Remember when Kason Gabbard first came to the Portland Sea Dogs in 2004? He had just turned 22, but he seemed constantly injured. Gabbard, a left-hander, did not look like he would make it out of Double-A.

But, as those in the Red Sox minor leagues like to often remind us: This is why they call it Player DEVELOPMENT.

Gabbard pitched a three-hit, complete-game shutout Monday night (8 strikeouts) to go 3-0 with the Red Sox this year.

In 2004, Gabbard was 3-6 with a 6.28 ERA. He made only 14 starts, averaging less than four innings an outing.

But Gabbard was put on a program. He got stronger. Some improvement came in 2005 (9-11, 4.61). He arrived in Portland last year with a new-found maturity and poise. He went 9-2 for the Sea Dogs, with a 2.57 ERA , before being promoted to Pawtucket and, eventually, Boston.

And now look at him.

As the Red Sox wait for Schilling and Lester, Gabbard is proving he belongs in the major leagues. He may not have fit in the Red Sox long-term plans, but he may force them to change their minds.

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