Ryan Dent

Dent, 21, made some strides at the plate in 2009 but still struggles with patience and selectivity. He improved his on-base percentage, but he needs to have more of a plan with his at-bats and still strikes out way too much. He's solidly built and possesses good bat speed which can generate some power, but he projects to be more of a doubles hitter down the road. Working counts and improving contact rates are seen as the key to his development in 2010. He was named Boston's minor-league defensive player of the year in 2009, as he showed improved technique and footwork at shortstop. His arm is average and it's likely the organization moves him to second base as he ascends the system.