The following top Red Sox prospects might find jobs in Boston soon.

RYAN LAVARNWAY, 24, catcher: Played in Portland in 2010-11 and is currently in Pawtucket. Made major league debut last year and should be up for good in 2013.

JOSE IGLESIAS, 22, shortstop: Played in Portland in 2010 and has been in Pawtucket since. Made his major league debut last season and is out of minor league options after this year. The organization’s best fielder, Iglesias needs more at-bats but has been injured in parts of every season. He still could be the 2013 starter.

JACKIE BRADLEY JR., 22, center fielder: Just promoted to Portland, Bradley has demonstrated special gifts and mental toughness. Could be starting in Fenway no later than 2014.

DRAKE BRITTON, 23, pitcher: Recently promoted to Portland, Britton is a left-hander with a lively arm. He may someday be a major league starter but likely will begin his big-league journey in the bullpen.

ANTHONY RANAUDO, 22, pitcher: A spring training injury and command issues have slowed Ranaudo’s Double-A start, but his stuff is there. Could be a rotation mainstay by 2015.

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MATT BARNES, 22, pitcher: In his first professional season, Barnes has mostly dominated in Class A and could find himself unexpectedly in Portland this year. Another future rotation member.

BRYCE BRENTZ, 23, outfielder: Has demonstrated ability to hit for average and power in Portland. If his development continues, he will be a right-handed bat the Red Sox could use.

XANDER BOGAERTS, 19, shortstop: Talented with power, Bogaerts draws Hanley Ramirez comparisons, but with more maturity. He is handling advanced Class A ball well as a teenager. Projected as a third baseman or outfielder, he could be a special addition to Fenway by 2015.

DEVEN MARRERO, 21, shortstop: Boston’s first-round pick in last month’s draft, Marrero could be the answer to Boston’s continued search for a shortstop.

BLAKE SWIHART, 20, catcher: Drafted out of high school last year, Swihart was rushed to low Class A Greenville and is improving every month (.333 in June). Looks like the real deal. The question will be if he gets to Fenway as a catcher or another position.


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