The countdown to Spring Training is on, and what better way to get geared up for the season than with a special guest: Red Sox VP of Amateur Scouting Mike Rikard! Mike shared insights on his career in the game-including almost 15 years with the Red Sox, the scouting process, and running a draft. With four drafts as the organization's scouting director under his belt, the guys also asked about some of his more noteworthy picks like Andrew Benintendi and Jay Groome, as well as the well-received class of 2018. Plus, Chris and Ian briefly discussed some of the team's slew of recent minor league signings. Listen in! 0:00 - Intros, housekeeping, email us and remember to check us out on Patreon. 5:30 - Late winter news 16:45 - Meet Mike Rikard 37:00 - Picking Benintendi 42:00 - The Groome draft 47:00 - Early returns on 2018 51:00 - What's ahead More Podcasty Goodness Alert: Catch Ian on the Over the Monster Podcast Players mentioned in the show Bryce Brentz Daniel Schlereth Jenrry Mejia Trey Ganns Taylor Ahearn Austin Glorius Lukas Young Jordan Betts Ryan Scott Ramfis Berroa Brandon Howlett Andrew Benintendi Ben Taylor Bobby Poyner Logan Allen Jay Groome Jarren Duran Chase Shugart Josh Reddick Hunter Strickland Casey Kelly Got something to say? We love talking about what you want to hear about. Make sure to email us.  Love the show? Want to help us out while also getting exclusive goodies? Support the podcast by contributing to us on Patreon! Go to Sox Prospects on Patreon for the details. Podcast Twitter Links: @SPChrisHatfield @IanCundall @SoxProspects Subscribe on iTunes (please rate and review!) Subscribe on Stitcher (please rate and review!) Listen on Spotify Listen on YouTube Listen on Google Play Music Podcast Archive