Hard not to notice Dustin Richardson at the Red Sox Rookie Camp this week.

For one thing, he is 6 feet 6. For another, it was somewhat of a surprise he was there. He had only pitched four games in Class A Lancaster (a good four games, at 4-0, 2.74 ERA).

Kris Johnson, another top prospect, had been in Lancaster all year. He was not at the Rookie Camp. Red Sox Farm Director Mike Hazen explained that Johnson was "just below" the cut-off mark. The program had a maximum of 12 players.

The Red Sox still like Johnson, but they are getting very interested in Richardson - a tall lefty with a fastball in the 90's (and kudos to Thom in West Bath who commented on Richardson weeks ago in this blog. You were right on).

Other pitching thoughts - while the general thinking is that Justin Masterson will begin the season in Triple-A (again, assuming he is not traded), I still see him headed to Portland for a month or so. He did not finish 2007 strong and, unless he is lights out in spring training, a short "refresher" in Double-A may be the thing.

It will interesting to see where first-round draft pick (2006) Daniel Bard ends up. Hazen said there is still debate on whether he will start or go to the bullpen. He pitched well in relief in the winter league in Hawaii.

And one note on an everyday player. Hazen said a decision must be made about where to send shortstop Argenis Diaz, who was recently put on the 40-man roster. Normally that is a sign that the player is at least going to Double-A, but Diaz has not played past low Class A ball, and he does not turn 21 until next month.

See you at the Sea Dogs dinner Friday.

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