Red Sox 6' 6" über-pitching prospect (given a major-league deal right out of the draft) Craig Hansen, just out of St. John's University, was promoted to the Sea Dogs last night, served as closer, and got the save against the Norwich Navigators (Giants affiliate), throwing only 9 pitches, all strikes, and topped out at 96. He gave up only 1 hit, got a K, a ground out and a pop out. If he pitches like this, he'll be in Pawtucket soon and on the roster after September 1.
This pitching pipeline looks really good:
Papelbon
Lester
Hansen
Alvarez
Delcarmen
True that.
But Jon Papelbon will probably be back before Hansen makes it.
How many pitchers d'ya figure we carry in the playoffs? 10? 11?
Rotation: Schilling Wells Wake Clement
Pen: Arroyo _______ Bradford *Myers Timlin Foulke
Any guesses on how many more times Francona will throw Remlinger up against lefties before he realizes he's a righty specialist?
What is amazing is that he touched 90 mph on his slider, which is his real MLB plus pitch.
Idiot alert: I have never seen Hansen pitch, and I know nothing of his mechanics. But to generate the rotation and velocity necessary for a 90 mph slider has to be one heck of a stress on the elbow.
Maybe time to get him to the big leagues and get some use out of him before he gets his inevitable TJ surgery and has to sit on the shelf for 18 months.
Definately a hot prospect. Lets hope he does not burn his arm out.
I have not heard of this guy. But he sounds promising. I am hoping to see more of Pappelbon as well. Big three game series tonight against the White sox!!