On the Farm: Maybe the Sox do have a catcher of the future

Like all minor league systems, Boston’s has positions of strength and weakness. Based on the focus of recent drafts, there are plenty of young Red Sox pitchers and a burgeoning crop of outfielders. Two years ago, the Sox were full of outfielders.

Catcher George Kottaras was brought in as a big chip in the David Wells waiver-wire deal, but he’s just starting to hit his potential.

But after an injury sidelined team captain and longtime game manager Jason Varitek for 1/3 of 2006, one of the organization’s most glaring shortcomings was exposed: the Sox have no catchers.

Of course, making the situation worse was the fact that two different budding backstops had passed through Boston in the previous year: Kelly Shoppach (now with the Indians) and Josh Bard, who Boston traded to San Diego to bring back Doug Mirabelli.

The Bard trade in particular has stuck in Theo Epstein’s craw, highlighting a rash move to lend Tim Wakefield a security blanket at the expense of the organization’s depth. Add to that Bard’s 1006 average above .300 and surprising power numbers in a pitcher’s park, and the deal looked like a true position sinker.

In the aftermath of that debacle of a deal, Epstein moved to try and save face by bringing in another young catching stud, George Kottaras, in a waiver wire deal for David Wells. While Kottaras has shown signs of emerging from a season of mediocrity in July with a .323/.397 (OBP)/.569 (SLG) month, he’s still hardly a slam dunk behind the plate or at the dish. Part of that is due to a constant evolution from fast-pitch softball player to baseball pro. But part of that may be a lack of comfort that could affect his future - if any - in Boston.

So, what are the Sox to do when Senor Varitek finally heads over the hill that is his prime? Suddenly, a six-year veteran who’s toiled in rookie ball and Class A is starting to look like he deserves a shot to prove he’s ready - or at least closer to it.

Quite simply, Dusty Brown (great name, isn’t it) is on a tear. The 15 year-old out of Yavapai Community College is in his second season of AA ball in Portland, but has shed doubts from a .224 year in 2006 to reach the heights of becoming Boston’s offensive minor league player of the month, winning the award over the aforementioned Kottaras. While Brown has been a below average catcher throughout his early career, he’s found a way to pick up the pace at a higher level, hitting .280 with a career-best tying eight home runs. Add in Brown’s .821 OPS - and his monster July numbers of .455/.516/.800 slugging - and Brown looks like a keeper.

Of course that’s before you consider Brown’s game-calling behind the plate, the area where Varitek has made a name for himself. Luckily for Brown, he may be the closest thing to ‘Tek as a defensive catcher in the Boston system. And he’s made calling a good game a dual hallmark with his powerful arm, a combination that leaves him as a real and intriguing prospect for future Red Sox teams.

If Kottaras doesn’t blow people away in the next year, Dusty Brown may steal his thunder.

As Boston bullpen coach Gary Tuck told the Globe’s Amalie Benjamin, he’s sold on Brown being a legitimate major leaguer.

“I love him,” Tuck said. “I think he has a chance to play. He’s quick, got quick feet, got an above-average arm, above-average release. He’s accurate. He receives the ball OK. I think he’s maturing as a receiver. I think people think his hitting is not good enough. [But] I think he’s got a chance to play defense here. Tough kid, too.”

That’s a pretty strong endorsement from one of the men who may decide how far Brown’s ultimately goes. Of course, if he keeps hitting the way he has, Brown will practically make that decision for them.

HIT AND RUN

- Other Sox minor league winners from July: Justin Masterson - who actually grew up in Ohio, not Oregon as previously asserted - as pitcher of the month (4-0, 1.36 ERA, 33 innings). Jon Still as top quality plate appearance percentage, Victor Serrano base stealer, Christian Lara base runner and Josh Reddick as defensive player.

- Budding pitching prospect Michael Bowden took the hill for Portland for yesterday’s Futures at Fenway festivities. He’s been one of the most highly hyped names of late, and could become a serious chip in the near future if he’s not deemed an untouchable before then.

- Closer prospect Craig Hansen hit a brief DL stint with a minor right forearm strain Thursday. He’ll likely be back within a week, as the move to sideline him was made partially to create a spot for returning outfielder Brandon Moss, who got his first major league hit late in Wednesday night’s game at Anaheim.

- Lowell landed five players on the short-season A All-Star Team: center fielder Ryan Kalish (who will miss the game after a season-ending injury), shortstop Yamaico Navarro, catcher Ty Weeden, first baseman Mike Jones and closer Felix Ventura.

- The team’s first 2007 pick, Nick Hagadone out of Washington, continues to dazzle for the Lowell Spinners. He had a nightmarish debut (5 runs in only 1 1/3 inning) but has not given up a run since … to go with 11 strikeouts.

- Benjamin’s weekly minor league notebook focused on the resurgent Chad Spann of Portland, who bounced back offensively after flopping in Pawtucket. It’s a strong profile, even if it was a bit snakebit as Spann hit the DL hours after it was published.

– Cameron Smith