Michael Bowden

The former Red Sox prospect was re-acquired by Theo Epstein in the Marlon Byrd blockbuster, and Bowden pitched passably at Triple-A and the majors, though an excessive walk rate continues to be a problem. Bowden had success as a reliever at Triple-A with the Red Sox, so it's possible he'll find a role in the bullpen with the Cubs in 2013 should he harness his control in the majors.

Bowden made the complete transformation to relief in 2011, pitching the entire season out of the bullpen for Triple-A Pawtucket or in Boston. While effective for Pawtucket, both as a starter and as a reliever in his career, Bowden has not been able translate that success to the majors. He was a starter prospect to begin his professional career, but lacking a true out pitch, Bowden's present and future appears to be that of a bullpen guy. Depending on how the depth chart shakes out, Bowden could emerge from spring training with a roster spot in Boston.

Bowden did little to re-write the book on him in 2010. He continued to be an effective pitcher at Triple-A, but doesn't possess a real out pitch. His status as a top starter in the organization further waned as Felix Doubront moved past him. Bowden was converted to a reliever and, other than a couple of appearances against Toronto, pitched well for Boston in that role. He pitched as a reliever in the Venezuelan Winter League as the Red Sox feel he can be valuable as a middle reliever for them in 2011. He'll have to earn that role, however, and there's always the chance that he will be included in a deal to a team that will use him as a starter.

Bowden got a small taste of the major leagues, getting into eight games for Boston last season. And though it's a small sample size, he was hit hard to the tune of 23 hits, 17 runs, a 9.56 ERA and a 1.813 WHIP in 16 innings. He was once valued as highly as Clay Buchholz, Daniel Bard and Justin Masterson, but projects to be more of a No. 3 starter in the eyes of the organization. As a contact pitcher who pitches around the zone, Bowden needs to develop a strikeout pitch against advanced hitters if he's going to reclaim an elite prospect status. Still, he has a good body of work at the higher minor-league levels and is working on his slider as a strikeout pitch. The Red Sox may be willing to listen when his name comes up in trade talks, so if he's going to pitch in the majors full time in 2010, it will likely be with another organization.

Bowden made a successful transition from Double-A Portland to Triple-A Pawtucket, while getting a taste of Boston along the way. He became more consistent after an adjustment to a more compact delivery, throwing a curve, a two-seam and four-seam fastball and a circle change that clocks in the low 80s. He credits his change in mechanics for his excellent command of the strike zone (4.48:1 K:BB). He'll begin 2009 at Triple-A Pawtucket, but could get some emergency starts at Boston. If the organization leaves Justin Masterson in a setup role, figure Bowden and Clay Buchholz to compete for the fifth starter job or get a crack in the rotation should injuries occur.

At 20, Bowden was promoted to Double-A Portland in May, after abusing California League hitters (1.37 ERA, 46:8 K:BB). His command and location are top notch, but he found it a bit tougher up a level where the hitters are more patient and can lay off his fastball. Bowden's still a youngster and has more developing to do, but he's right below Clay Buchholz as a pitching prospect in the organization. He'll start the year in Double-A Portland. The Red Sox like to give their prospects a taste of the major leagues, so don't be surprised if Bowden gets a midseason call.

Bowden, 20, pitched well in his first full-season of minor league ball for Single-A Greenville, posting a 3.51 ERA and a 118:31 K:BB rate in 107 2/3 IP. Baseball America ranks him as the No. 3 prospect in the organization. He has an above-average fastball that tops out at 95, and throws a curve, changeup and slider. His delivery is kind of funky, but tests at Dr. James Andrews’ biomechanics lab in Alabama showed no additional stress on his arm, so no tinkering is necessary.