Outfielder Chip Ambres

[Sox fan in Tex]

I can't believe no one has talked about this guy yet. He hit .375 with 3 HRs and 15 RBIs in April and earned PawSox of the month honors. He's a top 15 Red Sox prospect and has an OBP of .422 to go along with his .576 SLG%. This guy is on fire.

Has anyone has a chance at seeing him play in person? I'm kind of interested in how long it will be before this guy gets a shot at the majors. I'm starting to think that it may not be such a bad idea letting Damon go this offseason if he asks more money than we want to give him. I mean, we have Chip in Pawtucket.... we have Hanley (should be at Pawtucket), Brandon Moss and Chris Durban who are all top 20 prospects in Portland. And I believe Adam Stern has what it takes. We are pretty loaded if you ask me.

Keeping with the OF, how long do we have Manny, Payton and Nixon locked up? I couldn't find a website that offered that kind of information. I'm just thinking that I'm liking Chip's chances are starting in 2006. Thoughts anyone?

[Soxfan#1]

I saw him on sports desk.

[Zenny]

1. Chip Ambres likely isn't anything more than a nice #4 outfielder in the Jay Payton mold.
2. He's a .258/.352/.448 career minor league hitter, which makes this year look like an abberation.
3. He's already 25 and barely qualifies for prospect status.
4. If the Florida Marlins gave up on him after last season, then he can't really be that good.
5. Your boy whiffs a buttload. 25% of his AB's (43 out of 172) AB's this season he's whiffed.

I could definitely see Chip filling in the Jay Payton role in 2006, but he'd be a below average regular that has difficulty making contract, especially versus RHP's, just like Jay Payton.

http://www.soxprospects.com/players/ambres-chip.htm
http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/a...ilb&pid=407876

By the way, here's a great website for MLB contracts: http://mlbcontracts.blogspot.com/

[stocker323]

Ambres went 2-4 yesterday, with his 9th homer and 16th SB. I didn't realize this guy was 25, I thought he was in his late 20s, so I think he may be able to fill the role of Payton if they trade him. He's hitting .328/.436/.566 with the Pawsox.

[elsrbueno]

Gammons from ESPN has said the Red Sox believe Ambres could fill the 4th outfielder spot and are actively trying to accomidate Jay's request to be traded.

Chip has looked very capable in Pawtucket this year (.310/.421/.562) and I don't see anything in the numbers that are problematic. He's hitting for average, power, taking pitches, getting on base, and stealing bases once he gets on.

This is easily his best season in the minor leagues so far, but he's shown stolen base ability, decent plate discipline, and a little bit of power throughout his career.

To me (and I know that I'm no Zenny), it looks like he's ready to at least get a shot at the 4th outfielder job in Boston.

[Zenny]

A comparison that I heard that seems to be a solid one is Randy Winn. Winn had all the tools and was a first round draft choice by Florida (just like Ambres), but didn't put it all together for a while. He got a regular job at 25 and didn't become an average regular until 28. That'll probably be the case with Ambres. He'd likely be a competent platoon partner for Trot while giving similar production for less money than Payton. If we can move Jay for 'spects or a MR and then promote Ambres, it'll be a positive move.

[elsrbueno]

Randy Winn

If Chip turns into this kind of player, I certainly wouldn't mind. Nothing spectacular, but a lot of doubles and enough speed to steal 20+ bases as a starter. Definately as good if not better 4th outfielder than someone like Payton.

[CrespoBlows]

No, don't trade Payton, I don't care if he is unhappy, he isn't a cancer. Payton is an extremly valuable player, because Damon, Trot, or Manny could go down at any moment. BTW Adam Stern would probably get the call before Ambres. Then again there was probably a reason Chip was a 1st round pick.

[elsrbueno]

Originally Posted by CrespoBlows

No, don't trade Payton, I don't care if he is unhappy, he isn't a cancer. Payton is an extremly valuable player, because Damon, Trot, or Manny could go down at any moment. BTW Adam Stern would probably get the call before Ambres. Then again there was probably a reason Chip was a 1st round pick.

Is Adam Stern even ready to play baseball yet? Last I heard he was still DLed. Although I will admit I haven't heard a damn thing in awhile about him.

I'd love to see Stern on the big club because he's supposed to be very fast.

[CrespoBlows]

Originally Posted by elsrbueno

Is Adam Stern even ready to play baseball yet? Last I heard he was still DLed. Although I will admit I haven't heard a damn thing in awhile about him.

I'd love to see Stern on the big club because he's supposed to be very fast.

I heard he was back, but couldn't be sure.

[Zenny]

Stern is going to be inserted into the Pawtucket lineup for 10 days of rehab. After that period, he must be offered back if he isn't on the 25 man roster or back on the DL.

The main caveat about Stern vs. Ambres: Stern is left-handed. I've never heard of a lefty-lefty platoon. Payton is probably Ambres' upside. We'll see.

[stocker323]

Ambres was traded to the Royals today for Tony Graffanino.

[26 to 6]

Originally Posted by stocker323

Ambres was traded to the Royals today for Tony Graffanino.

pretty lopsided trade if you ask me, Graffy isnt more than a backup/platoon player and Ambres has potential

[CrespoBlows]

Originally Posted by 26 to 6

pretty lopsided trade if you ask me, Graffy isnt more than a backup/platoon player and Ambres has potential

Really? He's a career .253 hitter in the minors, what makes you believe he does?

[26 to 6]

Originally Posted by CrespoBlows

Really? He's a career .253 hitter in the minors, what makes you believe he does?

well a young prospect like Ambres has more potential than Tony Graffanino, who is older and has already reached his prime...will probably never be better than he was with the White Sox