Dan Duquette has made it clear that, for the most part, he views prospects only as trade bait to improve the major league club. Certainly he has made some good moves while employing this philosophy but the end result is always expensive. The Sox system has failed to produce any talent in recent years with the notable exceptions of Nomar Garciaparra and Trot Nixon and the swelling payroll (not to mention ticket prices) has been a continuing trend. Perhaps this would all be viewed differently if Duquette hadn't promised when he arrived in 1994 that our pitiful farm system would be significantly upgraded.

There is strength in Single-A and below but this has been true for a number of years now. Once a young player reaches the Double-A level and receives acclaim as a bonafide major league prospect he is dealt. Carl Pavano, Tony Armas, and Ryan McGuire were undoubtedly worth Pedro Martinez but how many players must we wait for in Boston only to see them depart? Luis Garcia, Rick Asadoorian, Dustin Brisson, Justin Duchscherer and Richard Rundles are the latest to go. They join the likes of John Barnes, Matt Kinney and Cole Liniak. It is worth noting that Duquett cannot possibly be blamed for Dennis Tankersley. When he was traded Tankersley had not displayed anything like the potential he has now revealed.

All of this aside, there is some very promising talent in the low minor leagues and a few players will have 2002 as their first year in Double-A (the acknowledged proving ground for major league hopefuls). So here are my 2002 Top 5 Prospects for the Boston Red Sox.

#1. Seung Song, RHP 6-1, 192

Song signed with the Red Sox in 1999 and played for Fort Myers that year. Immediately he demonstrated fantastic control and great movement on a fastball that has him averaging 1.2 strikeouts per inning over his 3 year minor league career. His velocity improved last year and now reportedly hits 92 MPH with regularity. Song has yet to have an ERA above 2.60 and finished last year in Sarasota with a 1.68 mark in 8 starts, not to mention the .164 average-against in the FSL. All indications are that Song is ready to be challenged by Double-A, even if he starts the year in Sarasota.

#2. Casey Fossum, LHP 6-1, 160

Fossum's rapid ascent to Boston last year took many by surprise but when he arrived he showed he belonged. A solid array of pitches and a knowledge of how to change speeds have Fossum on the verge of being the first homegrown pitcher to break into the rotation and stay there since Aaron Sele. In 2001 Fossum made 20 starts at Trenton and skipped Pawtucket entirely to join Boston and stay there. Apparently a 2.83 ERA and .231 average-against in Double-A convinced the Sox that Fossum was ready. He was obviously a little anxious after the promotion and his major league numbers reflect this but 2002 could be the year that makes Casey Fossum. He will probably start this year in the bullpen but should be the first man out for spot starts.

#3. Tony Blanco, 3B 6-1, 176

It has pretty much all been said about Blanco. He has a big frame that will allow him to fill out easily and accentuate his already obvious power. Signed at the age of 16, Blanco's journey from the Dominican Summer League took him to Augusta, GA last year where his 17 homers and .476 slugging percentage easily led the team. Shoulder surgery precluded him from playing in the playoffs last season but he is expected to be ready for 2002. Perhaps one of the most interesting things about Blanco is that his glove has all the potential his bat does, despite the large number of errors that often occur with a player from South America. Once he refines his plus arm and continues to learn about playing third base Blanco could be an excellent fielder. Overall, Blanco's raw ability is what draws attention but his lack of walks is cause for concern. The 20-year-old could start with the Sarasox in 2002 but his tender age certainly would not make it unthinkable to open in Augusta.

#4. Fred Sanchez, SS 5-11, 185

Sanchez, an 11th round pick in 2000, exploded onto the scene in 2001 with a combined .334 average between Sarasota and Trenton. He strikes out rarely and showed that he can hit for extra bases with 39 doubles. He is solid in the field though some feel that he may not be a major league shortstop - not a problem considering the present situation in Boston. At age 24, there's no time to waste and Sanchez needs to be tested at the Triple-A level. If last season's display was for real then Triple-A shouldn't present a major problem.

#5. Chris Elmore, LHP 6-1, 195

Chris Elmore has done nothing but dominate since being drafted in the 17th round of the 2000 draft. A 2.19 ERA and 14-8 record over his first 2 years of professional ball have vaulted him into the minds of the Sox front office personnel. The ground ball pitcher has demonstrated good control and speed changes though it would be nice if he didn't allow so many hits. A midseason promotion into Trenton's rotation last year and the 24-year-old is on the fast track to Fenway with an expected start in Pawtucket for 2002.

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