mph), and an occasional changeup. Wilson struck out 120 batters in just 89.2 IP in 2009, posting a 4.22 ERA. He has good control and stays poised on the mound. Wilson probably slid somewhat after missing 2008 after Tommy John surgery. Scouts are divided on whether his body and 3/4 arm slot bode well for a career as a starter, but he’s shown excellent promise this year.

Round 3 (107th overall): David Renfroe, SS (South Panola HS, MS)

Renfroe is a strong athlete with good pop in his swing already. Already at 6-3, 200 lbs he figures to grow out of the shortstop position, but we’ll see. Smart player with excellent glovework and good range. Good football quarterback who can also throw a 93 mph fastball, though he likes to play the field. Hit .509 his senior year with 4 HR and 35 RBI from the left side, and also went 3-3 with a 2.40 ERA and 2 saves on the mound as a RHP. His father Laddie played pro baseball for 9 years and pitched for the Cubs in 1991.

Round 4 (138th overall): Jeremy Hazelbaker, CF (Junior, Ball State Univ)

How many centerfielders does a team need, actually? The Red Sox can’t get enough of these guys, who tend to be the most athletic and best fielders. Hazelbaker is no exception, with an athletic 6-2, 185 frame and a reputation for speed, range and contact ability. He broke out in 2009, batting .429/.550/.724 with 29 SB for Ball State in a leadoff role. The lefty-batting Hazelbaker has a good sense of the strike zone and is a tough out.

Round 5 (168th overall): Seth Schwindenhammer, LF (Limestone Community HS, IL)

At 6-2, 205, Schwindenhammer is one of the few corner outfielders the Sox have drafted early. He’s got a good power stroke from the left side, and was a two-way player, hitting 90-91 mph off the mound. He is considered to be a premier power prospect, and likely meant to address the lack of power in Boston’s farm system. His junior year stats: .427, 13 HR, 42 RBI.

Round 6 (198th overall): Branden Kline, RHP (Gov Thomas Johnson HS, MD)

Kline is a 6-3, 185 righty who can already touch the mid-90s with his fastball. Considered the top talent out of Maryland, he likely slid due to signability issues. He mentioned in one interview that he might require a $5M bonus to play pro ball. He was 6-1 with a 0.66 ERA in 41 IP, fanning 79. Opponents only managed 16 hits off of him all season. He has a full scholarship to attend UVA, but the Sox usually have little difficulty convincing youngsters to come play for them.

Big kudos to MLB.com for improving the draft coverage this year with scouting reports and video! This is SO much better than previous years.