Q: 

Tim from Washington, DC asks:
Jim, I'm interested in hearing your opinions of the slew of college pitchers the Red Sox took in the early rounds of the draft this year (specifically Abe Alvarez, Beau Vaughan, Jon Papelbon, Brian Marshall, and Jessie Corn). Do any of these guys project as frontline starters? Thanks.

 A: 

Jim Callis: All solid guys with, not surprisingly, good college stats, as the Red Sox are focusing heavily on performance as well as tools. I don't see any of those guys necessarily becoming a No. 1 or 2 starter, though they should move quickly through a thin system, and give the Red Sox some more trading chips to play with. I like Papelbon the best, as he's durable and has a nice fastball-slider combination. Plus saying his name makes my almost 2-year-old daughter laugh.