Top Prospect
Alert - Brad Baker
The Red Sox, always known for signing and getting some of the most
talented players in the Northeast, did it again in the 1999 draft when
they spent two first round picks on Rick Asadoorian and this now
19-year-old right-handed pitcher.
Drafted as a Supplemental pick (40th overall for the loss of Vaughn)
out of Pioneer Valley Hi School in Leyden, MA., Baker was assigned to the
Red Sox Gulf Coast League team once he was signed. There, he compiled a
1-0 record with an 0.79 ERA, 11.1 innings pitched, 10 hits allowed, two
walks, and 10 strikeouts in four games (3 starts).
To start his first full season, Baker was assigned to Single-A Augusta
in the South Atlantic League. He has had no problems leading a solid group
of lower level pitching prospects as he has posted a 9-4 record with a
3.12 ERA, 101 innings pitched, 102 hits allowed, 30 walks, and 91
strikeouts in 20 starts.
Baker is in the mold of other recent draft picks by the Red Sox as
Brian Rose and Carl Pavano. Unlike these two, hopefully for the Red Sox
sake, Baker will have a different career and be able to help what is
becoming an aging rotation outside of Pedro Martinez. They will have to
wait a bit though as Baker is probably three years or so away.
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