Red Sox prospect Moncada on long-awaited debut: 'I'm ready for this next challenge'

Boston Red Sox prospect Yoan Moncada treated fans to an anti-climactic debut Monday, but the 19-year-old phenom promises better days ahead.

The prized Cuban infielder went hitless in his minor-league debut for Class-A Greenville, grounding out twice, walking once and scoring a pair of runs in the Drive's 13-11 loss to Lexington. His 0-for-3 effort included a defensive error at second base and a leaping grab to end the third inning.

(Courtesy: MiLB.com)

Moncada's long-awaited arrival prompted an unusual amount of fanfare for a minor-league game, including unprecedented T-shirt giveaways, MLB officials sent to authenticate memorabilia, and hordes of media and fans hoping to get a look at the teenager who commanded a record-breaking $63-million deal.

For Moncada, who hadn't played competitive baseball since December 2013, Monday's buzzed-about debut was a welcome reprieve from extended spring games in Florida inside an empty stadium.

"I enjoy it. I love it. I think it's part of the job. I've always enjoyed it," Moncada told Alex Speir of the Boston Globe. "I love playing in front of a lot of people, a lot of fans. That was one of the things about Fort Myers that was driving me crazy. ... Now I'm here, and I feel I'm ready for this next challenge."