Stolmy Pimentel

Acquired from Boston in the Joel Hanrahan trade two winters ago, Pimentel made a successful leap from Double-A to Triple-A for the first time in three attempts. The hard-throwing righty crafted a 3.13 ERA and 62:21 BB:K ratio in 92 IP for Triple-A Indianapolis before making his big-league debut in September. Pimentel, who flashed a 95.4 mph average fastball, limited opponents to two runs in 9.2 innings in five relief appearances. The 24-year-old has started almost exclusively in the minors, but a lack of secondary offerings could turn him into a reliever. Either way, 2013 served as a breakout of sorts for Pimentel and he could find steady work in the big leagues in 2014.

Pimentel takes on greater import within the organization after Casey Kelly was dealt to the Padres as part of the Adrian Gonzalez deal. He made great strides in 2010, improving his curveball, his in-game adjustments and establishing more poise on the mound. Pimentel's change-up is a plus pitch with swing-and-miss results. He needs to learn to harness the fastball as he gets more velocity with it, but overall the Red Sox are pleased with what they are seeing from Pimentel, who pitched in the All-Star Futures game last summer. After having him pitch a full season at High-A Salem, and with an offseason promotion to the 40-man roster, the Red Sox will likely promote him to Double-A Portland for 2011.

Pimentel, 20, has emerged as a pitcher to watch in Boston's organization. He has a low 90s fastball, an improving curveball and an excellent change up, which he throws with consistent arm speed. His emerging repertoire, pin-point control and cool on-mound demeanor has made him very successful at all of his professional stops thus far. His needs entering 2010 are improved command on his fastball. It can be flat and stay up in the zone, resulting in hits (135 in 117.2 innings). Pimentel will need to keep it down in the zone and work the corners of the plate.