The big story in the Red Sox 5-0 win over Detroit was the 8 shutout innings thrown by Tim Wakefield.

But what of the guy catching those pitches?

When Kevin Cash was chosen as the Sox No. 2 catcher, with the release of popular Doug Mirabelli, there were those in the Boston clubhouse quite upset. Neither Wakefield nor catcher Jason Varitek would comment right away about it.

Nothing against Cash, but they loved Doug.

The choice of Cash was supposedly made for defensive purposes. Mirabelli's bat was slipping more and more. Cash was not an offensive machine, but he appeared the better receiver.

So far, Cash has been a bonus at the plate. He went 3-for-4 Tuesday and is batting .361. Maybe he could give Varitek a break, even when someone other than Wakefield is pitching - especially against a lefthanded opponent.

Also worth mentioning is that Wakefield credited Cash for noticing something wrong in the pitcher's mechanics. Wakefield used to praise Mirabelli for such help. Cash, it seems, can do the job as well.

In the minors, another ex-Sea Dogs pitcher threw a great game and lost. Devern Hansack pitched 6 1/3 innings (2 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 3 K). But Pawtucket only got three hits (the first one in the 7th inning) in a 3-0 loss to Durham.

Pawtucket will be getting two rehab players this week - Alex Cora and Sean Casey.

The wind was blowing out (about 10 m.p.h.) at Hadlock Field, and the Sea Dogs took advantage with four home runs (Iggy Suarez 2, Bubba Bell, and a grand slam by Aaron Bates).

In Lancaster, Josh Reddick, Jon Still and Reid Engel all went deep.

In lower Class A Greenville, Mike Jones went 2-for-5 and his average dropped to .407 ... Ryan Kalish went 2-for-3 with a HR ... Felix Doubrant got a no-deciion (5 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 8 K). The walk was notable, since it was only the second one given up by Doubrant, to go with his 32 strikeouts and 1.40 ERA.

On blogging note: I'll be out of circulation today and will check back with you Thursday.

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