On the last blog, a comment mentioned David Pauley (thanks for the note, Taylor) and asked why he would not be considered over Clay Buchholz.

It's a question of apples and oranges. Pauley, 24, is the crafty right-hander who finds ways to win (6-5, 3.94 in Pawtucket this year). Who knows if he will work out with the Red Sox or be trade bait. He is good insurance right now (although Devern Hansack would likely get a call ahead of Pauley).

Buchholz is a "stuff" guy. He has four solid pitches. His slider is okay, but his curveball and change-up are incredible. When he shows command with his fastball, he is dominating. Buchholz is going to be more than a No. 5 starter down the road, and his lively arm may bring a boost to the Red Sox soon (i.e. this month).

Buchholz arrived in Portland at the beginning of the year with some hype. But so did reliever Bryce Cox. He is still with lower Class A Greenville.

After dominating in upper Class A briefly last year (0.74, 25 strikeouts/9walks in 24 1/3 innings), Cox has struggled. He had a 4.91 ERA with Portland (3 strikeouts/11 walks in 14 2/3 innings) before going on the DL (strained hamstring).

Since coming off the DL, he has a 5.17 ERA in Greenville (23 K's/1- BB's in 31 1/3 innings).

The Red Sox will certainly be careful with Cox. They learned their lesson with rushing relievers (Cla Meredith, Craig Hansen, etc.)

Hansen, by the way, is on the DL with a right forearm bruise.

Brandon Moss is back in Pawtucket. Look for a return to Boston in September.

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