Keep an eye on Red Sox prospect Will Middlebrooks because the 22-year-old third baseman, who likely still is two or three years away from the big leagues, seems to be a hard worker with a good attitude.
Middlebrooks, who ESPN’s Keith Law recently ranked as the fifth best prospect in the Red Sox organization, played at Single-A Salem this past season and hit .276 with 12 homers and 70 RBIs in 435 at-bats. He posted a .331 on-base percentage.
Brian MacPherson of The Providence Journal reported earlier this month that Middlebrooks has received some mentoring from a former major leaguer this offseason.
MacPherson wrote: “Middlebrooks has spent most of the month of January hitting in Dallas with former major-league outfielder Craig Monroe. The 22-year-old third baseman grew up with Justin Monroe, Craig’s younger brother, and has had a chance to pick the brain of someone who played parts of nine seasons in the major leagues and hit at least 20 home runs three times.”
“There’s so much, just from the experience he has,” Middlebrooks told The Providence Journal. “The things he’s gained from playing with other big-league players — anytime I can be around somebody like that, it’s awesome. …
“The thing he’s told me is to have fun and to let this continue to be a game. Once it gets too serious, it gets away from you. You just want to have fun and play.”
The Providence Journal blog posts states that Middlebrooks took off just 10 days after last season ended and before returning to work on building his body this offseason. Read MacPherson’s full blog post on Middlebrooks by clicking here.
