Red Sox Has DUDES in Maine!

With my wife taking a short-term job in Portland, Maine this spring & summer, I have really taken to the city of Portland. Within this city is a hidden baseball gem that has three major league prospects playing every day! Franklin Arias, Anthony Eyanson, & Brooks Brannon are showing out, and I have to say, Red Sox fans, you may be down now, but reinforcements are coming.

While, yes, I have hit the lobster rolls, ciders, & revolutionary history full send, there is another piece of Maine that takes over in the summer... SEA DOGS baseball, the Double-A affiliate of New England's beloved Boston Red Sox. For those who haven't gotten into the minor league baseball world, I highly recommend immersing yourself in the culture, and yes, I mean culture because it is its own entity. Now, 95% of teams across the nation most likely don't have future MLB stars; they might have a guy or two who can make it to the league, but not a top 10 prospect in baseball, let alone two in the top 100 in all of baseball.

Franklin Arias is that guy! A Top 10 prospect in baseball, he continued his dominance of AA ball last night with a 430ft bomb in the win, the 13th of his season. You have to think that his time in Portland has an expiration date that is sooner rather than later. That again is the funny thing about minor league ball, just when you fall in love with watching a player, they seem to be heading out the door. Arias, though, thankfully isn't going far, as Portland's big league squad is only about an hour & 45 minutes away at Fenway Park. He looks the part & has one of those swings that sounds different when contact is made. Red Sox fans of course are going through it in Boston, but this is the guy who can become a household name very quickly.

Next is a former national champion pitcher in Anthony Eyanson, a dude who is making every minor league level look like a picnic. After dominating High-A ball, he was brought up to Portland & is continuing his march to the big leagues. Last night he pitched another gem, using a fastball & slider combo that has been unhittable so far. With former college pitchers, they usually rise through the ranks quickly, so it is not out of this world to think he could find himself moving up to AAA with Arias soon.

Lastly is more of the breakout star, as Brooks Brannon is having one of those seasons in which you become a top prospect. His old-school, one-batting-glove style is such a Portland vibe, too. The former 9th-round pick is really loving the Maine air, as he has already barreled 8 HRs in only 93 at-bats so far. Not yet on the latest top 30 prospects list, he is the guy who will soon be moving up the ranks as he continues to settle in for the Sea Dogs.

It feels like a perfect season to be a part of the Sea Dogs, though this isn't uncommon. When you visit Hadlock Field, you will see the names of Anthony Rizzo, Dustin Pedroia, Chris Sale, Kevin Youkilis, & so many others who also spent time in Vacationland. If you want to check out the minor league scene & enjoy one of the most underrated states in America, it is time you head to Portland before Franklin and Anthony are on their way to Boston.