The Top MLB Prospect from New Jersey: Anthony Ranaudo
August 25, 2014 by John Evered · Leave a Comment
Anthony Ranaudo, 24, was born on September 9th, 1989 in Freehold, New Jersey. A budding prospect, Ranaudo achieved “The Dream” by being called up to the Boston Red Sox on August 1st, 2014 in order to make to his first career big league start against the New York Yankees, the team Ranaudo grew up rooting for.
Ranaudo’s first strikeout came against the one and only, Derek Jeter, Ranaudo’s role model as a child. Although he may have been calm after recording his first career strikeout in MLB, Ranaudo kept the ball and was obviously excited.
LSU Career
Anthony Ranaudo attended Louisiana State University from 2008 – 2010. During those years, he not only excelled on the field but excelled academically at LSU, earning a spot on the 2010 SEC honor role. Not only did Ranaudo achieve academic success, but he was named 2009 First-Team All Louisiana and was crowned the 2009 NCAA Regional Most Outstanding Player award before being drafted 39th overall by the Red Sox in 2010.
Ranaudo agreed to a bonus of $2.55 million dollars, and four years later he continues to excel on the mound, which led to being ranked exceptionally high in MLB prospect ranks, lists and charts by MLB.com’s draft and prospect expert, Jonathan Mayo. As of now, Ranaudo is ranked by Mayo as Boston’s Red fifth-best prospect and the 78th-best prospect in the minor leagues.
Starting 23 games this season for the Pawtucket Red Sox, Ranaudo is 14 – 4 with an excellent 2.61 ERA. He’s pitched 138 minor league innings this year, allowed only 112 hits, including nine home runs, has issued 54 walks and fanned 111. Ranaudo’s overall record in the minors 35 -18 with a 3.46 ERA, and a winning percentage of .660. Although he’s not on the Red Sox’s current roster, he is on their 40-man roster and is ready for a September call-up. As a candidate for a spot on the starting rotation for the Red Sox in 2015, Ranaudo’s game and class is constantly under surveillance by scouts from around the league, not to mention the Boston Red Sox’s front office.
