I wouldn't be surprised to see Downs start at AAA or get a shot at the bigs quickly. He had reached AA in 2019 and would probably have started there (?), I think. If he did well, a 2021 bump to AAA and possibly MLB would make sense.

The big knock on Duran is that his defensive skills haven't matched his speed, although he's new to the outfield. I too feel good about him.

My WAG is that Downs starts at Portland in part to allow Worcester (that's going to take some gettin' used to) to have MLB ready depth and to give him time to ease in. I think the true prospects are going to probably start a bit lower down so as not to be pushed right out of the gate.

This assumes there IS a 2021 MiLB season which at this point...who the #### knows?

I wouldn't be surprised to see Downs start at AAA or get a shot at the bigs quickly.

Are you saying Dustin Pedroia won't be back?

He's only got one year left. That timing works out good, Pedroia can start at second and lead off next year and then they can call Downs up for 2022. Pedey probably won't play all 162 next year (keep him around 140-145, he's getting older, so maybe they let Downs play some.

Are you saying Dustin Pedroia won't be back?

No, no, no, I don't know what I was thinking. Pedroia will be back and putting up a 5-WAR season, leading the team to another championship.