Sox Prospects had a Write up over the summer that gave a more optimistic look at De La Cruz' improvement. I think he'll be an interesting guy to watch next year.

De La Cruz is definitely an interesting guy, but wow his swing is really quite unique. Watching the embedded video in the article, he just might have the least level swing plane I have ever seen, but it seems to be working for him. It would certainly be cool to see a guy with such unconventional swing mechanics make it to the majors.

Fangraphs Top 15 Red Sox Prospects--just in case you're sick of all that spelling and grammar over at Baseball America. :)

Notable: Webster #4, Iglesias #8, Ranaudo #14 (not unexpected, but still worth noting).

Some details about players who may or may not be put on 40 man roster today from ESPNBoston/Sox Prospects

Not a lot of surprises in who got protected. Maybe the best prospect not protected is Michael Almanzar but he's far enough away from the bigs that even if he is claimed he almost certainly wouldn't stick anywhere. I was pleased to see Dan Butler protected. He's not a great prospect but I can see him having Kottaras' career which has some value.

There are two guys who might get claimed and lost. The first would be Josh Fields (Sox Prospects #38). I'm a little disappointed to see Wright kept at Fields' expense. I'm all for giving the knuckleballer a go but at the end of the day a live arm like Fields' is one I don't think you cut bait on unless you absolutely have to. The second is a guy I like more than many and that's Jeremy Hazelbaker (Sox Prospects #29). He's got power, excellent speed which works on the bases and helps cover up for some defensive shortcoming potentially making him a useful reserve outfielder even if he doesn't hit for much in the way of average. Both guys are at a point where they could get drafted and stick somewhere.

Latest update from the guys at Sox Prospects. Other than a bad start about 2 weeks ago I feel like I've read mostly good stuff about Ranaudo this winter both in results and stuff.