Just a thought or two before vacation officially starts.

Jed Lowrie became the third high profile prospect to be promoted from Portland to Triple-A Pawtucket, following outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury and pitcher Clay Buchholz.

While Lowrie has played shortstop all year, he played the last two games at second base, the position he played in college. It's likely that Lowrie will play both middle infield spots for Ron Johnson.

Justin Masterson seems too good to be true, both as a person and a pitcher. His positive energy cannot be denied, and neither can his numbers in Portland so far (4-0, 1.04). There are a couple of stories on him in today's Press Herald.

Masterson was the third pitcher chosen in the 2006 draft by the Red Sox (in the second round). The top Red Sox pick, Daniel Bard, is having, as they say in the minor league business, "a developmental year."

There is outrage over J.D. Drew, and worry over Julio Lugo. And yes, we want them to be more consistent. But we are also constantly reminded, it's the PITCHING.

What a wonderful feeling to see Jon Lester take a major league mound again. After giving up two runs in six innings, Lester is back on his way to becoming an established big league starter.

But will he stay with the Red Sox?

Obviously, the big story today is the return of Jon Lester. The Red Sox did not announce it until yesterday, having listed Julian Tavarez as the starter.

Lester's promotion meant a move for one of the Red Sox relievers, so the Red Sox waited until Sunday to make the move.

Joel Pineiro, once thought to be a potential closer before Jonathon Papelbon returned, was let go. But the Red Sox bullpen marches on. That's another big story.

It is all a waiting game. Jacoby Ellsbury, David Murphy and Brandon Moss play in Pawtucket, waiting for their call to the big leagues.

With three teenagers and one dad in waiting to read the latest Harry Potter book, guess who is fourth in line? And I bought the darn book!

You can read more about Ellsbury, Murphy and Moss in Today's Sunday Telegram. Meanwhile, here are some more muggle thoughts on baseball:

Julio Lugo is hot. Coco Crisp is getting key hits. J.D. Drew discovered that big green wall in left field. Maybe these Boston Red Sox are going to make it after all.

Give J.D. Drew and his on-again, off-again aching hamstring a rest. The Red Sox could use a healthy and energized Drew for the closing months of the season. Why play this game of Now He Plays. Now He Can't?

Talked to Jon Lester a couple of hours ago in the Pawtucket locker room. Either he is the only one in Red Sox Nation who does not know the current state of concern (see previous blog on Julian Tavares' struggles and the advancing New York Yankees), or he is playing a good soldier.

Ask him about going up to Boston and Lester shrugs.

"There is really no need," Lester said. "What are they 8-9 games up? They are doing fine. It's not like they are losing a bunch of games."

Just a quick blog as I head to Pawtucket today ... There are certainly some nervous folks in Red Sox Nation today, as the Yankees close to seven games.

Maybe if the Pinstripers get closer, Theo Epstein will have to look harder at a deadline deal. But I don't see him making a panic deal.

A change is obviously needed with the No. 5 starter. After all the fuss I made yesterday about the non-importance of the No. 5 starter, Julian Tavares did not pitch far into the game for the fifth straight start.

For all the concerns over Julian Tavares, who pitches tonight, along with the buzz over Kason Gabbard and Clay Buchholz, and the continued hope for Jon Lester, the Boston Red Sox rotation is pretty well set.

Remember when Kason Gabbard first came to the Portland Sea Dogs in 2004? He had just turned 22, but he seemed constantly injured. Gabbard, a left-hander, did not look like he would make it out of Double-A.

It is mid-July. Do you know where your Red Sox and Sea Dogs are?

Neither pitcher stood out last night. After Julian Tavares and Jon Lester pitched in their respective starts, neither made you say, "that's the guy."

Julian Tavares has kept the Red Sox in games, And it must be pointed out that he left Friday's game with the Red Sox in the lead. But he left after FOUR innings (9 hits, 3 walks, 4 earned runs).

In Pawtucket, Lester lasted five innings, but with no better results (6 hits, 4 walks, 4 earned runs).

There is still time to figure out this fifth starter business (and when the playoffs begin, a fifth starter won't be needed). But, for now, Tavares keeps the job as the incumbant. Lester could still take it. Or Kason Gabbard (when Schilling comes back) ... or Mr. Buchholz.

And it was a good sign to see Mike Timlin throw 2 1/3 innings (no runs, no hits, no walks).

Speaking of pitching, Justin Masterson goes tonight for the Sea Dogs.

Julian Tavares takes his 5-7 record and 4.97 ERA to the mound tonight for the Boston Red Sox. Tavares got the starting job in late March when Jonathan Papelbon was moved back to the closer. Did anyone think Tavares would hang on this long as a starter?

He has not exactly shined, but he has kept the Red Sox in games. However, in his last 3 starts, Tavares is 0-3. He did not make it out of the fifth inning in two of those games, and not out of the sixth in the other.

Still trying to adjust my eyes from the fog in Norwich. Man, that was a strange night.

Now, onto the second half. The Sea Dogs need to improve, but it should be easy for the Red Sox, right? Well ...

It is rare, but the fog sometimes rolls into Hadlock Field. It is usually light, and does not last for long.

If Norwich was so lucky. The Eastern League All-Star game has just been canceled in the third inning because the fog is too thick, and it is not going anywhere.

The game should not have been started, but officials were hoping for some kind of miracle. No chance. Outfielders stood still when balls were hit, not having a clue where they were.

One other All-Star note: former Sea Dogs outfielder Brandon Moss homered in the Triple-A All-Star Game.

Missed a couple of blogging days because of my son's college summer orientation in Baltimore (Loyola). My son received his schedule for the fall and I got a nifty cap with a Greyhound on it. All it cost was $45,000.

Exciting All Star Game last night and none of the fans in my family saw it. My 6-year-old, Aidan, loves the game, but MLB and Fox TV have decided they don't want young fans by starting the game so late (yeah, I'll be griping about the World Series, too).

Good day for a couple of shortstops on Sunday. Could Julio Lugo, a .197 hitter, be turning it around, like former .190 hitter Jed Lowrie?

Lugo went 3-for-3 with the Red Sox on Sunday, belting a home run, and recording two RBI. Alas, his average raised to .197. But it's a start.

Lowrie enjoyed a 3-for-6 day with the Sea Dogs on Sunday, swatting two home runs (one right-handed and one left), with four RBI. Lowrie, who was batting a mere .190 two months ago, is now at .307, with 7 home runs and 44 RBI.

One interesting thing about Lowrie is that he was hitting .303 this time last month. In other words, since his early struggle and initial hot streak, he has stayed the same.

Lowrie has not experienced any droughts. He works constantly and makes adjustments when necessary (a key ingredient for any hopeful prospect).

While it may be fun to watch the Red Sox pound lousy pitching (i.e. the Devil Rays), it might be more comforting to Red Sox Nation if they did better against good pitching (something they will obviously see in the post-season).

Did it say it all about the investment into J.D. Drew that a rusty Kevin Youkilis pinch-hit for him last night? Still, look for a better second half by the big money man.

Check out today's baseball column in the Sunday Telegram, looking at the potential moves through the minor league system.

I'll check in later after the Sea Dogs game.

Back in March, in Fort Myers, Fla., the bus was late picking up the Red Sox minor leaguers for an exhibition that day in Sarasota. Jeff Bailey grumbled about it, and then caught himself.

"I remember first coming up and being around older players always complaining. And now listen to me," he said, a smile quickly back on his face.

And now for the top news:

Jacoby Ellsbury's is back in Pawtucket, but not after making an impression (see Terry Francona's comments in the previous blog)

Curt Schilling is on the shelf indefinitely.

Clay Buchholz appears headed for Pawtucket after another ace is promoted to Portland.

Is Devern Hansack re-joining the Red Sox?

Red Sox sign their top pick, and a potential star from the Dominican

Looks like they will be playing ball in Boston (no rain yet). Kevin Youkilis is out of the lineup for the second straight game (strained quad).

Jacoby Ellsbury is not in the lineup, either, against left-hander J.P. Howell. Ellsbury's current stay in Boston may be coming to an end, unless there is a trade in the works involving Coco Crisp or Wily Mo Pena.

Here are some thoughts from Terry Francona on Ellsbury:

Interesting to note Jacoby Ellsbury playing left field in Wednesday's game, in place of the resting Manny Ramirez. Normally that is Wily Mo Pena's role.

Ellsbury, who swatted an opposite-field RBI double (on a 97 mph fastball), may be more than just a temporary fill-in on the roster.

Meanwhile, signs point to a prolonged stay for Curt Schilling on the disabled list.

Watching Carlos Pena launch his 19th home run last night against Jonathan Papelbon makes you wonder if Pena would be a good fit to return to the Red Sox next year.

Think it's time to try Jacoby Ellsbury in the lead-off spot for the Red Sox? Don't hold your breath. It's likely the Red Sox are easing Ellsbury in, batting him down in the order. And with Lefty Scott Kazmir pitching for the Devil Rays tonight, Ellsbury might not even be in the lineup.

If Ellsbury is in the lineup tonight, then that is sure sign of confidence in the kid (and a sure sign that Wily Mo Pena is fading in Boston's plans).

Why not put Ellsbury in and see how he does against the tough lefty?

The Sea Dogs and Boston Red Sox will hold a press conference today. The expected subject of the conference is an extension of their affiliation beyond the 2008 season.