It is all a waiting game. Jacoby Ellsbury, David Murphy and Brandon Moss play in Pawtucket, waiting for their call to the big leagues.

With three teenagers and one dad in waiting to read the latest Harry Potter book, guess who is fourth in line? And I bought the darn book!

You can read more about Ellsbury, Murphy and Moss in Today's Sunday Telegram. Meanwhile, here are some more muggle thoughts on baseball:

In July, Julio Lugo is batting .383, Coco Crisp .306. J.D. Drew seems to be driving the ball better. Use Crisp and Lugo as the leadoff hitter by committee (more Crisp, I would think) and keep Drew fifth, or even sixth.

Julian Tavarez, despite his struggles, is slated to start Monday's game in Cleveland. Manager Terry Francona is patient with his players (re: Pedroia, Lugo, Crisp, Drew), so that appears to be his approach with Tavarez.

I thought Jon Lester should get a chance to start. But maybe the Red Sox don't want Lester called up and then sent down when Curt Schilling is ready. With Kason Gabbard rolling, the next move appears to be when Schilling is activated, Tavarez goes to the bullpen.

Who will get the pink slip in the bullpen. I once assumed it would be Kyle Snyder, but signs point to Joel Pineiro. (Javier Lopez does have the option to go back to Pawtucket)

If Tavarez (5-8, 5.27) is going to pitch Monday, at least it is a good match-up, against Jake Westbrook (1-5, 6.07).

Speaking of Schilling, he went three innings in Pawtucket Saturday (2 hits, 6 strikeouts).

Another pitcher also threw three impressive innings. Craig Hansen followed Schilling and allowed one hit, striking out five. Hansen reportedly has re-discovered his slider. But, please, don't rush the kid back up.

In the Pawtucket game, Moss went 2-for-4 (average now at .308).

In the Sea Dogs game Saturday, Jed Lowrie did not have a hit. He did walk four times. His on-base percentage is .414. I've said it before: Lowrie does not have the flash of a Lugo, or the swagger of a Pedroia, but he's got a future in the majors.

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