tdrowe wrote:

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Place is a classic example of a super-hyped prospect (rightly so, I might add) who had some unlikely expectations; we still won't see his real potential for another few years. Those young guys who start off as top 20 prospects in the Red Sox farm system always seem like their around forever and get overly scrutinized until they start to produce and progress as they mature physically. It's just the way the Sox general philosophy is: try not to rush guys and put undone pressure on them. They can afford to wait until prospects are absolutely ready (with some noted exceptions) because of their ability to sign marquee free agents. I trust we will be pleased with what Jason Place can give us someday even if it's not Hanley-like MLB numbers.

I'm giong to disagree with this entire post (great way to introduce myself, right?). First, this thread began with a question: why, with Jason Place struggling mightily---as he did last year--did the organization not only promote him but immediately put him in the leadoff spot? So this reply just seems counter to the framework of the discussion: 'It's just the way the Sox general philosophy is: try not to rush guys and put undone pressure on them. They can afford to wait until prospects are absolutely ready (with some noted exceptions) because of their ability to sign marquee free agents.' If anything, this was a 'rush' move. I think it was the right one, but I'll get to that in a minute.

Second, this little side note can't possibly be taken seriously: 'I trust we will be pleased with what Jason Place can give us someday even if it's not Hanley-like MLB numbers.' Hanley just completed a 29 HR, 51 SB, .332 BA season, and is currently sitting at a 161 OPS+ in his age 24 season. He's one of the 10 best all-around baseball players in the majors (well, if you just completely ignore defense). To even mention Place in the same sentence as Hanley seems a bit absurd to me. If Place turns into an average MLB OF--or, for that matter, a decent 4th OF--I'd be happy, considering the rate of attrition with minor leaguers.

Regarding the original question, I think part of the thought process was that Lancaster, this season, might be the perfect environment. Not only is it a hitters paradise, but it's also the current residence of some very smart, advanced hitters:

Reid Engel: "Makes good contact, above average plate discipline"
Lars Anderson: "Very good patience at the plate, actually could stand to be a little more aggressive."
Jon Still: "Great plate patience and judgment..." (all quotes taken from this site)

In Greenville, meanwhile, you have extremely raw hitting prospects like Kalish, Lin, Tejeda, etc. I think the organization wanted to see Place in an environment where there were already some 'professional' hitters (in that they already had some advanced strike zone judgment). He could be, along with Tejeda and Almanzar, the biggest hitting project the Sox have in the minors, I think they wanted to see him surrounded by as much positive influence as possible, and this year it was in Lancaster.

Just my 2 cents.