Before we get into some opinions about Sean Casey's speed on the basepaths and the minor league results, we do have two stories in the Press Herald to point out.

One is a look at the Red Sox and what they have going well, and what they hope to improve on.

The other story is just a quick look at David Ortiz and his upcoming visit to Portland.

And, as for Casey's speed ...

In the last home stand, Casey tried to stretch three singles into doubles. He was thrown out twice and barely made it the other time.

"Man, he's slow," manager Terry Francona, drawing a chuckle from reporters. "He can hit, though."

Ortiz suggested the first-base coach carry rope to pull back Casey if he tries to take off again.

Casey himself said he would be spending the All-Star break on Cape Cod, sprinting on the beach to build up his speed.

It's all fun ... especially when the Red Sox win.

The biggest news in the minors was 19-year-old Greenville outfielder Che-Hsuan Lin being named the MVP of the Futures Game at Yankee Stadium. He went 2-for-2 with a two-run home run ... Lin, a free agent signing from Taiwan, is batting .251 for Greenville, with 26 stolen bases.

Pawtucket's Charlie Zink improved to 11-2, 2.22 with 7 innings Sunday (6H, 1 R, 2 BB, 5 K) ... Jeff Bailey (.306) went 4-for-6 ... Outfielder Bryan Pritz (.264) was activated from the DL and was 1-for-5 with a double.

Portland lost 5-4 despite home runs from Jeff Corsaletti (12th), Mark Wagner (9th) and Zach Daeges (3rd) ... Bubba Bells went 3-for-5.

Josh Reddick (.349) was 2-for-4 for Lancaster.

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