5 Recent Hyped Boston Red Sox Prospects Who Didn't Pan out

There's a lot of hype about current Sox prospect Will Middlebrooks. The third baseman is making waves with the big-league club, but a prospect is never a sure thing.

For every young player that actually pans out, there are a million other flops.

So, before anyone gets too excited about Middlebrooks, here's a list of five recent prospects who had all the hype, and plenty of flop.

Frankie Rodriguez

Frankie Rodriguez was a lot like former Sox prospect Casey Kelly.

Rodriguez was drafted as a shortstop, but as his time with the Sox went on, they discovered he had more value as a pitcher. They soon converted him to the rotation, where he showed solid control and inning-eating ability.

Making his Boston debut in 1995, the pitcher went 0-2 with a 10.57 ERA in nine appearances for the Sox. He was quickly traded off to Minnesota, starting an incredibly mediocre career.

Brian Rose

Brian Rose was drafted in the third round of the 1994 draft. At the time, it seemed like a boon for Boston, as Rose turned down several scholarship opportunities to play for the Sox.

Rose quickly fought his way to the top, making his major-league debut as a 21-year-old.

Unfortunately, Rose never got off his feet. In five season with Boston, he went 11-15 with a 5.73 ERA.

Craig Hansen

Drafted in the first round of the 2005 draft, Craig Hansen was praised as the next great Boston closer. Sitting at 6'5", the flame-throwing Hansen had all the pieces.

Despite throwing some filthy stuff, Hansen never established control at the major-league level. His 4.9 BB/9 and 1.674 WHIP resulted in a 6.15 ERA with Boston.

Hansen was eventually traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates and hasn't thrown a major-league pitch since 2009.

Daisuke Matsuzaka

There's not much to say here that isn't already known.

Signed as one of the biggest international free agents of all time, Boston was sure they had an ace in the hole. And, for his first two seasons they did.

Since 2009, control issues and injuries have held Dice-K back. With his contract almost at a close, the Matsuzaka nightmare will soon be over.

Lars Anderson

Though Anderson is still just 24 and early in his career, things don't look great for the big lefty.

Lars Anderson broke out in a huge way in 2008, hitting .317/.417/.517 with 18 home runs and 80 RBI between high-A and AA.

Since then, it seems Anderson keeps taking steps back. Signs of his power potential have been seen here and there, but his overall hit tools continue to take steps back.

With first base and DH ultimately locked up in Boston, it seems Anderson's future isn't in Boston.