It's definitely going to be an interesting mix of players on this roster and a lot of talent to follow. All eyes on going to be on Middlebrooks, watching to see how he adjusts to professional pitching, and how fast he's made the transition to wood bats. I'll be watching to see how well he goes the other way as I think that is the key for him in the beginning of his career. You'd also figure that if Dent is going to play some SS along with 2B that Middlebrooks will slide over to 3B on some days and get some work over there.

A guy who could make some noise is Keowen as he is 22 years old and this is his second stint in Lowell. He probably has the best power on the roster and it is a matter of him being able to make consistent contact. Last year and in the ST, there was no shortening of his swing when he got down in the count. His swings and misses were as much of a sight as his ropes when he made contact. There is something about the sound and the way the ball comes off his bat when he squares the ball up. It would nice to see him put it together this season as there is a lot of potential there.

Britton and Huntzinger bear watching. I think Britton has the better stuff out of the two, but Huntzinger seemed to have it a little more together. Britton was all over the place in ST with his fastball as his release point seemed off. When he was able to get ahead of hitters and use his curve, it was a really sweet pitch. 12/6 break and very sharp. Huntzinger is very free and easy with his delivery. You can see how the ball jumps on hitters and you'd probably call him "sneaky fast." Britton was a little quicker with his delivery and he has the potential to fly open more. Consistency is going to be his key, but he has the stuff to be pretty effective in the NYPL.

I agree with the view on Dent. He had a good start in the GCL, but was a little overmatched when he got to Lowell. Seemed like he struggled with offspeed pitches and being able to recongize them. In the AB's I saw, he seemed to chase the pitcher's motion, but he's now got some more experience in the professional ranks. It'll be interesting to see his defense. His techinque was extremely raw in the field, but when Pedroia first came up during September of 2006 his techinque was all over the place and now he's become a solid 2B. Dent's got the ability and tools as it is just the consistent repetition.

Given the ages of Pimentel and Bermudez you figure they had pretty good XST's. Bermudez has pretty good plate discipline and even if he struggles with more advanced pitching, you'd figure he'll see a lot of pitches and develop his recognition. I have never seen Pimental so it'll be interesting to get a chance to check him out at some point this Summer.