(I did a search of this forum and no Vazquez prospect topic came up, so I am starting one. If there already is one that didn't come up in search, then hopefully a mod will move this post to that thread.)
Christian Vazquez is a 5'9" RH catcher. Born August 21, 1990 in Bayamon, PR.
As of this writing, he is at AA Portland, with a line of 280/369/395 in 316 PAs. He's had good reviews on his defensive game, particularly his quick throws to second base. From spring training:
"Vazquez, who is ranked the organization's No. 16 prospect by MLB.com, was credited with a time of 1.82 seconds on the play, said manager John Farrell. That is about as quick as a catcher can possibly be while throwing out a runner.
"Just outstanding feet, quick release, plenty of arm strength and accuracy," Farrell said after the Red Sox's 2-0 loss. "This is probably the fourth guy he's cut down in Spring Training and all of the same variety. He's confident when he throws a baseball, and that shows in the accuracy and the quickness with which he releases the ball."
His Sox Prospects page scouting report describes him thusly: "Plus defensive catcher with a strong, wide frame and solid agility behind the plate. Quick release, plus-to-better arm. Consistently timed quicker than 1.9 seconds on throws to second base. Struggled in the past blocking balls in the dirt, but has made strong strides improving with controlling his body to front offerings."
As a hitter, he's showing good plate patience. He hasn't shown much power yet, but he is still 22, and more might come as he hits his mid-20s.
From Peter Gammons' new website, a short piece on Christian Vazquez that calls him a "rising star."
Christian Vazquez is a 5'9" RH catcher. Born August 21, 1990 in Bayamon, PR.
As of this writing, he is at AA Portland, with a line of 280/369/395 in 316 PAs. He's had good reviews on his defensive game, particularly his quick throws to second base. From spring training:
"Vazquez, who is ranked the organization's No. 16 prospect by MLB.com, was credited with a time of 1.82 seconds on the play, said manager John Farrell. That is about as quick as a catcher can possibly be while throwing out a runner.
"Just outstanding feet, quick release, plenty of arm strength and accuracy," Farrell said after the Red Sox's 2-0 loss. "This is probably the fourth guy he's cut down in Spring Training and all of the same variety. He's confident when he throws a baseball, and that shows in the accuracy and the quickness with which he releases the ball."
His Sox Prospects page scouting report describes him thusly: "Plus defensive catcher with a strong, wide frame and solid agility behind the plate. Quick release, plus-to-better arm. Consistently timed quicker than 1.9 seconds on throws to second base. Struggled in the past blocking balls in the dirt, but has made strong strides improving with controlling his body to front offerings."
As a hitter, he's showing good plate patience. He hasn't shown much power yet, but he is still 22, and more might come as he hits his mid-20s.
From Peter Gammons' new website, a short piece on Christian Vazquez that calls him a "rising star."