And now for the top news:

Jacoby Ellsbury's is back in Pawtucket, but not after making an impression (see Terry Francona's comments in the previous blog)

Curt Schilling is on the shelf indefinitely.

Clay Buchholz appears headed for Pawtucket after another ace is promoted to Portland.

Is Devern Hansack re-joining the Red Sox?

Red Sox sign their top pick, and a potential star from the Dominican

Before Thursday's rout of the Devil Rays, Francona made it clear that Jacoby Ellsbury did not come to Boston to be a back-up. So it did not matter that he went 2-for-2 last night, Ellsbury was sent back to Pawtucket. But he should not be there too, too long (see today's Press Herald column)

Francona was vague about when Schilling would be back, not wanting to comment on a Providence Journal report that said Schilling would not be back until August. "Dates and times are not what we're going on," Francona said. "We're going on his arm strength. When he pitches, whether it's tomorrow or October, it will all go on how he's doing."

Pitching prospect Justin Masterson has reportedly been promoted to the Portland Sea Dogs from Lancaster, along with outfielder Bubba Bell (according to soxprospects.com). Masterson's arrival seems to ensure the end of Clay Buchholz's time in Portland.

Now here's a question: Do the Red Sox keep trying Buchholz out of the bullpen, in case he can help Boston there this year?

With Ellsbury back down, there is a spot on the Boston roster, most likely for a relief pitcher. Brendan Donnelly has not thrown off a mound yet, and Joel Pineiro has a rehab appearance next Wednesday in Lowell, so it appears that Devern Hansack might be recalled. Hansack started Tuesday's Pawtucket game, so he would have a bullpen session scheduled for today, anyway. Another possibility is Pawtucket reliever Travis Hughes (1.38 ERA), but a spot on the 40-man roster would be needed.

Boston signed its top draft pick, lefty Nick Hagadone out of the University of Washington, and assigned him to Lowell. The signing bonus was reported to be around $500,000.
The Red Sox also signed a host of international free agents (see list below). The big prize is Michael Almanzar, a 6-foot-5, 180-pound 16-year-old third-baseman out of the Dominican Republic. His reported signing bonus was $1.5-million.

Here are the free agent signings:

Michael Almanzar, 3B, Dominican Republic
Justin Erasmus, RHP, Australia
Rafael Espinosa, SS, Dominican Republic
Joantoni Garcia. SS, Venezuela
Javier Gutierrez, OF, Venezuela
Che-Hsuan Lin, OF, Chinese Taipei
Roman Mendez, RHP, Dominican Republic
Jesus Rojas. C, Venezuela

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