Che-Hsuan Lin

2013

There was no outlook written for Che-Hsuan Lin.

2012

Lin enters 2012 much like he entered 2011 -- needing to prove he can make harder contact and make use of his speed once on base. The book says he can play center field at the major-league level right now, but can he hit to stay in the lineup is the question facing Lin and the Red Sox organization. He received an in-season promotion to Triple-A Pawtucket, but that doesn't mean he mastered Double-A pitching. After 600 at-bats and slight improvement at that level, it was time to move on. He had less "success" moving up a level as evidenced by his lower OBP, lower slugging, and lower batting average. Lin did show improvement on the basebaths, reaching the 75-percent success threshold. He needs to display more extra-base power and drive the ball more consistently for Triple-A Pawtucket in 2012, if he's to be seriously considered for a starting major-league job.

2011

Lin is the organization's premier defensive outfielder with a plus arm and all sorts of speed. He showed some improvement in his on-base skills last season, but that was the only reason his OPS increased. Lin still isn't hitting for much extra-base power and is still learning how to effectively use his speed on the basepaths (caught stealing 12 times in 38 attempts). The Red Sox would like to see improvement in his swing to generate more power. At this point, he looks like a center fielder and leadoff hitter with limited power. Look for Lin to start the season at Double-A with a promotion to Triple-A likely. He could also be a tertiary piece thrown into a deal.

2010

Lin, 21, is an athletic center fielder with superior defensive skills and plus speed. There's nothing he has to learn in the field. His development at the plate will determine his big-league future. Lin made good strides in 2009 as High-A Salem's leadoff hitter. His walk rate and on-base percentage improved with his promotion from Single-A in 2008, and he's learning how to be a more effective base stealer. The club feels he has more power potential in him, though he had just seven last year. With Ryan Kalish and Josh Reddick ahead of him in the organization, Lin's ETA is 2012.