Miguel Celestino

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Boston Red Sox #29 prospect in 2011
  When the Red Sox traded Casey Kotchman to the Mariners for third baseman Bill Hall last January, the deal couldn't have been much more one-sided. Boston saved about $5 million in luxury-tax calculations after getting rid of Kotchman's salary and having Milwaukee and Seattle pick up most of Hall's. Hall had his best season since 2006, hitting 18 homers while playing seven different positions before becoming a free agent. The cherry on top is Celestino, who hadn't played above Rookie ball when he became the player to be named in the deal in March. Red Sox scout Matt Dorey had liked what he saw of Celestino in instructional league the previous fall, and Boston monitored his progress the next winter in the Dominican League. Celestino pitched with a low-90s sinker during the 2010 season, then started popping some 95-mph fastballs during instructional league. With his tall body and long arms, he delivers balls at an angle that's tough on hitters. His fastball is by far his best pitch right now, though he does show some feel for a changeup. The key to his development will be his ability to refine his breaking ball, which is only rudimentary at this point. His control is fine but he'll need to improve his command. Celestino will make his full-season debut in 2011 when he starts the season at Greenville. He'll remain a starter for now but could be destined for the bullpen in the long run if his secondary pitches don't come around.