Age: 19

Bats - Throws: R-R

Ht.: 6-1 Wt.: 176

Signed: Dominican Republic, 1998

Signed by: Levy Ochoa

Background: The Red Sox named Blanco their 1999 player of the year on their Rookie-level Dominican Summer League affiliate, but they werenÕt prepared for his performance in his Stateside debut. He was the No. 1 prospect in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League, where he and teammate Bryan Barnowski tied the league record with 13 homers each.

Strengths: Blanco has several notable tools. His throwing arm rates the maximum 8 on the 2-to-8 scouting scale. He has exceptional bat speed, which generates light-tower power and allows him to hit for average as well. Blanco also exhibits decent patience at the plate.

Weaknesses: He struck out in nearly one-fourth of his at-bats in 2000, though no one can argue with his production. If he can get lighter on his feet and improve his lateral movement, he can be a standout defender at the hot corner.

The Future: Though Blanco was a bit overmatched in the short-season New York-Penn League, he will probably go to low Class A Augusta in 2001. HeÕs at least three years away from Boston.