Age: 21

Bats - Throws: S-L

Ht.: 5-11 Wt.: 185

Signed: Mexico, 1998

Signed by: Lee Sigman

Background: Lara may be the best prospect signed by Mexico-based scout Lee Sigman since he helped the Brewers obtain Ted Higuera in the mid-1980s. Though Lara hadnÕt pitched in the United States before 2000, the Red Sox sent him to Augusta after a month in extended spring training. Lara pitched well in relief before getting more innings as a starter in the New York-Penn League, where he was ranked the No. 5 prospect.

Strengths: Though heÕs not even 6 feet tall, Lara has excellent velocity for a lefthander. He throws consistently in the low 90s and can touch 94 mph. His curveball also is above average. Lara has good mound presence and a nice feel for pitching. He didnÕt permit a homer in 85 NY-P innings.

Weaknesses: Like many young pitchers, Lara possesses only a rudimentary changeup. If he develops it into an average third pitch, he could rise quickly through the minors.

The Future: Lara and Song formed a potent lefty-righty 1-2 punch at Lowell and should do the same at Augusta in 2001. LaraÕs ceiling is higher than that of any Red Sox lefty, including Fossum.