David Ortiz hit the ball hard, ripping two doubles, but it was Jason Bay's continued clutch hitting that provided the difference, in Boston's 6-4 win over New York.

Ortiz (.222) has been slumping, including an 0-for-11 performance against Tampa Bay. But his stroke looked fine Monday night.

Bay (.321) hit a two-run homer in the seventh, giving Boston a 6-3 lead at the time. According to NESN, five of Bay's six home runs have come after the sixth inning.

Mike Lowell (.307) went 2-for-4 with a home run and 2 RBI.

The Red Sox got a good start by Jon Lester (7 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 10 K) and a 5-out save by Jonathan Papelbon (although he loaded the bases in the 9th on an infield single, hit-batter and a walk).

Boston's win made a 5-0 night for the organization, with every minor league affiliate winning.

While Brad Penny was putting together a quality start (6 IP, 3 ER), the Red Sox minor league starters were turning in gems.

All four teams won: Pawtucket 1-0, Portland 3-1, Salem 2-0 and Greenville 9-0.

Clay Buchholz got the start for the PawSox and is looking more and more major league ready (a good thing with John Smoltz's comeback bumped back).

The parent club lost 13-0, and it was not much better for the farm teams.

Only one Red Sox affiliate won Thursday night, and it took Salem 13 innings to do it (beating Kinston 6-5, in the advanced Class A Carolina League).

In Triple-A, Pawtucket starter Charlie Zink (0-3, 5.64) went 6 innings (9 H, 5 R, 5 BB, 3 K).

Jonathan Van Every hit the game-winning home run in the 10th inning for the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday night. Hadlock fans have known about Van Every's power for some time.

Van Every, who hit 27 home runs for the Akron Aeros in 2005, hit two homers in the Eastern League All-Star Game that year, at Hadlock Field.

Like they do with every minor league opponent, the Red Sox kept a file on Van Every. They apparently liked what they saw, offering him a 40-man roster spot last year when the Indians did not re-sign him.

Julio Lugo went 2-for-3 in his return to the Red Sox on Tuesday night. But he also made some fielding mistakes and had to leave the game early because his knee was swelling. After the game, he told reporters he was not quite 100 percent.

If he is not ready, why is he in the majors? Shouldn't he still be in Pawtucket?

Just wondering.

Pawtucket was rained out Tuesday night, but Portland provided a thrilling 9-8 win with 3 runs in the ninth.

Justin Masterson, Hunter Jones and Michael Bowden were hanging around Hadlock Field this time last year.

On Sunday, they combined to beat the Yankees 4-1.

Masterson started (5 1/3 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 4 K)
Jones finished the sixth inning (O H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K)
Bowden came in for 2 IP (0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K)

Takashi Saito (no Sea Dogs connection) pitched the last inning for the save.

After the Red Sox romp on Saturday, Newsday looks at Boston's "relentless" lineup.

In the Sunday Telegram we look at how the Red Sox stockpiled infielders and outfielders to provide them depth.

There is also a story on Junichi Tazawa and his rough outing on Saturday.

The Red Sox get to the great one, Mariano Rivera, more than any other team. Jason Bay did the honors this time.

Mike Lupica of the New York Daily News goes over the moment. He also brings up the fun fact that New York was 77-0 last season when leading after 8 innings.

Mark Teixeira is a good guy. By all reports, he is a well-mannered gentleman and a disciplined baseball player.

And when he comes to bat tonight at Fenway Park, he will be booed and called names you don't want your children to hear.

All because he's a Yankee, and not with the Red Sox.

The other interesting at-bat tonight, when the Yankees and Red Sox play Game 1 of their 2009 series is when Kevin Youkilis steps in. Pitcher Joba Chamberlain has history of good command, except when Youkilis is batting. Suddenly, Chamberlain mistakes Youkilis' head for home plate.

The Boston Red Sox got lefty Kason Gabbard back from Texas, in a trade for cash.

Boston also announced that outfielder/first baseman Chris Carter has been sent back to Pawtucket. The next move, expected Friday, is the call up of outfielder Jonathan Van Every.

Pawtucket Red Sox fans had a lot to cheer on Wednesday. They watched Jeff Bailey get promoted and hit a home run in his first at-bat at Fenway Park this season.

Then there was the 8-7, 11-inning win in Pawtucket. The PawSox scored 5 runs in the bottom of the 9th to tie it - keyed by Jon Van Every's two-out grand slam.

The PawSox won the game with a bases loaded walk to Chip Ambres in the 11th.

Lost among the excitement was the brief, 1-inning appearance of reliever Daniel Bard. He needed only 9 pitches and recorded 3 strikeouts.

While the Red Sox juggle some roster spots, they keep developing talent below.

Take a look at the corner infield spots in lower Class A Greenville, S.C.

First baseman Anthony Rizzo is 19. Third baseman Michael Almanzar is 18.

Both enjoyed Tuesday night, with Almanzar (.234) going 2-for-5, and Rizzo (.313) 4-for-5 with two doubles and a home run.

But we're not talking about them because of one night.

Hadlock Field fans got to watch some impressive arms last year, with Justin Masterson, Hunter Jones, Michael Bowden and Daniel Bard, among others.

All four shined on Monday.

Masteron got his first start of the season for Boston, filling in for injured Daisuke Matsuzaka. Masterson picked up the win (5 1/3, 4 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 3 K).

Hunter Jones made his major league debut in relief, pitching one inning (no H, R, BB or K).

Lots of news out of Pawtucket from the Providence Journal concerning Brad Wilkeron (retiring), Clay Buchholz (on the mend) and Jeff Natale (looking to be an outfielder).

As for the Red Sox, they must be thrilled to see Jon Lester back in form, along with a four-game winning streak.

Meanwhile, David Ortiz is batting .170 with no home runs. The slump reminds Sox fans of his troubles starting 2008, when Ortiz was batting .111 through April 17 (he hit a grand slam the next day).

Trailing the surging Baltimore Orioles by three games, the Boston Red Sox face monumental pressure tonight when the ...

Just kidding.

Yes, Baltimore is three games ahead of Boston, after NINE games.

Not worth getting all the worked up about, is it?

Take a look at the AL East standings after Thursday's games:

It is another success story for the Red Sox player development crew. Left-hander Hunter Jones was called up from Pawtucket, replacing Daisuke Matsuzaka on the active roster (Jones actually replaces Justin Masterson in the bullpen. Masterson replaces Dice-K in the rotation).

Jones, 25, was a castoff from Florida State who looked to have no future after fracturing his left arm. But Jones, who still has screws in his arm, pitched a little in the Cape Cod League in 2005. Red Sox scouts saw enough to sign him that July.

Jones had a 1.19 ERA in 13 games with Portland last year before being promoted to Pawtucket. He was added to the 40-man roster in the off season.

Pitching depth? What pitching depth? The Red Sox almost lose Josh Beckett for a start (and still might, pending his appeal of a suspension).

Daisuke Matsuzaka gives up 5 runs in the first inning and the Red Sox announce that he has arm fatigue (WBC anyone?).

And Clay Buchholz has hammy issues in Triple A.

John Smoltz is headed on his scheduled trip to Fort Myers today to continue his rehab. He is expected to be ready by June ... maybe sooner.

If this keeps up, Michael Bowden could get a call up.

Good thing Felix Doubront had a solid outing for the Sea Dogs. The rest of the starters in the Red Sox organization had their difficulties.

Doubront (AA Portland): 4 2/3 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 7 K

Jon Lester (Boston): 6 IP, 10 H, 6 R, 0 BB, 5 K

Charlie Zink (AAA): 4 1/3 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 6 BB, 1 K

Seth Garrison (Advanced A): 4 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 2 BB, 0 K

Yeiper Castillo (A): 4 2/3 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 BB, 0 K

Of course, none of those lines looks as bad as Chien-Ming Wang's:

At least Pawtucket won. The Boston Red Sox and three of its four minor league teams all lost Thursday.

But there were good individual performances to note:

In Pawtucket's 6-4 win, former Sea Dogs sailed: catcher Dusty Brown (2 doubles, 2 RBI), right fielder Zach Daeges (double, RBI), and closer Daniel Bard (2 IP, 4 K, save)

Greetings from Fenway, where all is quiet for now.

While we wait for the Red Sox opening day, part II, we can catch up on some minor league movement.

Boston signed right-handed relief pitcher Justin Hedrick, 26, after he was released from the Giants. Don't know if it was a numbers thing, but Hedrick pitched for Connecticut in the Eastern League the past two season, posting ERA's of 2.14 and 1.37.

Hedrick, who formerly pitched for Northeastern University, could end up in Portland.

Many players will hear bad news this week. They are being sent down a level, or released. Many will be given encouraging words and told they were caught up "in the numbers."

In other words, teams have better players; or players it needs to keep on the roster for now.

If Brad Penny pitches well today against the Twins, then Clay Buchholz will likely be headed to Triple-A this weekend. Buchholz pitched great this spring, but it's a numbers thing.

Over at the Blue Jays camp, right-handed pitcher Mike MacDonald of Camden (and the University of Maine) was released, according to Baseball America. MacDonald, 27, a 15th-round draft pick in 2004. He reached Triple-A and was 1-4 with a 3.47 ERA last year in 30 games (10 starts).

With three more players assigned to the minors, the Red Sox roster is taking shape.

The Red Sox sent first baseman/outfielder Jeff Bailey, and pitchers Fernando Cabrera and Enrique Gonzalez down, where they will play for Pawtucket.

Now that Chris Carter has officially won the back-up 1B/OF job, the only two spots that remain remotely in question are the back-up infielder and the No. 5 starter.

Nick Green reportedly has beaten out Angel Chavez and Gil Velazquez for the infield position, and Brad Penny is expected to be the fifth starter, although Clay Buchholz is hanging around in case Penny's shoulder is not ready.

Daisuke Matuszaka needed only 75 pitches to get through five innings on Monday, in his first spring start for the Red Sox. Boston fans hope that is a sign of things to come.

When Dice-K is not so efficient and nibbles around the strike zone, it not only places a burden on the bullpen, it is dull viewing.

Matsuzaka allowed 2 hits and 1 earned run. And before we celebrate his command too much, he did walk 3.

Daisuke Matsuzaka makes his first Red Sox start this spring, after his stellar performance in the WBC. It will be interesting to note how many pitches Boston allows him to throw (and how many innings he can last).

A Dice-K who pounds the strike zone would be a lot more efficient than the nibbling Dice-K.

The Red Sox have made some roster moves and decisions, as the roster takes shape.

In news that is no surprise: The Boston Red Sox announced that Josh Beckett will start the season opener on April 6.

And from the minor league camp, soxprospects.com is reporting that Boston has cut five minor leaguers: pitchers Mike Rozier, Chris Jones and Jordan Craft, third baseman Darren Blocker and outfielder Rafael Cabreja. None made it out of Class A.

Rozier, 23, a lefty, was drafted in 2004 out of high school and given a $1.5-million signing bonus to sway him from a football scholarship at North Carolina.

Tickets to the annual Futures at Fenway doubleheader will go on sale Saturday at 10 a.m.

The doubleheader at Fenway Park is Aug. 8 and features the Portland Sea Dogs vs. the Bowie BaySox at 12:05 p.m., followed by the Pawtucket Red Sox vs. Norfolk.

Ticket prices will range from $5 (upper bleachers) to $30 and will be available through the Red Sox, by internet (www.redsox.com) or phone (1-877-REDSOX9).

See the Red Sox website for more information.

The Red Sox dispatched six more players from the major league camp to the minors on Tuesday.

First baseman Lars Anderson and outfielders Josh Reddick and Zach Daeges were assigned to the minor league camp.

Left-handed pitchers Hunter Jones (Triple-A Pawtucket) and Felix Doubront (Class A Salem, Va.) and catcher Mark Wagner (Double-A Portland) were optioned to specific teams.

The difference between being :assigned" and "optioned" is a technical one, based on Jones, Wagner and Doubront being on the Red Sox 40-man roster.

The Boston Red Sox made their first roster moves of spring training on Tuesday, sending 5 players to the minors.

Among the five, shortstop Argenis Diaz was optioned specifically to Double-A Portland.

The other four were assigned to the general minor league camp - pitchers Kris Johnson, Dustin Richardson and Charlie Zink and catcher Carlos Maldonado. All four were non-roster invitees to the major league camp.

When the Red Sox officially announced the signing of six minor league free agents - some of which had already been reported - it gave a hint to what the rosters are going to look like in Pawtucket and Portland.

The major league roster is just about set, save for one catching situation that needs to be worked out.

Here's a look:

For the second time in his last three starts in the Arizona Fall League, Clay Buchholz did not look sharp. Buchholz lasted 3 2/3 innings on Monday (5 H, 4 R, 4 BB, 5 K). He gave up a 3-run homer to Brett Wallace, the Cardinals' first-round draft pick.

In five starts in the league for prospects, Buchholz is 1-2 with a 3.86 ERA. On Oct. 22, he gave up 4 runs on 7 hits and a walk.

Buchholz is attempting to rebound from a disappointing 2008, which began in the majors and ended up back in Portland. Just think if Buchholz continued his development last year and provided the Red Sox a solid No. 4 starter - think that would have helped in the ALCS, let alone in the race for the AL East title?

The Red Sox ponder re-signing Jason Varitek ... Sea Dogs tickets go on sale Saturday ... and a former Sea Dogs skipper goes back to college.

Jason Varitek is the most intriguing of the Red Sox free agents because of all the factors:

Plenty of stories today on the Day After. In the Press Herald, we have thoughts from Tom Caron and yours truly and an AP report from the Fenway clubhouse, including words from Theo Epstein.

Among Epstein's comments was good news on Mike Lowell's hip surgery (an apparent success).

For another perspective on the Sox, read this piece from Jack Curry of the New York Times.

While the Red Sox are done, there is still baseball being played (and we're not talking the World Series). Here is a look at some of the Sox minor leaguers playing winter ball:

They both finished the game with two innings.

Papelbon got the win.

Papelbon got the save.

The first you probably know about: Jonathan Papelbon pitched two scoreless innings (no hits, one strikeout) to get the win in the Red Sox 7-5 win over the Angels Friday night in the playoffs.

This Papelbon now has pitched 17 scoreless innings in 11 career post-season outings.

As for the other Papelbon, he got the save in the Hawaiian Winter League.

Paul Byrd goes tonight for the Red Sox. Is there a tryout in the works for the fourth spot in the playoff rotation? Do you go with Byrd or Tim Wakefield? Both can be very good, and both can get your team behind in a hurry.

And speaking of playoff rotations, if Boston still has a chance to win the division next Saturday (Sept. 27), do you pitch Josh Beckett.

Simple answer: No, unless ...

Chris Smith peeked inside the shopping bag left hanging at his locker. The contents were the clothes Smith was expected to wear, as part of the rookie hazing on the final Red Sox road trip.

"It's pink and it's not shorts," Smith said.

Not sure what Smith's role was supposed to be. Others got cheerleader outfits (sorry Jeff Bailey). Others got off easier. Devern Hansack wore a basketball uniform.

It is a silly annual tradition for the Sox and meant to keep things light.

The Sox were smiling Sunday as they headed to Logan Airport for their trip to St. Petersburg, and 3 big games with the Tampa Bay Rays.

Lost in the story of the day-game loss to the Blue Jays Saturday was the three innings of work by reliever Devern Hansack (3 K). He faced 9 batters and needed only 27 pitches (18 strikes) ... Does he have a chance to make the playoff roster?

Today, another former Sea Dogs pitcher goes to the mound. In today's column we take a look at Jon Lester's mental toughness.

Boston (87-61) is 2 games behind Tampa Bay (88-58) and 5 games ahead of both the White Sox (81-65) and Twins (82-66)

In the minors, Lancaster avoided elimination with a 3-run 7th to beat Stockton 8-6. Yamaico Navarro (2-for-4) singled in the final run in the 7th.

Trenton went up 2-1 on Akron in the Eastern League finals with a 4-1 win.

I'll check back from Fenway.

The Toronto Blue Jays are going all out this weekend to get themselves in the playoff race, and are using three of their pitchers' on short rest.

Toronto (79-67) is 6 1/2 games behind Boston (85-60) in the wild card race, and play four games in Fenway (doubleheader on Saturday).

The Blue Jays had a doubleheader last Tuesday, as well a game on Thursday (the Sox were off), so their pitching did not line up well for this series. But, according to the pitching match-ups released by the teams, the Blue Jays will use A.J. Burnett and Jessie Litch on Saturday and Roy Halladay on Sunday. All three will be pitching on three days' rest.

Here are the match-ups:

Jonathan Papelbon blew a save Tuesday night.

It happens.

Maybe the Rays 5-4 win over Boston serves as a reminder to Red Sox fans that this Tampa Bay team is not bad. And the kids are not going to quit. For more thoughts on that, see today's column

If the Red Sox could have won Tuesday, so much focus would have been on Jason bay and his two-run homer (all together now: Manny Who?) ... Not to be ignored was Kevin Youkilis' at-bat before Bay, working a two-out walk after falling behind 1-2.

Today is Game 3 of the series.

The Red Sox are carrying 32 players on their roster, and will soon add more when Bartolo Colon and David Aardsma come off the disabled list.

There is both quantity and quality there, which is why Boston has been able to withstand injuries (Mike Lowell and J.D. Drew, for example) and keep winning.

The Rays are having trouble scoring runs lately, and you have to believe that the absence of outfielder Carl Crawford and third baseman Evan Longoria are a factor. Plus, center fielder B.J. Upton is playing banged up. That, and Jon Lester's domination, played a part in Boston's 3-0 win Monday.

I'll be checking in later from Fenway Park, as the Tampa Bay Rays come in for a three-game series.

After losing 5 of their last six games, the "Rays are wary" of what's ahead, according to Marc Topkin of the St. Petersburg Times.

The Rays start Edwin Jackson (11-9, 4.07) tonight. Jackson symbolizes what is going on with Tampa Bay right now. He had a solid August (4-1, 2.27) but began September with a thud (10 hits and 6 runs allowed to the Yankees in 3 1/3 innings).

After Saturday night's 15-8 loss to Texas, we need to re-visit the talk of the Boston bullpen, as well as the forgotten man, Devern Hansack.

We mentioned Hansack in a previous blog, as well as today's column

Because Hansack has been on the 40-man roster all year with Boston, he would be eligible for the post-season roster (replacing someone on the DL). But Hansack has not faced major league hitters all season, so would you trust him in the playoffs.

Can still remember the scene from two years ago. Devern Hansack emerged from a meeting with Theo Epstein in the manager's office at Hadlock Field. His arms raised in joy, Hansack re-joined his celebrating Sea Dogs teammates.

Hansack had not only just won the clinching game for the Eastern League championship, he was informed by Epstein that he was being called up to Boston. With the Red Sox, he pitched well, including a rain-shortened (thus unofficial) no-hitter vs. the Orioles.

With their comeback win against the Orioles, and the Yankees win over Tampa Bay, the Red Sox (82-57) now trail the Rays (84-53) by by 3 games (4 in the loss column) ... the Red Sox also lead the Twins by 5 games in the wild card standings.

The Rays do have Scott Kazmir (10-6) against New York's Darrel Rasner (5-9) tonight. The Sox are off.

After tonight, the next 13 days will be interesting to watch. The Rays are on the road for nine games (Toronto, Boston, New York) before a 3-game home series with Boston.

The Red Sox have 3 at Texas, then 7 home (3 vs. Tampa Bay; 4 vs. Toronto) and then 3 at Tampa Bay).

It is possible that Bartolo Colon could pitch for the Portland Sea Dogs Saturday at Hadlock Field. Boston manager Terry Francona said he would prefer Colon pitch for either Pawtucket or Portland on Saturday, before re-joining the major league roster.

Both teams begin their respective best-of-5 playoffs tonight. Both teams would play on Saturday if they are not involved in a 3-game sweep.

The preference would appear to be Pawtucket, assuming the PawSox are still playing, unless the Red Sox decide they want to keep Colon in New England (Portland), instead of sending him to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

See the story in redsox.com

It is only one game, but in their loss to the Yankees, the Tampa Bay Rays "looked like the team they hope they don't become, stumbling in the opening game of their rugged 19-game pennant-race run ... " according to Marc Topkin's story in the St. Petersburg Times.

Meanwhile, the Red Sox used their "September depth" in beating the Orioles. Even with so many injuries, Boston used 12 players and four pitchers in a 14-2 rout.

Chris Smith pitched a clean inning (10 pitches, 7 strikes) ... David Pauley got nicked for a run and two hits in two innings ... Anyone notice that Jeff Bailey (1-for-3, 2 walks) is batting .290 with a .421 on-base percentage? Does Bailey, 29, get a chance someday to stick in the majors?

Never have Red Sox fans cheered for the Yankees and starter Mike Mussina like they will tonight.

Mussina starts for New York tonight when the Yankees visit the Tampa Bay Rays in St. Petersburg, the start of a three-game series.

Boston (80-57) is six games behind in the loss column ,to Tampa Bay (84-51), and it's obvious the Red Sox will need help if they are to catch the Rays.

The Yankees (73-64) seem to be out of it, but are close enough to hold onto hope for one more run.

Sorry for no morning blog (slept in before Church) ...

Just talked to reliever Daniel Bard, who was in Boston Saturday getting his back looked at. He said he is returning to Boston Tuesday for more tests. Bard said it was just precautionary (they want to rule out a stress fracture in his ribs) and it appears to be some kind of muscle pull.

"It's already feeling better," Bard said. He has not pitched since last Tuesday's doubleheader. Bard has a 1.99 ERA and has not allowed an earned run in his last 17 2/3 innings.

It is just a visit to make sure, right? The mentioning of Josh Beckett and Dr. James Andrews in the same sentence is frightening. Usually the name that follows Dr. Andrews is "Tommy John."

But the Red Sox say Beckett's visit today is simply to give Beckett peace of mind (what did Terry Francona call it, getting "closure" on the episode?).

Beckett seems content after his continued phone conversations with Dr. Andrews. Read the insightful story by Rob Bradford on weei.com.

Hank Steinbrenner was his usual direct self when describing the Yankees' 11-3 loss to Boston Wednesday night, according to a Newsday blog.

Lost in the rout was the performance of reliever Manny Delcarmen, who came through when the game was still close (1 IP, 2 K). On Tuesday, Delcarmen allowed a hit and 2 walks in 1/3 of an inning, before Justin Masterson bailed him out. On Sunday, Delcarmen was lights out (1 IP, 1 BB, 1 K) to get a save.

Alex Rodriguez is always taking the heat, which is the price for collecting the biggest paycheck in baseball, and no World Series rings in a town that expects them.

A-Rod went 0-for-5, including two strikeouts and a rally-killing double-play (against Justin Masterson). And, yes, he heard it in the Bronx. See the Mike Lupica column.

Boston closed to 3 1/2 games behind the Rays. And now the Red Sox may be adding outfield insurance in the form of former Sea Dogs outfielder Mark Kotsay (in Portland, the front office staff was busy making a Kotsay jersey to hang with the jersey of other former Dogs' now in Boston - just in case).

Also in Portland, the Sea Dogs moved closer to a playoff berth with a doubleheader sweep. Several players starred, including shortstop Argenis Diaz. See today's story

For all the talk about mechanics and arm slots, Clay Buchholz needed a change in something much more basic: confidence.

He can get that back in Portland, starting with Monday's start at Hadlock (7 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 8 K; 93 pitches, 69 strikes)

Sea Dogs pitching coach Mike Cather said there is nothing really wrong with Buchholz's delivery - maybe a tweak here and there, which every pitcher needs now and then. Cather said that Buchholz needs to learn how to be the "lead dog" again.

See the Buchholz column in today's edition.

Shortstop Jed Lowrie continued to cement himself into the Red Sox starting lineup. He is batting .299 and his game-winning home run Sunday gives him a .407 average with runners in scoring position since he was recalled from Pawtucket.

Now for the tale of another shortstop, Carson Blair, 18. Blair was one of those late-round high school picks in the draft and required big money to sign (and give up his scholarship to Tulane).

Blair, who signed at the deadline for $200,000, had his first professional at-bats Sunday. He singled in a run in the first inning, then hit a grand slam in the second inning. Nice start.

The Sea Dogs announced Saturday that Clay Buchholz will pitch Monday's game at Hadlock Field. Buchholz joined Portland during its series in Harrisburg, which ends this afternoon (nothing like a bus trip from Harrisburg to Portland to welcome you back to the minors).

Buchholz will be joining a team that showcases a few prospects, including outfielder Josh Reddick. See today's column for more on Reddick.

Wondering who will replace Clay Buchholz in the Red Sox rotation? The answer may have come from Pawtucket Thursday night. The oft-injured Bartolo Colon pitched four no-hit innings for the PawSox, allowing 2 walks, striking out 2. (40 pitches, 23 strikes).

If things work out (i.e. Josh Beckett can start next Tuesday), then Boston would not need a fifth strarter until Aug. 31. That would give Colon one more rehab start. Still, that may be rushing it.

Meanwhile, relief pitcher Chris Smith will likely replace Clay Buchholz on the Boston roster, according to the Boston Herald. Smith's stay depends on Beckett. If Beckett cannot make his Tuesday start in Yankee Stadium, the Red Sox will have to call up a starter from Pawtucket (David Pauley? He has started in the Bronx before).

Clay Buchholz will accomplish a first in Portland on Monday. He will be the first Sea Dogs player appearing at Hadlock Field the same night his own bobblehead is being given away.

It is Clay Buchholz Bobblehead Monday night at Hadlock Field, the same day the Sea Dogs will be returning for an eight-day homestand.

Buchholz, who was demoted from the majors Wednesday night, could even be starting Monday, if he sticks to his normal rest.

Let's get the plug out of the way. Today's Press Herald features a story on Portland Sea Dogs first baseman and prized Red Sox prospect Lars Anderson

Anderson is a thoughtful, intriguing man. I hope you enjoy the story.

The story is incomplete, however, because I failed to mention what kind of guitar Lars bought with his signing bonus. Lars emailed the information late Tuesday night:

"I bought an all white fender stratocaster (looks like the one Hendrix played, see Woodstock videos)." Love it when a man born in 1987 refers to Woodstock.

Anderson also refers to a song called "Play Crack the Sky" by the group "Brand New." In the interest of further research, I've included a ling to the Brand New video on youtube.

The Tampa Bay Rays beat the Los Angeles Angels 6-4 Monday night and the confident (arrogant?) Red Sox fan smiled.

The Red Sox (72-56) trail the Rays (76-48) by 5 games in the American East. Boston has a little over five weeks (including 6 games with Tampa Bay) to reel the Rays in.

What Boston would love to do is not only to catch the Rays, but to have the best record in the AL (i.e. home field advantage). The Angels are 76-47.

Boston's best bet is to have the Angels lose, and the Red Sox take care of business.

The Boston Red Sox (71-53) are now 4 1/2 games behind the Tampa Bay Rays (5 games behind in the loss column.

Sox fans can no longer depend on the hoped-for fade by the Rays. It does not look like it's happening, although a visit by the Angels today may mean trouble.

And if the Rays do hold on, then the Sox have to contend with either the White Sox or Twins (both 70-53) for the wild card.

Anyone notice in the Jays rout of Boston Sunday that Jed Lowrie (.318) went 3-for-3?

Now for the minors:

The Boston Red Sox (71-53) are now 4 1/2 games behind the Tampa Bay Rays (5 games behind in the loss column.

Sox fans can no longer depend on the hoped-for fade by the Rays. It does not look like it's happening, although a visit by the Angels today may mean trouble.

And if the Rays do hold on, then the Sox have to contend with either the White Sox or Twins (both 70-53) for the wild card.

Anyone notice in the Jays rout of Boston Sunday that Jed Lowrie (.318) went 3-for-3?

Now for the minors:

The Red Sox announced Saturday the signing of six more of their draft picks (Friday was the deadline to sign). Boston was able to sign 29 of their picks, including their top 16.

Boston used one of its advantages as a major market team - it payed out big bucks, especially to high school players who demanded whopping signing bonuses to give up their college scholarships.

Boston spent $9-million on its first 12 picks - $6-million of that going to three high school kids - 1st-rounder Casey Kelly ($3-million), a shortstop/pitcher, 5th-rounder Ryan Westmoreland ($2-million), an outfielder; and 4th-rounder Peter Hissey ($1-million), another outfielder.

Coco Crisp drew praise last year for the quiet way he handled being benched for the newcomer, Jacoby Ellsbury, in the playoffs.

How will shortstop Julio Lugo deal with it when he returns from the disabled list?

Because, surely, Jed Lowrie is proving himself as the everyday guy.

There is supposed to be a time for adjustment when a player goes from Class A to Double-A.

In 24 games, first baseman/designated hitter Lars Anderson seems to have figured it out. He went 2-for-3 Wednesday and his batting .329.

Shortstop Argenis Diaz went 2-for-4 and is batting .299.

After a change of plans and a quick trip to Fenway Park, it figured to be an easy night. Cover Charlie Zink's major league debut.

Then there was the Paul Byrd trade.

Then Zink threw 85 pitches ... and the Boston relievers threw a combined 102!

A 10-0 lead ... a 16-14 deficit ... a 19-17 win.

A not-so-quick trip back from Fenway (in bed at 4:30 a.m.)

While the Portland Sea Dogs return to Hadlock Field tonight, long-time Sea Dogs followers will be keeping an eye on Boston and the major league debut of Charlie Zink (Todd Jamison will be busy at the Hadlock video board controls, ready to show any and all Zink highlights).

Zink, with the Sea Dogs for parts of four seasons ('04-'07) is finally getting his break because of a shoulder injury to Tim Wakefield. Boston is in the unique position to replace one knucklebll pitcher with another.

As profiled in a May 16 story Zink has matured as a knuckleball pitcher, while improving his other stuff. Unlike Wakefield, Zink was a "real pitcher" before going to the knuckleball.

Moss and Hansen are gone. Lowrie and Masterson are still here, and in Boston.

What other prospects do the Red Sox plan to keep? It is interesting to look at the Theo Epstein's organization and its future. So that's what we did in this week's Sunday column Check out the 2011 roster.

Just look at the prospects that contributed to Saturday's rout of the A's - Youkilis, Pedroia, Lester, Lowrie, Masterson, Smith ...

Jason Bay is not likely to out-slug Manny Ramirez. And Bay won't cause the same fear in opponents that Ramirez did.

But Bay will hustle. His triple in the 12th inning turned into the winning run. If someone else we know had hit that long fly ball to the Green Monster, he would have been admiring it, and barely reached second base.

A good debut for Bay.

Of course, the Boston Red Sox paid too much to get rid of Manny Ramirez, but it was the only way Boston could get a bat close to replacing Ramirez (Jason Bay).

And Boston can afford it.

The Red Sox have both deep pockets (so they can over-pay for a player) and they have a deep farm system (so they can give too much away in a trade).

The prospects help solidify Boston's future, and maintain the present goal of contending for a championship every year.

Of course, the Boston Red Sox paid too much to get rid of Manny Ramirez, but it was the only way Boston could get a bat close to replacing Ramirez (Jason Bay).

And Boston can afford it.

The Red Sox have both deep pockets (so they can over-pay for a player) and they have a deep farm system (so they can give too much away in a trade).

The prospects help solidify Boston's future, and maintain the present goal of contending for a championship every year.

Welcome to trade deadline day.

If you are not sick of hearing about Manny Ramirez, you will be today.

Will Manny be traded? The latest rumor is to the Marlins, in a three-way deal with the Pirates. Boston would get outfielder Jason Bay. Interesting.

Among the speculation is that Boston will part with a prospect or two (in the deal just mentioned, or maybe a different one). Who would Boston trade?

The Boston Red Sox released minor league third baseman Chad Spann today, making room for Jeff Natale to re-join the team from the DL.

Spann, 24, once was a rising prospect. A fifth-round draft pick out of high school in 2002, Spann is known in Portland for his walk-off grand slam in the 2005 playoffs.

Spann batted .294 for Portland in 2006 and received an invite to major league spring training. But it seemed to go downhill from there.

I don't see what the problem with Manny Ramirez is. The guy is driving in runs and keeping Boston in games.

But, you say, you don't like his attitude.

So what? I'm not inviting him to give a motivational speech ... I'm not asking how mature he is. In some respects, I already know the answer ... He is not a role model ... He is a baseball player who helps the Boston Red Sox win. With no Manny Ramirez, does Boston have two World Series titles in the past 4 years?

Doubt it.

The Portland Sea Dogs and New Hampshire Fisher Cats have a doubleheader tonight and, if Andrew Pinckey plays in the first game, it will make for an interesting boxscore.

The first game is the completion of a suspended game from June 22. Then, Pinckney was the Sea Dogs third baseman. Since then, Pinkney was released by the Red Sox, signed by Toronto and assigned to New Hampshire.

So, Pinckney could officially play for both teams in one game.

Of course, you knew he would sit out of Saturday's game.

No, we're not talking about that star player with the 5-digit salary. Manny Ramirez was in the lineup against the Yankees.

Jason Varitek sat out, as he always does when catcher Kevin Cash steps in to handle Tim Wakefield.

But will we be talking about either of them in the lineup next year? That's the subject of today's Sunday column

While everyone anticipates the return of David Ortiz to the Fenway Park batting box tonight against the Yankees, the activation of Ortiz meant someone had to go. So Brandon Moss is back in Pawtucket.

Moss batted .429 in July and his major league numbers sit at .295, 2 HR, 11 RBI. Not bad for a player who does not turn 25 until Sept. 16.

David Ortiz keep saying he feels fine. But, sometimes, he also is sore and feels weak. Those are some of the things Ortiz said during his final day in Portland.

Ortiz now re-joins the Red Sox, a team which got a major relieving boost from Justin Masterson, in Boston's 6-3, 12-inning win over Seattle.

Late with today's blog. Not much to report in the minors, although the big news today is David Ortiz's last appearance at Hadlock Field (weather pending).

The good news for the Red Sox is that their pitchers are going deep into games. The starters will control Boston's destiny.

There is one story I'd like to point out. Tuesday was the one-year anniversary of Tulsa Drillers first-base coach Mike Coolbaugh being killed by a foul ball. ESPN.com's Elizabeth Merrill looks at the Coolbaugh family a year later.

I'll check in later this afternoon from Hadlock.

Before we get to the Red Sox & minor league results, some leftover pieces from David Ortiz's first day in Portland ...

When Ortiz first walked into the Sea Dogs clubhouse, nobody jumped to their feet. Four players did not budge from the two couches in front of the TV (watching a rerun of the ESPY's) ... third baseman Jorge Jimenez later said they wanted to give Ortiz his space ... minutes later, Jimenez was over at Ortiz's locker, laughing at Papi's cracks ... "He's very nice," Jimenez said.

Ortiz's best line came when he spoke of Josh Hamilton in the All-Star Home Run Derby.

Today is the big day for Portland with the arrival of David Ortiz.

But the weather may not cooperate.

Ortiz will join Boston on Friday, giving it a needed big bat ... Justin Masterson joined the Red Sox on Sunday, and the club hopes he can be the answer in the bullpen.

Manny Delcarmen giving another one away Sunday will only fuel the trade rumors for relief help.

When David Ortiz announced that he would not take Sunday off but, rather, spend a fourth day in Pawtucket, the speculation was that he might cut his rehab short and skip Portland.

But both Ortiz and Boston manager Terry Francona said again Friday that Ortiz is going to do his full rehab schedule ... Ortiz, by the way, homered for a second straight game in Pawtucket.

Jeff Bailey and Jon Van Every both hit their 24th home run in Pawtucket's romp over Toledo. Chris Carter hit his 20th, and George Kottaras added his 17th.

Guy named David Ortiz hit his first for Pawtucket, in his second at-bat with the team. He has a ways to go.

What is amazing about Ortiz is that, by all reports, he swung so hard in his first at-bat. Apparently he wanted nothing to do with holding back.

Eyes are on Pawtucket tonight as David Ortiz begins his rehab assignment, a stint that is supposed to take him to Portland next Monday through Wednesday.

Originally, Ortiz was scheduled to play three games with Pawtucket, but now he may go four there, instead of taking Sunday off.

Tonight's Sea Dogs game with Trenton is likely a sellout. The game will be televised on NESN.

Hard to make sense of the report from Peter Gammons that the Braves have had "talks" about a trade for Mark Teixeira, with the Braves wanting Kevin Youkilis and Craig Hansen.

Were they just talks, or could Boston be serious? I doubt it. Teixeira, 28, who is a year younger than Youkilis, 29, is a free agent next year and his agent is Scott Boras. Youkilis is cheaper, an All-Star/Gold Glove caliber player, and he can play third base ... Unless Teixeira is high on the Bill James meter (like J.D. Drew was), I don't see it.

Hansen? I imagine he could be classified as trade bait. He could be part of a deal where the Red Sox offer someone spare parts.

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 ...

The big news, of course, is that David Ortiz is coming to Portland July 21 (or 22) through July 23 or 24. Terry Francona said the schedule is not "etched in stone" but the Sox don't dare pull Big Papi out of Portland now, do they?

The other injury/DL news out of Boston is that Julio Lugo is out with a badly strained left quadriceps muscle. Jed Lowrie gets a chance again ... could this be another situation like last year, when Jacoby Ellsbury eventually took the job of Coco Crisp?

David Ortiz may make rehab appearances in Pawtucket and Portland. According to the Providence Journal, Ortiz says he may need "8 to 10" games in the minors to get ready. Ortiz is not prone to going far from home, so after Pawtucket is done with its 4-game home stand after the All-Star break, he could then join the Sea Dogs in Portland, July 22-24.

Stay tuned.

Justin Masterson's replacement in the Boston Red Sox rotation (Clay Buchholz) goes today against the Orioles. Two things to look for: His command and the use of his fastball ... Buchholz has great secondary pitches and, at times, does not establish his fastball command (he's not the only one; re: Dice-K).

Meanwhile, Masterson made his first relief appearance for Pawtucket on Thursday night.

David Ortiz took batting practice for a second straight day on Tuesday and is expected to play some rehab games next week in the minors.

Could we see Big Papi taking aim at the right field pavilion at Hadlock Field?

Don't count on it ... unless Ortiz's schedule is delayed.

If Ortiz is ready to go right after the All-Star break, then he would be headed for Pawtucket (home July 17-20).

But if Ortiz is not ready until, say July 21 ... then maybe Portland is the place.

So Justin Masterson is finally going to the pen ... Clay Buchholz hopefully has regained some command ... and Jon Lester is making the Sox brass look good.

The news that Justin Masterson was going back to Pawtucket to get acclimated to becoming a reliever came as no surprise. The Sox were not going to keep Buchholz in Triple-A the rest of the season, and Masterson is the most suited for the bullpen job.

Another one-run loss to the Yankees meant that Boston went 3-7 on its road trip, losing six games by 1 run.

That drops the Red Sox to 5 games behind Tampa Bay in the American League East (7 games back in the loss column).

Little things are holding the Red Sox back (middle relief, the bottom of the order, etc.) ... something for Theo Epstein to tweak ... obviously, having David Ortiz in the lineup may have turned a few of those close losses to win.

Despite the thinking that the improving Clay Buchholz would be brought up to the majors to face the Yankees today, the Red Sox have stuck to their plan of keeping Justin Masterson in the rotation.

Masterson's command has not been stellar the last two games (9 walks) and lefties pound him. But the kid is poised, so we'll see what happens today.

As for the Yankees, things do not look good.

Complete game shutouts were the story Thursday night.

While everyone is talking about Jon Lester (9 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 8 K), Charlie Zink was dealing for Pawtucket (9 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 8 K).

Lester walked the first two batters he faced and you could sense Red Sox Nation cringing over one of those command-challenged outings. But Lester did not walk another and needed only 105 pitches (72 strikes)

If you're reading this, you are showing patience with our website. Thank you. After we do a quick recap of the Sox and minors, I've included a story from Tuesday's Sea Dogs game, with the Sea Dogs send out.

If I was able to blog on Tuesday, the plan was to compare Justin Masterson's outing with Boston and Clay Buchhholz's outing with Pawtucket. The idea being that Buchholz is showing the command the Red Sox want and he should be ready to go back up to the majors.

Masterson is still pitching well, but is not showing his usual command and he still has a problem with lefties hitting him hard.

The idea of Masterson pitching Saturday in Yankee Stadium must not be appealing to the Red Sox

When Scott Kazmir said in spring training that his Tampa Bay Rays team could be a contender, I wrote that Tampa Bay would be improved. But a contender? No.

On June 30, the first-place Rays host the Red Sox, the start of a three-game series.

The Rays always showcase good, young talent. But they have never had the pitching. For this series, they have their three best starters going.

You are in your fifth year on the job, working slowly up the ladder, thinking that you are making steady progress, and ready for the next promotion.

Then, poof, you are fired. Welcome to Andrew Pinckney's world. He is angry that a player with much less experience (Jorge Jimenez) is put on the fast track and is given his spot on the Portland Sea Dogs roster.

His former employer, the Boston Red Sox, say it is the business. Performance means everything. Players with better potential ("priority players") who show they can perform, are going to move up.

In today's baseball column we take a look at the improved Red Sox farm system and how that is making it much more competitive for the minor leaguers.

At one time, the Boston Red Sox were afraid that other clubs would scoop up relief pitching prospects Edgar Martinez and Kyle Jackson, so they were put on the 40-man roster.

The pair's development stalled and they were taken off the roster - no teams claimed them.

Now Martinez (in Pawtucket) and Jackson (in Portland) are getting a chance at starting. They did well Friday night.

Maybe Hank Steinbrenner was right and Joba Chamberlain should have been in the Yankees rotation sooner. Chamberlain picked up his first win as a starter on Wednesday (6 2/3, 6 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 7 K).

Chamberlain is scheduled to pitch again Monday and then will be scheduled to pitched Saturday, July 5 in the Bronx, on the FOX game of the week, against the Red Sox.

Boston, which has a day off today, will have Justin Masterson going on July 5, if the rotation stays the same. Will be a nail-biter for Sox fans every time a left-handed batter comes to plate.

In the minors, a few moves are underway.

With every pitch Justin Masterson makes in the major leagues, it's a reminder to his former teammates in Portland of just how close they are to the show.

And with every pitch Chris Smith makes, it should serve as inspiration that the dream can happen with grit and perseverance.

Smith picked up his first major league win Tuesday night, in relief of Masterson. Smith pitched two hitless innings (1 BB, 1 K) and, thanks to a four-run Sox rally in the eighth, got the win in a 5-4 Boston victory over Arizona.

Brandon Lyon sure looked lights out Monday night against the Red Sox, with a 1-2-3 ninth inning for his 16th save.

Why did Boston ever let him go? ... Oh, that's right: Lyon helped bring Curt Schilling to town.

And while Lyon was setting down the Sox, Schilling was undergoing shoulder surgery ... But two World Series titles later, with Schilling's help, does anyone want to take back the trade? Didn't think so.

Now let's look at that Nov. 28, 2003 trade a little deeper.

If the Red Sox could draw up the perfect scenario, Josh Beckett would go 7-plus innings tonight, with Manny Delcarmen and Jonathan Papelbon finishing up (with maybe a little help from David Aardsma).

After 13 2/3 innings of relief the past two games, the bullpen is a tad tired. Here is their recent workload:

Except for that swing by Troy Glaus, Chris Smith's major League debut looked just fine.

Of course, the highlights show Smith giving up the grand slam to Glaus in the second innings (the bases loaded, courtesy of Daisuke Matsuzaka) ... Smith ate up four innings for the Red Sox, allowing 3 hits, 1 run, 0 BB, 3 K.

Before we get to the minor league results from Saturday, here are the lineups for the Red Sox and Sea Dogs today:

Now that the Red Sox potential 8-man rotation is down to 7 with the announcement that Curt Schilling is having season-ending shoulder surgey, who of the 7 will not make the starting 5?

As already stated, Justin Masterson seems destined for the bullpen. That leaves Bartolo Colon and Clay Buchholz going for the last spot, assuming everyone else is healthy.

If Colon is healthy and effective, he seems to get the nod.

But what if Buchholz is showing he can consistently be dominant? Like on Friday ...

Michael Bowden pitched Thursday night in front of a nearly-full Hadlock Field crowd, which included Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein. Bowden got the win, even though he said he didn't have his A game (5 2/3, 5 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K)

Epstein later sent a email, saying that Bowden is "on a mission to become a difference-making big league starter and I wouldn't bet against him."

Read more about the game and more Epstein comments in the
Press Herald story.

A couple of Sea Dogs moves to announce, while wondering if another one is in the works.

After Tuesday night's gamme, Portland sent reliever Miguel Asencio back to Pawtucket, and will soon welcome reliever J.J. Large from Lancaster.

Could another pitcher may be on the verge of a promotion?

Michael Bowden (5-3, 2.24) starts for the Sea Dogs tonight. Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein, who took in Wednesday night's game at Hadlock Field, is expected to be back to watch one of his prized pitching prospects.

Did your TV clicker get a workout last night, going between the Red Sox and Celtics games?

Daniel Bard worked the clicker well in the Sea Dogs clubhouse early Tuesday evening. Waiting for the Sea Dogs game to be played (it would be rained out), Bard went back and forth between the Red Sox game, and the College World Series, where his alma mater, North Carolina, played Fresno State.

The Tar Heels would lose 5-3, and face an elimination game today vs. LSU.

Red Sox fans have some interest in the game.

Daisuke Matsuzaka came through his rehab appearance fine ... David Ortiz has the cast off his wrist ... Bartolo Colon left his outing early Monday with a sore back ... and reports out of Philadelphia have Curt Schilling halting his workouts for now after a "sluggish" bullpen session last week.

The good news for Portland fans is the that the Sea Dogs return briefly from a long road trip.

And before I forget, I need to correct some statistics on Justin Masterson.

Good day for the Red Sox Sunday as Boston and all its affiliates won. Meanwhile, another affiliate, the Lowell Spinners, gets ready to begin play Tuesday with a handful of signed picks from the 2008 draft.

Justin Masterson experienced his first major league loss Friday night, but it was not like he got knocked around.

Masterson went 6 2/3 (4 H, 3 R, 3 BB, 9 K) ... yes, that's nine strikeouts.

The Reds took advantage of Masterson's one weakness - left-handed batters. Masterson gave up homers to two lefties (Jay Bruce, Adam Dunn) and an RBI double to a lefty (Joey Votto).

Justin Masterson has demonsytrated he can pitch in the big leagues. With the Red Sox on the road today in inter-league play (vs. the Reds), now we get to see the big guy with a bat ... and, most likely a smile on his face.

The Red Sox and all but one of their minor league teams won on Thursday night .

The Sea Dogs lost 5-0.

Jonathan Papelbon got his 19th save Wednesdaynight, thanks to Mike Timlin. Timlin entered the ninth inning with a 6-1 lead ... next thing you know Papelbon is finishing the game, a 6-3 win over the Orioles.

Timlin recorded two outs, while allowing three hits and two runs (1 earned).

Timlin's ERA is 5.89.

But the thing about Timlin, 42, is that evey time you want to retire him, he comes back.

Hideki Okajima records one out, allowing 2 hits, 3 runs and 2 walks.

Craig Hansen: 1 inning, 4 hits, 3 runs (2 earned)

Yes, these things happen. But the pen is just not the dependable unit it was in 2007.

Here's my broken record of the day: Justin Masterson will find his way to the bullpen.

And why not give Chris Smith a try?

While awaiting today's 6 p.m. Red Sox game (note the time change, bumped up an hour for you Celtics fans), we can look over a few items.

With no Red Sox or Sea Dogs Monday night, the focus shifts to Pawtucket, where Clay Buchholz made another start for the PawSox.

He was not that good (3 IP, 6H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K), throwing 73 pitches (49 strikes), 36 in the third inning alone - one reason for his early departure.

Several blogs ago, I wondered if Justin Masterson had passed Clay Buchholz on the Red Sox depth chart. I heard some interesting responses on the subject; believe someone used the word "insane."

Well, call me crazy. Masterson continues to prove himself after Sunday's performance (6 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 4 K). He is now 3-0 with a 2.59 ERA.

And now for the disclaimer: Masterson is ahead of Buchholz for now. Buchholz is going to be a star. Last year's no-hitter was a preview of things to come. But he still has to show better command.

The Red Sox won 11-3 today, so now all of New England's attention turns to Hadlock Field, right?

The Sea Dogs are up 4-0 after two innings.

Meanwhile, in Pawtucket, Charlie Zink has thrown three scoreless innings so far.

Here is the Sea Dogs' lineup, and how they've done so far:

Still no clarification why Charlie Zink was held from his Pawtucket start Friday night in Charlotte.

Rumor 1: Zink is filling in for Tim Wakefield today (Have only heard that rumor, with no confirmation from anyone).

Rumor 2: Zink is being prepped to fill in for Jon Lester, who must serve a five-day suspension because of the Crisp drama (not necessary, with the Sox off Monday, Lester can be pushed back a day with no problem).

Wild day for Red Sox baseball. Boston lost players to injuries (Jacoby Ellsbury and Manny Ramirez), ... and will lose another (when Coco Crisp is suspended) ... The Red Sox swapped players (calling up Brandon Moss and sending Chris Carter back down to the minors) ... and they gained players (selecting 8 players in the first 6 rounds of the draft.

Concerning the draft, that is where the Red Sox wise men gather to pick Boston's future. High school shortsotp Casey Kelly, the first-round pick, is intriguing. He has a football scholarship to Tennessee, and an array of pitches that may make him more valuable on the mound than in the field.

The Sea Dogs play at noon, the Red Sox at 6 p.m., the Celtics at 9 p.m.

But the sports days also includes a happening that begins at 2 p.m. and lasts for two days. The Major League Baseball Draft begins, with the first four hours televised by ESPN2.

In case you missed my Sunday column (say it's not so), I guess-timated on some players the Red Sox might be interested in.

Lot of pitching stories from Tuesday night. And they start in Portland, where Michael Bowden was perfect through six innings.

So David Ortiz is going to miss a month and (gulp) maybe more with a partially torn sheath around the tendon in his left wrist ... We hear that the injury is similar to the ankle problem Curt Schilling had (although Schilling's tear was apparently much worse).

Will Ortiz's injury require some unique medical procedure in the future and soon we will have the legend of the bloody wristband? Actually, it sounds like Ortiz will be back ... but with wrist injuries, who knows? ... Looks like a call-up for Brandon Moss, and more playing time for Sean Casey.

Now, can we talk about the Red Sox bullpen?

While the Red Sox were bashing home runs, even with David Ortiz out of the lineup (for what could be a long time, depending on what today's MRI reveals), the Portland Sea Dogs were producing 20 hits in Merchantsauto.com Stadium in Manchester, N.H.

The Sea Dogs got two home runs from Andrew Pinckney and one from Ryan Khoury.

It is no secret that the Sea Dogs like hitting in Manchester. The fans are friendly, often cheering as loud for the Sea Dogs as their own team. And it is a hitter's park, especially for left-handed pull hitters (re: Pinckney) because of the short distance to right field (306 feet down the line).

Pinckney gushes over the place.

The park in Durham, N.C. features a 32-foot "Blue Monster" in left field, but Pawtucket's Brandon Moss went elsewhere to smack three home runs Saturday. Moss hit one to center and two to right field.

Chris Carter and Jon Van Every also went deep for the PawSox

Moss was an 8th round draft pick out of high school in 2002. The 2008 draft is coming up this Thursday.

Justin Masterson has his sinker working again Thursday night, getting 11 ground outs in six innings, in his Triple-A debut.

Of course, a debut in Triple-A does not have the same shine once you've already made you Major League debut.

Masterson could be getting hs third call to Fenway Park, if the Red Sox want to give Daisuke Matsuzaka and his fatigued shoulder a break, in a start next Tuesday.

On Thursday, it was a Sea Dogs reunion on the mound in Pawtucket.

Daisuke Matsuzaka left the Red Sox game before the fifth inning with "fatigue in his right shoulder," according to the Red Sox.

That diagnosis did not come until after the game (the Associated Press story that was sent immediately after the game, and which appeared in today's Press Herald, speculated that Matsuzaka's problem was with his back).

But later reports, including a blog from the Providence Journal indicate shoulder fatigue.

Bartolo Colon solidified his spot on the major league roster with his second win (2.25 ERA) Monday night. Colon went 7 innings (5 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 4 K).

Meanwhile, in Pawtucket, the wind was blowing out, which means pitcher Charlie ZInk's knuckler was dancing (8 IP, 5 H, 3 earned runs, 2 BB, 3 K).

Clay Buchholz made a nice rehab appearance Sunday in Pawtucket, throwing 4 1/3 innings (3 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 3 K).

Buchholz said he would make one mre rehab start Friday for Pawtucket and then he will wait to hear from the Red Sox.

While Josh Becket did well for Boston, although he was still out-pitched, the Red Sox minor league pitchers were doing just fine.

In the Sea Dogs win Michael Bowden and Daniel Bard combined on a two-hitter.

Bard's comeback makes for a good story.

Some quick notes for a lazy Saturday:

The Sea Dogs cracked five home runs at Hadlock Field Friday night, the most at their barn since 2003. The wind was blowing to right, but not that hard (12 m.p.h.). The sluggers were Jeff Corsaletti (2), Bubba Bell, Mark Wagner, and Andrew Pinckney

Greetings from Manchester, N.H., where the Portland Sea Dogs bus pulled in about 30 minutes ago - in plenty of time for a 11 a.m. game here with the Fisher Cats (busloads of screaming school children will be filing in later ... can't wait).

Dustin Richardson will be pitching for the Sea Dogs. The tall lefty has had some trouble lately, but he is still quite the prospect.

He is one of many Red Sox pitching prospects ... and just what is Boston going to do with so many pitchers?

As I mentioned in the last blog, the Sea Dogs have lost starting pitchers to promotions to Triple-A before. Jonathan Papelbon and Clay Buchholz did not finish their seasons with Portland.

But Justin Masterson's promotion comes sooner than either of those two. He won't see Memorial Day at Hadlock Field ... Then again, neither Papelbon nor Buchholz had two major league starts by this time, with an ERA at 1.46.

As expected, the Red Sox are sending Justin Masterson back to the minors after his successful start on Tuesday.

But Masterson is not returning to Portland.

The Red Sox are sending Masterson to Triple-A Pawtucket. He follows the footsteps of Jonathan Papelbon and Clay Buchholz, two other Sea Dogs aces who were promoted early in their Double-A season.

Ron Johnson's PawSox team could have a strong rotation. Buchholz is expected to join Pawtucket once he is off the disabled list (especially if Bartolo Colon makes a successful re-entry into the majors, starting Wednesday.

Remember when the Boston Red Sox had visions of Johan Santana on the mound this past off-season, or Alex Rodriguez at shortstop for the 2004 season?

Jon Lester's name popped up in both trade scenario's (the A-Rod deal almost becoming a reality). I remember talking to Lester about that deal during the 2005 Portland Sea Dogs season, for a story on Lester making the Eastern League All-Star team.

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?

You can expect Justin Masterson to make his second major league start Tuesday, when the Red Sox play host to Kansas City.

The move is not official. But assuming Masterson gets the nod, he will be joining former Sea Dogs pitcher Chris Smith in the Fenway clubhouse. Smith was called up from Pawtucket Saturday night.

Masterson, who pitched for the Sea Dogs on Thursday, would be going on his normal days' rest. There was speculation that Bartolo Colon would get the start Tuesday, with Clay Buchholz on the disabled list.

But Masterson has shown he can perform at Fenway. In his debut on April 24, he held the Angels to 2 hits and 1 run over 6 innings (4 walks, 4 strikeouts).

It's possible that Colon could still start Wednesday for the Red Sox because Firday's rainout left Boston without a starter on normal days' rest for Wednesday.

Will Bartolo Colon pitch Tuesday for the Boston Red Sox?

The speculation is on both sides. Some media outlets in Boston say yes, others no. (In Buffalo, Colon told a correspondent for the Providence Journal that he was scheduled to have two more starts, but that could change).

What could change is that Boston could use Colon Tuesday, with Clay Buchholz on the disabled list, and Colon showing fine form Thursday (6 IP, 1 hit, 0 walks)

The Portland Sea Dogs bullpen held up. The Red Sox pen did not.

When the Sea Dogs beat the Trenton Thunder 10-6, Portland relievers came in an retired 11 straight batters (and 13 of the 15 batters they faced).

Boston held a 3-2 lead over Baltimore, with two outs in the seventh.

Every off-season, teams pad their roster with extra players, just in case.

For outfielder Jon Van Every, "just in case" may be happening now, with J.D. Drew suffering a sprained wrist Tuesday night

Bartolo Colon is scheduled to throw 75 pitches (about 4 to 5 innings) in his next rehab start, Thursday for Pawtucket.

Will Colon be ready for the majors after that? It would seem Colon could use one more start after that ... then again, it may be time for Clay Buchholz to re-group in Triple-A.

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.

In today's Sunday notes column we talk about which Lancaster pitchers might make it to Portland.

Poor James Russ was not one of them. Russ was the starting pitcher last night for advanced Class A Lancaster. He lasted one inning (6 H, 3 BB, 7 R).

But that was just the beginning for Island Empire, in a 25-1 win over Lancaster.

While the focus is on Jonathan Papelbon's second straight blown save, in Friday night's 7-6 loss to the Twins, the fact remains that shortstop Julio Lugo again contributed a costly error.

The last time, against the Tigers, Lugo's error came in the ninth, so it was a highlight in the loss.

When Jon Lester (2-2, 3.94) takes the mound tonight in Minnesota, against Boof Bonser (2-4, 4.29 ... yes, that's his legal first name), Lester needs to be "effectively wild."

Here's why:

The Killer B's - Clay Buchhol, Michael Bowden and Daniel Bard - were all on the mound Wednesday.

Bowden was the best.

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?

Curt Schilling said he is ready to start playing catch today, the first throws that he hopes leads him back to the Fenway Park mound.

Meanwhile, in Fort Myers, Bartolo Colon threw two innings in a minor league extended spring training game.

Before you ask where these two guys will fit in the rotation, remember the mantra - 'You never have too much pitching" - especially with things like tired arms, strained obliques and flu bugs popping up here and there.

While the Red Sox are on a roll, the Sea Dogs have dropped out of first place with a six-game losing streak on their trip to Bowie and Trenton.

The Sea Dogs return home tonight and the game features two top prospects on the mound. Justin Masterson pitches for Portland, while the New Hampshire Fisher Cats will feature Brett Cecil, the Toronto Blue Jays first-round draft pick from last June.

By now, you have probably heard of the college softball game, where the opponents carried an injured runner around the bases after she hit a home run. It has nothing to do with the Red Sox, but it's a great story. The Oregonian has a follow-up story.

Back to the Red Sox. Brandon Moss' wonderful day Friday was followed by a horrible Saturday. Moss underwent an emergency appendectomy at Mass. General Hospital.

In case you didn't stay up, Brandon Moss played a major role in Boston's 7-3 win over the Devil Rays.

Moss went 2-for-4 with two runs, including his second major league homer. He also threw out a runner, trying to score from second on a single.

It's a battle for first in the Ameircan League East. And if you're looking for a Red Sox-Yankees rivalry ... you need to check out a different league.

Tonight, the Tampa Bay Rays (16-12) and Boston Red Sox (17-13) begin a 3-game series. They are tied in the division.

Yes, I know it's only May 2. But when could we ever hype a Rays-Sox series?

You want Sox-Yankees? Look to the Eastern League.

How did you like Brandon Moss' at-bat, with one out in the ninth inning Wednesday night?

Moss had struck out previously, swinging wildly at two low curveballs. This time, he stayed away from the curve, worked the count to his favor and singled to center.