Hot Stove Lunch: Two Red Sox prospects crack Top 100 list

It's that time of year in baseball: the arrival of Top Prospect lists.

They're all the rage as spring training draws closer. You'll see them from MLB.com, ESPN.com, and other sites.

The oldest -- and in some ways, the most prestigious -- list comes from Baseball America, a publication which has focused on the minor leagues for several decades.

On Wednesday, Baseball America revealed its Top 100 list and it included just two Red Sox prospects: Tristan Casas and Bobby Dalbec.

Casas came in at No. 70 while Dalbec was at No. 75.

Having two prospects means the Sox are down near the bottom of the list of organizations. Not surprisingly, the Tampa Bay Rays (eight prospects) had the most minor leaguers on the list, which, I suppose, reflects well on Chaim Bloom. Next up are the Dodgers (seven) and the Twins and Padres (both six). The Milwaukee Brewers were the only organization without any players on the list.

Dalbec figures to get a long look in spring training and stands a chance at being called up in May or June, if he hits well at Pawtucket. Casas is just 20 and was the first-round pick of the Sox in 2018 and is still several years away from the big leagues. Dalbec was a fourth-rounder in 2016.

Both are corner infielders -- with Dalbec, drafted as a third baseman but moved to first last year in recognition of Rafael Devers; Casas played some third in high school but has been focused on first since turning pro. Both have plus-power potential, with Dalbec a righty bat and Casas swinging from the left side.

Some other Red Sox were players were given consideration -- including outfielders Jarren Duran and Gilberto Jimenez and pitchers Jay Groome and Bryan Mata.

Elsewhere...

AL EAST

A look at the five A.L. teams who pose the biggest threats to the Yankees.

The Rays dominated Baseball America's Top 100 prospect list.

The Jays have interest in Brock Holt.

The Orioles have an interest in reuniting with Tim Beckham.

AL CENTRAL

Yasiel Puig could return to the Indians.

The Twins officially introduced Josh Donaldson.

Former Tiger Nicholas Castellanos remains a free agent.

Here are some changes the White Sox should make for this season.

Salvador Perez is becoming a U.S. citizen.

AL WEST

Owner Jim Crane says the Astros will get around to apologizing...eventually.

Do the Rangers have another shot at dealing for Nolan Arenado?

The ZIPS projection for the 2020 Angels.

The A's could be taking steps toward finding a new ballpark site.

A look back at the Top 5 moments for King Felix in Seattle.

NATIONAL LEAGUE 

The Mets became the first team from the sign-stealing scandal to hire a new manager.