Red Sox Prospect Juan Carlos Linares Turning Heads in Arizona Fall League With .571 Average

Among the two Cuban defectors signed by the Red Sox and playing in this year's Arizona Fall League, shortstop Jose Iglesias figured to get all the attention.

Despite a broken finger that caused him to miss several games, the defensive standout had a solid first season in the organization and was looking to make up for lost time in the desert.

However, it is the less-heralded member of the pair that is making the biggest splash. Juan Carlos Linares, who was signed by the Sox in July, entered Monday ranked second in the league in hitting with a .571 (8-for-14) average.

The 26-year-old outfielder is tied for second in the AFL with three doubles and has yet to strikeout in three games for the Peoria Javelinas.

Like Iglesias, Linares is noted as a strong defensive player but was also among the top sluggers in recent years in the Cuban National League. He hit .239 (11-for-46) with a homer and four RBIs in 13 games with Double-A Portland this year.

Iglesias entered Monday's play batting .333 (5-for-15).