In 2004, Abe Alvarez was one of the first big Red Sox prospects to come to the Portland Sea Dogs (Kevin Youkilis and Kelly Shoppach came through in 2003).

But Alvarez seemed on the fastest track. He was picked in the second round of the 2003 draft out of Long Beach State, put up a 0.00 ERA that year in Lowell, and then skipped two levels of Class A to join the Sea Dogs in 2004.

Not only that, but Alvarez was called up to Boston on July 22, 2004 for a spot start.

The speculation began. When would the crafty left-hander get a fulltime spot in the Red Sox rotation? Maybe by 2006.

But Alvarez never made another start for Boston. and, on Sunday, the Red Sox released him. He was trying to re-start his career as a lefty specialist out of the bullpen. It wasn't working. In 13 appearances in Triple-A Pawtucket, Alvarez's ERA was 6.46.

Alvarez's forte was his control and his change-up. But without velocity, Alvarez had to be perfect. When he wasn't, he got hit.

I remember his MLB debut in 2004. He seemed to be getting squeezed by the umpire (typical treatment for a rookie). Terry Francona even came out between innings to discuss the "situation." Alvarez walked five that day. He also gave up 8 hits (2 homers) and 5 runs in an 8-3 loss.

Still, there was optimism. After the game, catcher Jason Varitek seemed impressed. "I think he can help us," Varitek said.

But no. Alvarez returned to Portland after the start, and did not get back to Fenway that year (although his '04 start did qualify him for a World Series ring).

Alvarez came to big league camp in 2005, but only got two call-ups to Boston. He made two relief appearances in one stint (2 1/3 innings, 4 runs) and did not pitch in the other.

In 2006, he made only one relief appearance (3 IP, 5 H, 4 R).

Abe Alvarez kept going back to Pawtucket to start for the PawSox. Last year, he tried becoming a reliever fulltime.

It didn't work. Alvarez becomes another of the 2003 draft to leave. Only four remain - Jonathan Papelbon, Beau Vaughan, Iggy Suarez and Mickey Hall (the last three are all in Portland).

In the minors on Sunday ... Pawtucket's Charlie Zink did not have his best stuff (6 IP, 8 H, 4 R 0 BB, 5 K) but still improved to 4-2, with a 2.91. Zink is reportedly using his fastball and change-up more often (resulting in fewer walks and better success).

Portland did not get much offense in its 3-1 loss to Bowie, but Zach Daeges went 1-for-2 wit two walks. His batting average is .328, his on base percentage .481.

In Lancaster, the Jethawks lost 5-0, but starter Travis Beazley did okay (5 1/3, 2 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 6 K).

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