The trade deadline is right around the corner. With one swap in the books, Chris and Ian bid farewell to Jalen Beeks. They look ahead to potential upgrades to the big-league club, whether in the bullpen or at the keystone. Ian has been to Lowell and updates us on the progress of several promising young players in short-season ball. Then Chris and Ian break down the mid-season re-rankings from Baseball America and MLB Pipeline, in particular why their top fives look a bit different than ours. Ian talks about why Jay Groome is his number two guy in the system. Chris explains the challenges hitters with a first base-only defensive profile face. And the guys debate whether a hitter can shove. Despite Ian's claim to the contrary, they can't. Pitchers shove. Hitters rake. (Chris's note: Thank you, Joe)
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Podcast Show Notes
0:00 - Intros, housekeeping, email us and remember to check us out on Patreon. Plus, it's the SoxProspects 2018 Donation Drive
03:30 - Beeks-Eovaldi trade analysis
24:00 - Latest from Lowell
36:30 - Midseason rankings from BA and MLB and the system's top five
Players mentioned in the show