Boston still backing Vitek: Baseball America reports Red Sox officials said prospect Kolbrin Vitek had a better 2011 season than his numbers displayed. Vitek hit just .281 with three homers, but he had a sound approach at the plate and made significant strides defensively. He also finished with a .350 OBP for Class A Salem. "I would anticipate him hitting the ground running this year," Boston farm director Ben Crockett said. "He shows bat speed and the ability to manage an at-bat and be a solid hitter with the ability to drive the ball into the gaps. He has a natural line-drive stroke. He's not a guy who has a lot of loft in his swing who hits long high fly balls." (Updated 01/06/2012)
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 5/25/12).
Fantasy Analysis
The Red Sox are still hopeful that with more pro experience that Vitek will develop better power potential. One AL scout compared the burgeoning 3B prospect to Casey Blake. "You've got to see the way this kid hits in batting practice. When the ball comes off his bat, it's a different sound. He can backspin the ball with the best," Red Sox hitting coordinator Victor Rodriguez said. "I think confidence at the plate, trusting his approach at the plate and his ability to drive the ball is going to help him a lot [in 2012]." Vitek is still a few years away from the majors, so he is nothing more than a long-term Fantasy keeper. (Updated 01/06/2012).