Red Sox Call Up Top SS Prospect Xander Bogaerts

Jul 14, 2013; Flushing , NY, USA; World infielder Xander Bogaerts (2) attempts to steal second base during the first inning of the 2013 All Star Futures Game at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The Red Sox will promote premier shortstop prospect Xander Bogaerts to the Majors today, writes Alex Sperier of WEEI radio.

Bogaerts was ranked #10 overall in our pre-season prospect rankings, drawing comparisonsto former Red Sox All Star infielder, Nomar Garciaparra. Since then, his stock has rocketed as the 20 year old bopped to a .297/.388/.865 between AA and AAA this year, prompting Keith Law to rank him as the fourth overall prospect in baseball. An average runner, Bogaerts’s bat is his best weapon, with a high average line drive swing and loads of raw power that his slender 20 year old frame has yet to fu

lly realize. While he’ll never win a gold glove at short, Law notes that improved conditioning may allow him to remain there as an average defender.

To make room for the young hitter, the Red Sox will option catcher Ryan Lavarnway and utility infielder Brock Holt to the minors while also activating David Ross from the disabled list.

While Bogaerts will likely take over as the starting shortstop next season, he appears destined to a utility role for the remainder of 2013. Stephen Drew is having a solid season at short, but still expect the top prospect to get reps there while also serving as a left handed complement to Dustin Pedroia at 2nd and Will Middlebrooks at third.