Hermida could be an interesting pickup. The Florida Marlins, who have always drafted well, claimed Hermida out of high school in the 1st round (11th overall) out of high school in 2002. In 2003, he performed quite well (.780) at low A and was probably among the youngest players in the league. He spent 2004 at high A, again very young for the league (20) and again had a good year (.818). In 2005, Hermida had a huge year at AA (.985) and was declared the fourth best prospect in baseball by Baseball America.
He skipped AAA and entered the major leagues in 2006 at the tender age of 22. In a part time role, he got his feet wet (.700.) In 2007, he seemed to be an upcoming star with a .870 ops at 23. His 18 hrs and .296 ba in only 429 at bats were certainly a good sign.
It's been all downhill from there. IN 2008 and 2009, he hit about .250 with 15 home runs each year. While still a competent, though certainly not championship level player, the Marlins were not in a position to pay him $3.5 million and dumped him to the Red Sox for nothing in return.
Hermida is only 26 so stardom is still not out of the possibility if he can show the promise he showed in 2005-2006. A change of scenery might be all he's needed. He'll also need at bats. The leash on Big Papi will not be as long as it was last year with Hermida on the bench.