Red Sox
Pitcher Rich Hill, 44, has seen quite a lot of talent in his 20-plus years in Major League Baseball.
Although Hill doesn't wish to make comparisons with regards to predicting the long run of talent, he generally has a feel for a selected player's development.
If his intuition in regards to the promising talents of Kyle Teel, Roman Anthony and Kristian Campbell is correct, the Red Sox are in for an actual treat.
Red Sox left-hander Hill Lecture on “310 to Left” with NESN's Tom Caron and Alex Speier, raved in regards to the potential of all three players. Hill, who played for Triple-A Worcester before returning to the Red Sox in late August, was extremely encouraged by the event of every young player after his transient interactions.
“All three have an incredible gift for the game,” Hill told Speier and Caron.
Hill said he spoke with catcher Teel before, during and after the sport to get on the identical page. He said Teel was enthusiastic, intuitive and willing to learn.
Hill is convinced that the Red Sox can turn him right into a catcher who has all the abilities the organization desires.
“His enthusiasm, his inexperience and, what I mean by that, his ability to see the game for what it is,” Hill said. “It's not really clouded yet, so there's still a lot of room to lay the right foundation.”
As for 20-year-old outfielder Anthony, Hill said he wouldn't be surprised to see him on the Red Sox roster after spring training next yr.
“If you said he's going to be an All-Star next year, I wouldn't be surprised,” Hill said. “In the race for Rookie of the Year, I wouldn't be surprised.”
He said Anthony was “mature beyond his years” and if he wasn't ready now, he could be very soon.
As for Campbell, Hill said he noticed his intensity immediately. Although Hill initially promised to not make comparisons, he ended up comparing one aspect of Campbell's playing style to a Hall of Famer.
“He may have a little more of that Frank Thomas forefoot finishing swing,” Hill said.
He also praised his ability on the bottom paths, his manner and his quiet charisma, and noted that he could also move as much as the key leagues very soon.
Hill praised Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow and the organization's ability to seek out and develop players like these three rising stars.
“They will be very successful players in the major leagues,” Hill said.
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