Jacoby Ellsbury went 2-for-4 Sunday with a run and two stolen bases (total of 6 for the season)

Jed Lowrie batted second on Sunday, going 2-for-4 with two runs and an RBI. In three starts, Lowrie is batting .417 with five RBI.

Ellsbury and Lowrie, who began last season in Portland, still ask how the Sea Dogs are doing. Told Friday about last week's 17-inning win, they wanted all the details, especially Jay Johnson's pitching win.

Kason Gabbard and David Murphy also send their regards to fans in Portland. Thanks to this blogging gig, I was prepared when Gabbard asked me how several of his former teammates are doing in Pawtucket.

Mike Lowell said Saturday he hoped to start playing games in a week. Likely to need a rehab outing or two in the minors, it is interesting to note that the Pawtucket Red Sox are out of town this weekend, but the Sea Dogs are playing in Portland ... Just thought I'd point that out.

The last time we saw the Sea Dogs, they exited after that 17-inning game last Wednesday for a long bus ride to Binghamton. Guess the travel and lack of sloeep did not bother them, judging on the four-game sweep.

Seven-game homestand starts tonight in Portland. Michael Bowden starts today, followed by Kris Johnson Tuesday, Dustin Richardson Wednesday and Justin Masterson Thursday.

Ever wonder what happened to relief pitcher Bryce Cox? He made his first appearance this season on Sunday for low Class A Greenville. Cox got the win, but allowed 2 hits, one walk and 2 runs over 1 2/3 innings. He struck out 3.

Cox looked like a wonder prospect when he was drafted in 2006. He reached advanced Class A that year, recording a 0.74 ERA. Cox began last season in Portland, but health and execution problems resulted in a 5.40 ERA. He landed in low Class A and did not do much better (4.91 ERA).

Happy Patriots Day. I'll check back in later Monday from Hadlock Field.

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