Many thoughts for a Monday.

Boston, with its tough opening schedule, a relentless flu bug and a few other injuries, is sitting at 27-19, best in the American League.

If Bartolo Colon pitches well for the Red Sox, beginning Wednesday, does Clay Buchholz get back to the majors this season, if there are no injuries?

WIth Justin Masterson tabbed for Tuesday's start, is this the beginning of the end for David Pauley? He is in Triple-A and was also on schedule to start again Tuesday ... He just fell down the depth chart one notch. Maybe a move to the bullpen will keep his career going.

And if Boston summons Chris Smith for bullpen help, what is the future of Devern Hansack.? He has had his struggles in Pawtucket (although he threw well Sunday, allowing one run over seven innings).

Be interesting to watch Masterson Tuesday. Last time, catcher Kevin Cash kept calling for change-ups. Does Varitek ask for a steady diet of sinkers?

Just a reminder that Sea Dogs pitcher Michael Bowden is only 21. His linescore Sunday (5 2/3 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 7 K) was okay, but his outing was solid. He allowed 3 hits and 1 run through 5 innings. He left in the 6th with two runners on, and they both scored off reliever Daniel Haigwood.

Reliever Daniel Bard had a nice Double-A debut Sunday (1 IP, 3 K)

Bard left Greenville, where reliever Bryce Cox is still dealing. After a scoreless inning Sunday, Cox's ERA is 1.06.

In Triple-A, Jeff Bailey went 4-for-4 in the first game of a doubleheaders, with two triples and a double ... Dusty Brown hit his second home run. His average is up to .290.

Zach Daeges is scorching Double-A pitching. He went 3-for-5 Sunday. His average is up tp .346 (with a .505 on-base percentage).

In Lancaster, the kids are starting to come around. Argenis Diaz, age 21, went 1-for-2 (hitting .296 in last 10 games) ... 20-year-year-old Lars Anderson went 3-for-5 with his 7th homer, and is up to ,277 ... 20-year-old Jason Place hit his 5th homer. He went 2-for-5 and is at .209.

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