FORT MYERS, Fla. –– Ryan Westmoreland’s first spring training has been a labor of love.
As he continues to rehab a surgically repaired right shoulder, the former three-sport Portsmouth High athlete is going through the daily workout routine and experiencing life around big league ballplayers for the first time.
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Epstein is impressed with Westmoreland’s knowledge of the strike zone, and he doesn’t swing and miss a lot as a hitter. He can also hit for power and the Red Sox development staff believes that will increase, too.
“We project him to get better as he goes through the minor leagues and grows into his frame a little bit more,” Epstein said. “There’s no day dreaming with him, he can play.”
So far, Westmoreland’s first spring training has worked out well. While he continues to rehab his surgically repaired right shoulder, he’s learning how everything works and he’s been participating in all the outfield and base-running drills. He’s been working on his strength and conditioning to prepare for when he’s finally able to play.
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He’s been told it’s likely he’ll be able to start throwing and hitting in a week, or soon after.
“Right now, he’s just working on his range of motion,” said Epstein. “We’ll start a throwing progression in a few weeks. Once he comes back, we expect him to have a good year. He’s really a talented kid. He can hit. He can run. He can play defense and we think his arm will bounce back, too. He’s a well-rounded player and a really good kid. He’s a hard worker. He obviously has a long way to go, but there’s a lot to like.”
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When Baldelli arrive in camp the two spoke in person for the first time in four years, and the Cumberland native told the Portsmouth native it’s great to see another Rhode Island guy up here.
“He’ always been that guy I looked up to, being an outfielder from Rhode Island who made it,” said Westmoreland. “He’s been my idol as a professional baseball player. He’s a great guy.”
Epstein and his baseball operations staff have done a tremendous job over the last few years drafting top-notch players, developing them and then giving them the opportunity to help the Red Sox win. The Red Sox are loaded with homegrown talent and Westmoreland believes he’s on the right path, too.
“Seeing those guys go up the ladder in the organization, I’m pretty confident that I’m going to be able to stick with the Red Sox and climb up that ladder just like all those other guys did.”