Think it's time to try Jacoby Ellsbury in the lead-off spot for the Red Sox? Don't hold your breath. It's likely the Red Sox are easing Ellsbury in, batting him down in the order. And with Lefty Scott Kazmir pitching for the Devil Rays tonight, Ellsbury might not even be in the lineup.

If Ellsbury is in the lineup tonight, then that is sure sign of confidence in the kid (and a sure sign that Wily Mo Pena is fading in Boston's plans).

Why not put Ellsbury in and see how he does against the tough lefty?

Looking for Clay Buchholz? Don't look for him at the Eastern League All-Star Game next Wednesday in Norwich, Ct. (at least not in a pitching capacity). Buchholz is pitching Sunday in the All Stars Futures Game in San Francisco. The Red Sox are not likely going to want him to pitch again so soon.

And don't look for Buchholz in Portland much longer. Yes, we have said it before. Here is what Ben Cherington (Red Sox VP/Player Personnel) said about Buchholz (in Today's Press Herald):

"He certainly has proved that he can compete at the next level. We don't want players at a level where they are not being challenged. If you get a guy who is performing at a level where maybe they don't have to be on their A game to go out and have a decent game, that is not optimal. You want them to have to be on the top of their game to go out and succeed. When you get players in that category, sometimes it's time to consider a move."

Buchholz threw five no-hit innings in his last outing, and he did not have great fastball command, and no command of his curveball (i.e. it was not his A game).

It certainly was a day to celebrate if you're a Boston Red Sox fan in Maine, with the announcement that the Red Sox extended their affiliation with the Portland Sea Dogs, through 2012. Monday's press conference was interesting with yours truly in attendance, the three Portland TV stations and a correspondent for the Union Leader newspaper in Manchester. Portland's gain truly was Manchester's loss.

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