Dustin Richardson

An offseason switch from starter to reliever appears to have elevated Richardson's status within the Red Sox's organization. The 6-6 lefty struck out 97 batters in 74 innings between Double-A Portland and Triple-A Pawtucket, before getting a one-week cameo in Boston in late September. He mostly uses his four-seam and two-seam fastball, but mixes in a curve as well. With two relievers (Billy Wagner and Takashi Saito) moving on from Boston, Richardson could be in a line for an open bullpen spot, though he really needs to improve his control if the Red Sox are to think seriously about him in 2010.

Richardson, 23, spent most of last season at Low-A Greenville, striking out nearly a batter per inning. The tall lefty uses his height and goes after hitters with his fastball (low 90s). He's a good athlete, having played basketball and was a finalist on ESPN's "Knight School," trying out for Bobby Knight's Texas Tech team. In January, Richardson will take part in Boston's Rookie Career Development Program, a gathering of the organization's upper-level prospects, who learn about making a successful adjustment to the major leagues. He'll finish 2008 at Double-A Portland.