The Pawtucket Red Sox notes report that reliever Bryan Corey has been traded to the San Diego Padres. He is being traded for future considerations (it won't be much; Corey had an out in his contract anyway. This a deal to give him a chance in the majors, which he was not going to get in Boston).

Replacing Corey in Pawtucket will be Jose Vaquedano, promoted from Portland after recording a 0.41 ERA in 13 appearances.

Replacing Vaquedano on the Sea Dogs roster is outfielder Jered Stanley, who gives Portland a fourth outfielder (with Bubba Bell still limping with a sprained ankle).

Now here's the Sea Dogs lineup for today:

Jon Lester pitches for Boston. Dustin Richardson starts for Portland.

Two left-handers with good stuff, when they command it.

Here's the lineups:

According to Joe McDonald of the Providence Journal, Brandon Moss has already begun his rehab, a week after his appendectomy. He is scheduled to go to extended spring training in Fort Myers today and could be in a rehab game in 10 days.

And now for tonight's lineups from the Red Sox and Sea Dogs ... Manny Ramirez gets a day off in Detroit.

The Red Sox hope to keep it going (as in wins).

The Sea Dogs plan for it to stop tonight (the losses, that is).

Here are the lineups:

Hopefully, the Red Sox are not as tired as the Sea Dogs. Coming back from Trenton, N.J. on Sunday, the bus broke down twice. The Dogs did not get in until 5 a.m.

Here are the lineups for both teams:

Brandon Moss got a chuckle when told the baseball gods were watching him Tuesday night.

Moss entered Tuesday's game when J.D. Drew felt tightness in his quadriceps muscle.

After four innings, it's Toronto 0, Boston 0

Roy Halladay has retired all but one batter he faced (a Kevin Youkilis single), while Jon Lester has allowed only two baserunners, both by walk.

Brandon Moss replaced J.D. Drew in right field in the fourth inning. Have not heard why.

And one Sea Dogs note: Bowie scored four in the second inning to lead 4-0.

Before we get into the news, I thought I'd relate a story from Justin Masterson, on facing Casey Kotchman in the second inning of his start for the Red Sox last Thursday.

This is from my blog last month:

"Will the Rays reach the playoffs?
"Uh, no. They will give the contenders better competition, and maybe win a series or three ... but no playoffs."

I'll stand by that statement for now, but I never figured the Rays pitching to be strong.

David Ortiz is still out of the lineup with his sore knee.

Meanwhile, here in Portland, Justin Masterson has officially re-joined the team, and the local TV folks lined up to talk to him.

For more on Masterson, see today's baseball column.

For more on the last night's minor league performances, see the previous blog.

Here are the lineups for the Red Sox and Sea Dogs:

Clay Buchholz and Michael Bowden combined for 20 strikeouts Saturday.

The two sandwich-round draft picks appear ready to take off.

Two facts were clear from Justin Masterson's start in Boston Thursday.

1. He can pitch.

2. Boston needs bullpen help.

Maybe those two facts will merge into one eventual reality - Masterson to the bullpen.

The Boston Red Sox face Matt Garza of the Tampa Bay Rays tonight. When Garza was still with the Twins, he pitched for the New Britain Rock Cats in 2006. The Sea Dogs beat him 6-4.

And now for the lineups

Charlie Zink is having a good year so far.

The Sox top draft pick in 2007, Nick Hagadone, appears headed for Tommy John surgery

And Mike Lowell will make a minor league rehab appearance - but not in Portland.

As you probably know by now, Masterson got a no-decision after the Red Sox bullpen blew a 3-1 lead, in a 7-5 loss to the Angels.

After the game, manager Terry Francona said Masterson will return to the Portland Sea Dogs rotation.

Boston is expected to bring reliever Bryan Corey back to the majors. Corey had been designated for assignment and initially rejected an offer to pitcher in Triple-A. he then re-signed with the Sox as a minor league free agent and went to Pawtucket.

More later.

If you saw the story in today's Press Herald about Justin Masterson making today's start for the Boston Red Sox, you'll notice a list of pitchers who began their season in Portland and then made their Major League debut the same year.

Of the six, only Clay Buchholz got a win.

Here's that list again:

To make room for Justin Masterson on the Major League roster Thursday, the Red Sox are returning reliever Craig Hansen to Pawtucket after his one appearance Wednesday.

Masterson can also expect to be pitching to Kevin Cash. Red Sox manager Terry Francona said in his televised post-game press conference that Jason Varitek would not start.

Portland Sea Dogs ace Justin Masterson is being called up to the Boston Red Sox and will start Thursday afternoon's game against the Angels, at Fenway Park.

Craig Hansen has been called up from Pawtucket to replace David Pauley on the Red Sox roster.

In news just breaking, Daisuke Matsuzaka has been scratched from his start tonight and will be replaced by Jon Lester, according to Rob Bradford of the Boston Herald. Dice-K is sick, like so many of his teammates.

Can we officially call Coco Crisp the back-up outfielder now?

Crisp is a great centerfielder and a decent, though inconsistent hitter. And he will make a solid starting center fielder for some team ... just not the Red Sox.

Not when they have Jacoby Ellsbury. Ellsbury, the ex-Portland Sea Dogs star, gave another sampling on just how much he can impact a game.

According to reports out of Boston, former Sea Dogs pitcher David Pauley will start for the Boston Red Sox tonight, in place of an ailing Josh Beckett.

Kevin Cash is catching tonight, presumably because Jason Varitek is also still too sick to play.

Pauley made his major league debut in 2006, jumping from Portland to the Sox. He spent all last year with Pawtucket.

In Sea Dogs news, outfielder Jay Johnson did indeed ruptured his Achilles tendon Monday night and is gone for the year.

Here are the Red Sox and Sea Dogs lineups for tonight:

Pitchers Craig Hansen and Daniel Bard, two first-round draft picks who have had their bumps in in their pro careers, are on respective rolls.

Neither has been scored upon.

Jacoby Ellsbury went 2-for-4 Sunday with a run and two stolen bases (total of 6 for the season)

Jed Lowrie batted second on Sunday, going 2-for-4 with two runs and an RBI. In three starts, Lowrie is batting .417 with five RBI.

Ellsbury and Lowrie, who began last season in Portland, still ask how the Sea Dogs are doing. Told Friday about last week's 17-inning win, they wanted all the details, especially Jay Johnson's pitching win.

The Red Sox have won 7-of-8. The Sea Dogs have won 7 straight.

The pitching is good (including Jon Lester, who found the strike zone on Saturday night), the hitting clutch.

Justin Masterson has a 0.95 ERA in 4 starts - 23 K's, 5 BB's in 19 IP. Seems likely he won't be in Portland too long, although I'd like to see him pitch at least through May (April weather usually favors the pitching numbers)

Wihle at Fenway last night and working on my story on David Murphy and Jed Lowrie, I was writing a line about the Red Sox keeping some of their good prospects. Just then Jed Lowrie doubled. Jacoby Ellsbury (another member of the Sea Dogs last year) then walked, as did Dustin Pedroia (Sea Dogs Class of '05).

David Murphy and Kason Gabbard, former members of both the Sea Dogs and Red Sox, receive their World Series rings today when the Texas Rangers visit Fenway Park tonight.

Both Murphy and Gabbard put in time with Boston last year before being traded for reliever Eric Gagne (it seemed like a good idea at the time).

But Murphy and Gabbard are not the only ex-Dogs facing the Red Sox.

Slept in this morning (meaning later than 6 a.m.) and realized those poor Sea Dogs were still on the road to Binghamton, where they will start their game soon.

In case you did not hear, the Sea Dogs won their game over Connecticut in the 17th inning Wednesday night. See the story

The Boston Red Sox placed Alex Cora on the 15-day disabled list with a right elbow strain. The move is retroactive to April 10.

The move had a Domino affect in Pawtucket and Portland.

The Red Sox called up infielder Joe Thurston from Pawtucket. So Pawtucket plucked infielder Jeff Natale from Portland. In turn, the Sea Dogs activated outfielder Jeff Corsaletti from extended spring training.

Joe Borowski said their must have been something wrong with his arm after giving up three runs in the ninth inning. The Indians believed him and put him on the disabled list.

As for tonight's game, former Sea Dogs infielder Jed Lowrie will make his major league debut, as promised. Lowrie is batting eighth and playing third base (Youkilis goes back to first base for tonight).

Jacoby Ellsbury is in for J.D. Drew in right.

Reports out of Cleveland are that Jed Lowrie will make his Major League debut Tuesday against the Indians.

The Red Sox also announced that pitcher Kyle Snyder, who was designated for assignment, has accepted a spot on the Triple-A Pawtucket roster.

Pawtucket certainly enjoyed some individual performances Monday in a doubleheader split with Louisville, paced by George Kottaras (2 home runs, 5 RBI) in the second game.

It is not a secret that the Manchester Fisher Cats would love to have the Red Sox affiliation.

You can't blame them. Watching Red Sox prospects come through Portland has been a blast.

But I don't know how to explain the recent story in the Manchester Union Leader.

David Ortiz is back in the lineup, but Jed Lowrie has yet to get penciled in. Manager Terry francona said it was going to be a challenge to get Lowrie in, but I figured it would happen by now.

Here in Portrland, Justin Masterson makes his third start.

Here are the lineups for your Sox and Dogs tonight:

Manny Ramirez has looked locked in since spring training. He's batting .300 with 12 RBI.

Then there is J.D. Drew (.353), Kevin Youkilis (.341) and Sean Casey (.318).

David Ortiz goes in a slump and Mike Lowell goes on the DL. Others are coming through.

Here is hoping the games get in.

Rain is threatening both the Red Sox and the Sea Dogs. Here in Portland, the mound and home plate area are covered, but Michael Bowden is about to warm up in the bullpen.

Here's the lineups for both games:

That 2005 draft continues to shine, while other drafts are looking good ...

Infielder Jed Lowrie was one of three sandwich draft picks (a sandwich is an extra pick between the first & second round) in 2005. He joined the Red Sox Thursday night, replacing the injured Mike Lowell (sprained thumb).

That means the top four Red Sox picks have made it to the majors - Jacoby Ellsbury, Craig Hansen, Clay Buchholz (tonight's starter) and Lowrie. (Hansen is back in Triple-A, for now)

It is with extreme caution that we point out Craig Hansen's domination so far in Triple-A.

Hansen retired the six batters he faced Wednesday night, two by strikeout.

In three outings (6 innings), he has allowed 0 runs, 1 hit, 3 walks, while strking out 8

Clay Buchholz will keep his major league job a little longer. Bartolo Colon, who has look impressive in recent outings, has been put on the 7-day disabled list with a right oblique strain.

The move affects the Sea Dogs, since Chris Smith has been promoted to Pawtucket to make Tuesday's start in place of Colon.

Justin Masterson will pitch for Portland Tuesday on the regular four days' rest (the Sea Dogs were rained out Thursday), but their starter Wednesday is TBA.

Kyle Snyder is the first reliever to go, as he will reportedly be designated for assignment today, to make room for Josh Beckett's return.

The move makes sense. Snyder is a good guy with potential. But the promise never really materialized. The Red Sox have another long reliever/spot starter (Julian Tavarez).

Snyder walked two in Saturday's 10-2 loss to Toronto. It was a game that could make other decisions easier for the Red Sox.

We start our wrap-up from Thursday night with a note to Clay Buchholz:

While Justin Masterson threw pitched four scoreless innings for the Sea Dogs, Bartolo Colon was throwing a shutout in his outing in Triple-A.

Colon continues to look like the Red Sox No. 5 starter (meaning Buchholz goes to Pawtucket). In the Pawtucket opener in Rhode Island Thursday, Colon pitching five innings, allowing one hit, one walk, no runs, while striking out five. Providence Journal writer Joe McDonald blogged that Colon hit 94 on the radar gun.

Masterson allowed three hits in his four innings, walking none and striking out three.

The Sea Dogs start playing baseball and there is no snow in the forecast.

Granted, the Sea Dogs-Rock Cats game on Friday is almost a guarantee rainout, but tonight the teams should play in New Britain Stadium.

A few other notes of Sox and Dogs nature:

The Red Sox rank No. 4 and No. 2, which eventually may mean No. 1 again.

Got that?

The Red Sox had the fourth highest payroll, according to figures released by the Associated Press (if you like lists, see below). That's a switch from big-spending Boston always being No. 2 behind the big, big spenders in the Bronx. Detroit and the Mets have passed the Red Sox.

As far as No. 2, that's where the Red Sox are ranked by Baseball America when it comes to talent in the farm system.

Returned to Maine to find two jokes. One is the remaining mountains of snow (I'm not laughing).

The other comes from the Boston Dirt Dogs site, announcing that Roger Clemens is re-joining the Boston Red Sox. Appropriate story for April 1.

In other news ...

Was leaning against my family van in a parking lot Saturday morning. Just had breakfast with a friend I was visiting in Palm Harbor, Fla.

A group of bikers motored in and parked. One biker came up to me. He did a quick turnaround so I could see the back of his vest, proclaiming the Maine chapter of some biker club.

He obviously noticed the Maine plates on my wanted to say hello.

"Kennebunk," was all the man said as he extended my hand.

"Standish," I said with a smile. "I go back Sunday night."

Portland Sea Dogs manager Arnie Beyeler joked that his pitcher in Thursday's exhibition looked very good, but the kid is probably moving up.

Yeah, that Beckett kid has a future in the bigs.

Josh Beckett pitched for the Sea Dogs Thursday, allowing one hit and no walks over four innings. He threw 47 pitches and struck out 6.

Was all set to see catcher Dusty Brown make his debut in a major league uniform, and witness another successful journey for a former Portland Sea Dogs player.

But, alas, Brown was optioned to Triple-A Pawtucket this morning (Brown is still in Japan, but is now not eligible).

As expected, the Red Sox put Kevin Cash on the major league roster, and decided that three catchers were too many.

Was looking at this quote from Clay Buchholz's quote from his latest outing, in the first exhibition game in Japan (3.2 innings, 6 hits, 4 runs):

"I left a couple of pitches up over the plate and that hurt."

Got a feeling that Buchholz will be saying that often this year as he continues trying to master command of his fastball.

Also wondering if Buchholz will make the major league team. Sox may want Buchholz getting more work in Pawtucket, rather than being the No. 5 starter.

Just read this quote from Johnny Damon in the Boston Herald:

“I still think I’m a pretty tough person to replace,” Damon said. “I think I’ve been pretty consistent throughout my career - I’m walking into Year 14, and I’ve had two bad years, a couple of OKs and a couple of really good ones. I didn’t have much in the tank last year, but I think time will only tell with Boston."

Can there be any question about Jacoby Ellsbury being the starting center fielder, especially with Coco Crisp still out with a groin injury?

Maybe the injury will help Crisp deal with his back-up role. If he had a great spring, he would not have gone quietly to the bench (and who would have blamed him?).

Is Bartolo Colon going to be needed sooner than thought?

I strongly doubt it, but it makes for interesting news to hear about his progress (Colon makes his exhibition debut Thursday), while other starters are doubtful or out for the opener in Japan on March 25.

No Schilling (shoulder), and maybe no Beckett (back) or Matsuzaka (pending fatherhood).

Maybe Jon Lester.

Another story is out about the productive Red Sox minor league system.

milb.com, the "official" minor league web site is profiling all the organizations.

So we know the Red Sox can hit college pitching ...

After beating Boston College 24-0 and Northeastern 15-0 on Thursday, it was hard to figure out what the Red Sox got out of the two exhibitions.

But there were some highlights from a Sea Dogs/Red Sox point of view

Talked to Sea Dogs manager Arnie Beyeler yesterday. He said it was hot in Fort Myers (I felt his pain).

Actually, Arnie said he was looking forward to getting up here, even if it means indoor workouts while the snow melts. The skipper is ready to go.

But who will he be bringing with him to Portland? Beyeler said the competition for jobs is great.

Some thoughts, as the Fort Myers training facility starts to get busy.

When the Sox signed Curt Schilling, it was called a good gamble because the base pay was only $8-million (I can't believe I just wrote ONLY), and Schilling is certainly a gamer in the post-season.

But it still was a gamble, and the Sox lost this one.

Before I pass on the the latest Red Sox ticket info, let me repond to the comment on the last blog - yes, the Red Sox ticket process features a lot of jumps through hoops. And the tickets are incredibly expensive.

But, despite the complicated/pricey process, the Red Sox continue to set attendance records. I suppose that's a lesson for Economics 101. If the market supports the prices, why not charge them?

I'm still getting over the crush at Dunkin Donuts on Thursday, with a throng cramming in to see Jacoby Ellsbury (see the Press Herald for a story on Ellsbury's visit).

I came home last night to a pleasant surprise - the Baseball America Prospect Handbook had arrived. Here is a list of BA's list of the Red Sox top 30 prospects.

Tickets to most of the Boston Red Sox home games in 2008 will go on sale this Saturday at 10 a.m., by both phone and internet (no box office sales until February).

Last December, tickets to selected games in April and May, plus combination packages, went on sale. This Saturday, most of the remaining tickets go on sale (except the home opener, Yankees games, Monster seat and Right Field rooftop seats).

One item I did not get into my Sunday column was a note on Craig Hansen, the once-touted relief pitcher who is still a question mark.

Hansen underwent nasal surgery to help him sleep better. Farm director Mike Hazen said the surgery required a lot of time for recuperation, but that Hansen is now throwing and getting ready for spring training.

But will Hansen REALLY be ready.

Hard not to notice Dustin Richardson at the Red Sox Rookie Camp this week.

For one thing, he is 6 feet 6. For another, it was somewhat of a surprise he was there. He had only pitched four games in Class A Lancaster (a good four games, at 4-0, 2.74 ERA).

Kris Johnson, another top prospect, had been in Lancaster all year. He was not at the Rookie Camp. Red Sox Farm Director Mike Hazen explained that Johnson was "just below" the cut-off mark. The program had a maximum of 12 players.

Baseball America and a few late Christmas cards arrived in the mailbox today. The BA issue features the top 10 prospects of the American League East teams.

Here are the top 10 Red Sox prospects, according to BA:

Some thoughts as the Hot Stove League has cooled down (for now):

One of the latest rumors about the hunt for Johan Santana is that the Twins want Clay Buchholz in any trade with the Red Sox. Boston's answer should be easy. No. Period.

Buchholz shows the potential to become a right-handed Santana. He's only 23 and won't be demanding $25-million a year anytime soon.

When the Red Sox got squeezed out of the Carolina League atfer the 2006 season - when the Wilmington Blue Rocks booted them - they had to move their advanced Class A team across the country to windblown Lancaster, Calif.

But the Red Sox figured out a way to get back into the Carolina League - they bought a team.

With the Red Sox deciding to begin the playoffs Wednesday, they will only need three starters - Josh Beckett, Curt Schilling and Daisuke Matsuzaka.

So how many pitchers will Boston put on the playoff roster? Surely, Tim Wakefield will go to the bullpen as the use-whenever-needed guy.

And with Julian Tavarez subbing for Curt Schilling today, does that give a hint about the rotation (is Schilling the No. 2 starter ... and is Tavarez not going to be needed in the playoffs?)

Boston will try again to clinch the division title tonight. The AL playoffs could be set IF Boston wins, New York loses and either the Indians win or Angels lose.

Besides the division title, the focus tonight is on Daisuke Matsuzaka. Is this guys going to be worth of a No. 2 starter's role? In his last seven starts, he has averaged 5 innings and 5 earned runs.

Didn't I warn you about those Devil Rays? They are a hungry team (see link below).

When Scott Kazmir deals like he did on Monday, how much do the Mets keep on cringing at one of the worst-ever trades.

Overlooked in the Red Sox 1-0 loss was the performance of Curt Schilling. That was a comfort, considering the Matsuzaka implosion.

My son (the college boy at Loyola) called from Camden Yards last night, excited. He just saw his first David Ortiz home run in person.

Then he called back in the third inning. He got to witness the Daisuke Matsuzaka meltdown up close.

Oh well, at least he gets to watch Beckett today.

But what to do with Dice-K?

Daisuke Matsuzaka pitches tonight at Camden Yards and if ever a pitcher needed to face the Baltimore Orioles, it is Dice-K. The Orioles are in collapse mode, and Matsuzaka could use a dominating start after throwing clunkers in three of his last four outings (18 earned runs in 17 and 2/3 innings).

Memo to Red Sox Department of Player Projections (cc: Bill James):
Whatever secret formula you used to project that J.D. Drew would be a smash at Fenway Park (let alone worth a five year, $70-million contract), can you take another look.

Maybe someone did not get the math right, moved a decimal over or something.

Something to think about while waiting for the Sea Dogs to start the playoffs, Clay Buchholz to come out of the bullpen, and the Red Sox decision about Jacoby Ellsbury once Manny Ramirez returns.

Driving back from the Sea Dogs' downer in New Britain, I listened to the Red Sox on the radio Monday night. When it was 10-1 I almost went to the tape player ... oops.

Oh well, Red Sox fans, a win is a win. Boston leads the Yankees by seven and, with 24 games to play, their magic number is 18 (the combined # of Red Sox wins and Yankee losses for Boston to clinch.

I don't know who will be done sooner this year: Clay Buchholz or the Portland Sea Dogs.

Both should be going for a whle longer, but the Red Sox seem firm in their resolve to limit Buchholz's innings, and the Dogs seem determined to self-destruct.

The buzz continues about Clay Buchholz. In Boston, reports are that Terry Francona and Theo Epstein are still talking about what to do with him.

The D-word (Development) is being thrown around, meaning they are not going to over-use the latest whiz kid. But maybe there can be a bullpen role for him in the playoffs. How can you leave that arm off the roster?

Fun night to keep track of three games. Watched the Sea Dogs live, followed the Fisher Cats on the internet, and kept sneaking peaks of Clay Buchholz on TV, pitching against Baltimore.

You surely know about Buchholz's no-hitter. As for the Sea Dogs, they lost. But so did the New Hampshire Fisher Cats. That makes Portland's magic number to rwach the playoffs down to 3.

I'm sure I'll be blogging more on Buchholz, but here's a question:

The Tampa Bay Devil Rays stifled the Yankees with their rookie pitcher - former Sanford Mainer Andy Sonnanstine.

Now the Yankees and Red Sox, those two teams loaded with high-price veteran talent, rely on their rookie pitchers today.

Nothing is official regarding Clay Buchholz (the Red Sox love holding off these announcements), but all signs point to Buchholz starting Saturday's game at Fenway Park.

Meanwhile, the Sea Dogs lost Friday night and now lead the New Hampshire Fisher Cats by a half-game for the last playoff spot.

Major League teams can expand their rosters Saturday and call up anyone on their 40-man roster. Who will the Sox bring up?

Let's start with the obvious: Pitchers Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz, and outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury. Lester is scheduled to pitch Sunday.

Here are other candidates: Pitchers Devern Hansack, Craig Hansen and Travis Hughes; catchers George Kottaras and Dusty Brown, infielders Royce Clayton, Chris Carter and Bobby Scales, and outfielder Brandon Moss.

Daisuke Matsuzaka could not do it. Neither could Josh Beckett. Will Curt Schilling take the stopper role for the Boston Red Sox this afternoon and beat the New York Yankees?

While the Yankees beat the Red Sox two best pitchers, they still remain six games behind Boston. Closing to five would be a boost, especially if it means a sweep of the Red Sox and their Big Three on the staff.

For Schilling, this is not only a chance to come through for the sake of the team, but a chance to prove that he is still a big-game pitcher and not just an old guy hanging on.

Just think if the Yankees had moved to 2 or 3 games behind the Red Sox, instead of 7, after Johnny Damon's homer beat Boston last night.

Some fans would have been screaming that Boston should have re-signed Damon (the same ones who screamed about Pedroa Martinez).

But over-paying veteran players seems to be a tend of the past (okay, J.D. Drew is an exception).

But it is definitely the case with pitching. And it is why the Red Sox are not going to throw big money (if anything) at Curt Schilling to keep him next year.

When the Yankees closed to four games behind the Red Sox, you could sense the return of the New England angst over their team. People talked about history and curses and all that.

I usually answered with one word: Pitching.

While I do not pretend to guarantee anything in baseball, I have learned from those in the know that one ingredient is especially needed for winning baseball: pitching.

Justin Masterson pitches for the Sea Dogs today in Manchester. Big day for the Dogs (who are tied with New Hampshire) and Masterson, who was speculated (by Sports Illustraed) to be headed for a September call-up to Boston.

Who else could be called up? Shortstop Jed Lowrie was a possibility, until they signed Royce Clayton.

But if you really want to see a shortstop, there is a 17-year-old in Lowell.

If you are a Red Sox fan, you had to like the long ball on Friday. The bashes lasted into Saturday morning, when Carlos Guillen launched a 3-run homer in the 11th to push the Tigers past the Yankees 9-6.

That puts New York 6 1/2 games back. Boston's magic number is 28.

Other home runs of note included two by David Ortiz and one apiece from Jason Varitek and Kevin Youkilis (who looks like he is coming out of his slump) in the Red Sox sweep of Chicago.

And there were two more homers to mention:

The Boston Red Sox sent Jon Lester down to the Portland Sea Dogs, and recalled lefty reliever Javier Lopez from Pawtucket. (See the Red Sox press release below).

Lester is expected to start for the Sea Dogs Monday at Hadlock Field against the Trenton Thunder. The reasong for Lester going to Portland instead of Pawtucket, reportedly is because Clay Buchholz is already set to pitch Monday for Pawtucket.

It sure does help the Sea Dogs in a key game.

Josh Beckett is pitching for the Red Sox tonight, in Chicago against White Sox left-hander John Danks (6-11, 5.30 ERA). Sounds like trouble for the Boston 9.

The glaring concern for the Boston Red Sox continues to be a lineup that fails to score runs. Ask Daisuke Matsuzaka about it. He threw a two-hitter over six innings and lost Wednesday night to the Devil Rays, 2-1 (so the Yankees are back to five games behind after beating the Angels).

In the past three months, he has given up three runs or less in 12 starts.

The addition of minor league first-baseman Chris Carter is interesting. Are the Red Sox simply stockpiling or preparing for Mike Lowell's exit?

That persistent Angels lineup, which was a problem for the Red Sox over the weekend, came through against the Yankees late Monday night (into Tuesday morning). Rookie catcher Ryan Budde upped his average to .167 with the game-winning RBI in the 10th inning.

With Dustin Pedroia and Mike Lowell coming thorugh for Boston (not to mention Tim Wakefield), the Red Sox bumped their lead back to five games

David Murphy made it back to the major leagues Friday night, as a Texas Ranger.

Aaron Bates will be the latest prospect donning a Sea Dogs uniform.

And, um, about that trade for Mr. Gagne ...

Interesting Red Sox boxscore from Wednesday night (well into Thursday morning). There was second baseman Dustin Pedroia (3-for-5), first baseman Kevin Youkilis (1-3), right fielder Brandon Moss (getting his first Major League hit), starting pitcher Jon Lester and closer Jonathan Papelbon (26th save).

All former Sea Dogs.

Now, we ask, what to do about Lester?

Before we catch up with issues like the trade (where did Kason Gabard go?) or the rear view mirror (who is that, only five games back?), I have a question about this Saturday's games at Fenway Park.

Are you going? The Futures at Fenway minor league doubleheader (with the Sea Dogs playing the second game) is billed as a chance to see baseball at Fenway Park without breaking the bank or finding a scalper.

So, are you going? Send me a note (either a comment here, or email me).

And now back to the issues:

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:

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?

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 ...

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

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.