Before we get into the news, I thought I'd relate a story from Justin Masterson, on facing Casey Kotchman in the second inning of his start for the Red Sox last Thursday.

With a 1-0 count, Masterson threw a change-up, which Kotchman crushed to right field, but foul. Catcher Kevin Cash then called for another change-up.

Was Masterson surprised? His eyes widened at the question.

"I was hoping he would call for another one. That first one, I slowed down my arm, I think so I could throw a strike. ... I was looking in (for the sign for the next pitch), thinking , please, please let me throw another one ... Then, yes (the sign for a change-up) ... This time I used the same motion as my fastball ..."

Kotchman was fooled. He took a big swing and missed. He then fouled off a fastball, before grounding out on a sinker.

So much is said about Masterson being such a great guy, which he is. But he is also tough as nails on the mound, a competitor not afraid to challenge a dangerous hitter.

If the Red Sox starters remain healthy the rest of the year (not to mention if Schilling comes back), then there won't be room in the rotation this season for Masterson. I can't believe they would keep him in the minors all year, after what they saw of him last Thursday.

My guess? By the end of the July, early August, he's throwing out of the bullpen in Pawtucket, readying for a late-season move to Fenway.

Here's news on a reliever who has been throwing under the radar: Lee Gronkiewicz, 29, signed on as a minor league free agent. He began his career with Cleveland and pitched the last three years in the Toronto organization. He made his major league debut last year (4 IP, 1 R, 2 H, 2 BB, 2K)

Gronkiewicz picked up his fifth save for Pawtucket Monday night (1 1/3 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 1 BB, 1K). It was only his second walk allowed this year. He has a 0.79 ERA, and opponents are batting .154 against him.

Could be interesting if he keeps that up.

Also in Pawtucket, Sandy Madera continues to enjoy his first trip to Triple-A, with a 3-run homer and a sacrifice fly on Monday night.

Madera moved into the roster spot that opened when Brandon Moss joined the Red Sox ... But, according to reports out of Boston, Moss could be sent back today (when Mike Lowell re-joins the team from the DL) ... Don't know where that leaves Madera.

In advanced Class A Lancaster, 20-year-old first base prospect Lars anderson continues to heat up. He went 4-for-4 with two homers (yes, the Jethawks were playing at home, in their wind-blown stadium). Anderson is up to .300.

Also in Lancaster, 20-year-old outfielder Reid Engel is still hitting (.341) ... and catcher Dennis Blackmon has not slowed down (.361).

Blackmon is an intriguing case. He's 25, having signed out of the independent leagues. He's blistering Class A pitching, but looks to stay in Lancaster for a while (with catchers Dusty Brown and George Kottaras in Pawtucket, and Mark Wagner and John Otness in Portland).

In lower Class A Greenville, 18-year-old shortstop prospect Oscar Tejada is hitting .292 in six games, since recovering from an infection in spring training. Tejada played third base Monday night.

And, finally, first baseman Mike Jones continues to make a good story in Greenville. He was a 25th-round draft pick in 2004, out of Arizona Western Community College, and I keep waiting for his bat to cool. But Jones, 22, went 3-for-4 Monday night with 3 doubles. He's batting .419 in 22 games, with 2 HR, 19 RBI, and 11 BB.

I'll check in later from Fenway.

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