Boston Red Sox: 5 Prospects We Could See on Opening Day

Now that Boston's season has ended in disaster, it is time for Red Sox fans to start thinking about the 2012 season.

In 2011, Josh Reddick was the breakout rookie who found himself on the roster. In 87 games, the right fielder batted .280 with seven home runs and 28 RBI as he made a name for himself, and is in the running to be J.D. Drew's permanent replacement.

Now the question that begs to be asked: Who will the Josh Reddick of 2012 be for Boston, and what kind of an impact will he have with the team?

Here is a list of five prospects who Red Sox fans could see in a Boston uniform on opening day in 2012.

Ryan Lavarnway

We already saw Ryan Lavarnway in September of this year, and since Jason Varitek probably won't be returning to Boston in 2012, Lavarnway is the logical choice as backup catcher.

Lavarnway hit 32 home runs in Boston's minor league system in 2011, and in 17 games with Boston, he hit another two home runs—both in the same game.

Lavarnway has shown that he has a big bat and could be a valuable asset to the Red Sox in 2012, whether it's behind the plate or at designated hitter, should David Ortiz not return.

Felix Doubront

Felix Doubront was poised to become a part of Boston's bullpen in 2011, but, due to injury, he was stranded in the minors all year until a late-season call-up.

Now that Doubront is healthy, he finally has a chance to make a bid to be either a permanent addition to the bullpen or the final starting rotation spot for the Red Sox, if needed.

Ryan Kalish

After an extended stay with the Red Sox in 2010, Ryan Kalish had an injury-riddled 2011 campaign in Boston's minor league system and was only able to play in 24 games.

Assuming Kalish gets back to full health, he could get a chance to spend some time in the right field of Fenway Park. He wouldn't start right away, but he could split time with Josh Reddick and be a backup outfielder for Boston come opening day.

Michael Bowden

Just like Doubront, Michael Bowden was called up to Boston in September to be a part of the bullpen and, if Bowden pitches well in spring training, could find himself in the bullpen at Fenway come April.

Bowden had a great season with Pawtucket, pitching in 52.2 innings with a 2.73 ERA and 61 strikeouts. The Red Sox also have to realize that Bowden is getting older and, at 25, his window of opportunity in the majors will start to close over the next couple seasons.

Boston should take a chance with him in the bullpen in 2012 since they will be taking an equally great chance in free agency looking for bullpen options.

Jose Iglesias

Jose Iglesias is considered the future at shortstop in the Red Sox organization, and fans have been waiting a while to see him mature and take the field in Boston.

Marco Scutaro's contract with Boston has officially ended, and it is doubtful that he will be returning in 2012. This leaves few options for the Red Sox: They can either make another splash in free agency, turn to an already proven Jed Lowrie, or take a chance with Jose Iglesias.

It may finally be Iglesias' time to shine in the Boston organization, and there is a great chance that Iglesias will be on Boston's roster come opening day—either in a starting position or as a backup.

The Red Sox have some holes in their roster which they need to fill for the 2012 season and, should they decide to fill those holes from within the organization, these five prospects could be the answer.