Interesting to note Jacoby Ellsbury playing left field in Wednesday's game, in place of the resting Manny Ramirez. Normally that is Wily Mo Pena's role.

Ellsbury, who swatted an opposite-field RBI double (on a 97 mph fastball), may be more than just a temporary fill-in on the roster.

Meanwhile, signs point to a prolonged stay for Curt Schilling on the disabled list.

Sean McAdam in the Providence Journal says it looks like Schilling won't be back until August.

Big doings in Lancaster, California on July 4. The Jethawks, the Red Sox advanced Class A afilliate, clinched the first-half of the season (assuring a spot in the playoffs) with a 12-4 win over Inland Empire. Now that Lancaster has done that, the Red Sox may start moving prospects up to Portland. I think that list includes outfielder Bubba Bells, infielder Tony Granadillo, first baseman Aaron Bates and pitcher Justin Masterson. We'll see.

I'm supposed to be at Fenway today. The weather outlook is not promising. Hope to blog later.

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