It is mid-July. Do you know where your Red Sox and Sea Dogs are?

One is in first, skipping along with a 10-game lead. The other is closing in on a third-straight playoff appearance.

With J.D. Drew again being day to day with his hs ailing hamstring, I thought a DL stint would be in order. Then the Red Sox could have called up Brandon Moss and kicked the tires on him. Moss is having a great year in Pawtucket. But, alas, Moss left Saturday's game, limping after making a play in the outfield. Looks like a groin muscle injury, but the severity is not known.

Jacoby Ellsbury does not have a strong arm. But it's not bad. Could he play right?

Here comes Lugo. Nine hits in his last 15 at bats.

Going back to Pawtucket for a second. See where Abe Alvarez has gone to the bullpen. Alvarez was making no progess as a starter, so maybe the situational lefty role will fit.

All eyes will be on Josh Beckett today, but I await Monday. Kason Gabbard gets his next start. With Julian Tavarez becoming more ineffective, and Jon Lester up and down in Pawtucket, Gabbard has a chance to establish himself.

Also on Monday: Clay Buchholz makes his Triple-A debut. If he continues his dominant stuff, I see him in Boston next month.

Speaking of a debut. Top 2007 Red Sox draft pick Nick Hagadone makes his first start today in Lowell.

Trade Wily Mo Pena. It was a nice thought, trying to get another power hitter. But it's not going to work out. Give him to a team that can give him some at-bats.

The next time the Sea Dogs are in town (next week, after today), catch Justin Masterson's start. He does not have the array of pitches of a Clay Buchholz, but with that sinker, who cares? He has Derek Lowe stuff, i.e. a great sinker. On Saturday night, he allowed only ONE ball hit in the air (see today's Sunday Telegram).

The Sea Dogs, at home today vs. New Britain, are one game out of a playoff spot (i.e. second place in the Eastern League Northern Division).

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