Will Middlebrooks: 5 Bold Predictions for Boston Red Sox Rookie

On Wednesday afternoon, the Boston Red Sox announced that No.2 prospect, Will Middlebrooks, is "on his way" to the Major Leagues, according to Marueen Mullen of csnne.com

Last season, the 6’4”, 225-pound third baseman hit his way up the organization’s depth chart, as he batted .285/.328/.506 with 23 home runs and 94 RBI in 472 plate appearances across three levels.

Middlebrooks, 23, has continued raking to open the 2012 season, posting a .333/.380/.667 line with 13 extra-base hits (nine home runs) and 27 RBI over 100 plate appearances.  Between April 18-23, he homered in five consecutive games while driving in 14 runs.

Given that it’s only May 1, there’s a realistic chance that Middlebrooks could receive 300-400 at-bats, though it obviously depends on his playing time and the health of Kevin Youkilis.

So, here are five bold prediction for Will Middlebrooks' rookie season.

1. He Will Strikeout More Than 25% of the Time

Now, it’s not exactly a secret that the slugger likes to take monster hacks—he’s stuck out over 100 times in each of his last three minor league seasons.

Given that track record, it is likely that Middlebrooks will post a high strikeout rate in the Major Leagues.  Therefore, it wouldn’t surprise me if he struck more than 25% of the time.

2. He Will Hit 15-20 Home Runs

For as much as Middlebrooks has struck out in his Minor League career, he’s still exhibited consistent power thanks to a lofty swing and extension after contact.  He uses the entire field too, which should aid his power totals at Fenway Park. 

So it’s possible that Middlebrooks could belt 15-20 home runs in his first pro season, though his batting average may suffer as a result.

3. He Gets Sent Back to Triple-A After Struggling

Building off of my first prediction, it’s entirely possible that Middlebrooks will struggle to open his big league career. Sure, he may pop a long ball here and there, but in general he may fail to adapt to major league caliber pitching and ultimately receive a demotion back to Triple-A.

4. Fans Fall in Love with His Plus Arm

Middlebrooks isn’t a great defensive third baseman by any means, but the one tool (other than power) that he does possess is a plus arm—and he likes to show it off. 

While he lacks soft hands and has only slightly above-average range, the 23-year-old compensates (to an extent) with a strong and accurate arm. 

5. He Will Win the A.L. Rookie of the Year Award

If Middlebrooks ultimately receives the aforementioned amount of at-bats and offers marginal production–igniting the Red Sox offense certainly wouldn’t hurt his cause either—he could emerge as a viable candidate for rookie of the year.

Granted he’ll have some stiff competition with Mike Trout, Matt Moore, and Jesus Montero also residing in the American League, but Middlebrooks offers enough upside to have his name thrown in the mix.