Sox get Minors SS from Cubs to complete Doubront deal
Back on July 30, the Red Sox traded left-hander Felix Doubront to the Cubs for a player to be named. Boston finally collected its return on Monday, acquiring Minor League shortstop Marco Hernandez from Chicago to complete the deal.
Hernandez, a native of the Dominican Republic, began his professional career with the Cubs in 2010 and spent last season as a 21-year-old at Class A Advanced Daytona. The left-handed batter played 122 games, all at shortstop, and hit .270/.315/.351, with three home runs, 55 RBIs and 22 stolen bases. Along the way, he earned a spot on the Florida State League's Midseason All-Star team.
Hernandez showed a sizable platoon split, hitting .288 with all three of his homers against right-handed pitchers, but only .227 against lefties. In five Minor League seasons, he owns a .273/.314/.375 overall line with 17 homers and 84 steals.
Defensively, Hernandez has played exclusively at short over the past three years but previously logged 27 games at second base, five at third and one in right field.
Scouting report on Hernandez:
Hernandez once ranked as one of the top middle infielders in the Cubs' system but was passed by several players in recent years as the organization amassed the best collection of position prospects in baseball. He has leveled off in Class A the last three years, though he did show progress at the plate by hitting .270/.316/352 at Class A Advanced Daytona at age 21 this past season. Hernandez's best tool is his plus arm, and he has the quickness and defensive chops to stay at shortstop, where he's not flashy but can make the plays he's supposed to. He probably won't produce enough offense to become a regular. He's a decent hitter but lacks the strength to provide much power and doesn't draw many walks.
-- Jim Callis