J.C. Linares

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Boston Red Sox #28 prospect in 2011
  The Red Sox signed a pair of Cuban defectors in July. Catcher Adalberto Ibarra initially drew more attention than Linares because he's three years younger, plays the position at which Boston is the weakest and originally agreed to a $3 million major league contract. But Ibarra failed his physical, signed a renegotiated deal for a $750,000 bonus and had labrum surgery on his throwing shoulder in November. By then, Linares had opened eyes with his play in the Arizona Fall League, where he finished second in the batting race at .397. He spent seven seasons in Cuba's Serie Nacional with the same La Habana club that top Red Sox prospect Jose Iglesias played for, with Linares leading the league with a .586 slugging percentage in 2006-07 and winning a pair of Cuban Gold Gloves. He defected in November 2009 after failing to make Cuba's World Cup team and signed with Boston for $750,000. He didn't stand out during his brief pro debut in the Gulf Coast Leage and at Portland, but he looked like a different player in the Arizona Fall League. Linares has a quick, short swing and had a better approach in Arizona, using the whole field. He's a free swinger who can handle most fastballs, but he'll need more patience to hit major league pitching. He has average power and plus speed, and he's capable of playing all three outfield spots. He enhances his range by getting quick jumps and taking direct routes to balls, and he has solid arm strength. Linares is already 26 and may not be more than a fourth outfielder, but he's definitely intriguing. The Red Sox will know more about what they have in him after he spends 2011 in Triple-A.