Clearing the Bases

Was that Felix out there?

Angie Muhs Only — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 11:19:01 GMT

The Boston Red Sox entered Tuesday's doubleheader with their Nos. 5 and 6 starters - Felix Doubront and Alfredo Aceves - and swept the Tampa Bay Rays.

Boston's pitching depth remains impressive.

Doubront's weakness has always been command, but he was in control Tuesday, going eight innings: 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K. Doubront needed only 93 pitches (58 strikes).

The only downer was that Boston went to closer Andrew Bailey in the ninth and he is not inspiring confidence after another blown save (his third) by allowing a lead-off home run.

Bailey has time to turn it around. If he doesn't, next month's trading deadline will be interesting.

In case you missed the moves Boston made Tuesday: Clay Buchholz to the 15-day DL (back-dated to June 9) and David Ross to the 7-day concussion DL. Called up: Alex Wilson and Ryan Lavarnway.

In Triple-A, Chris Hernandez (4.28 ERA) continues to bounce back and forth from the bullpen. He got a start Tuesday: 5 2/3 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 3 K ... Xander Bogaerts (.263) went 2-for-5 ... Jackie Bradley Jr. (.297) hit his third home run.

Portland split a doubleheader in Reading. Matt Barnes (3-4, 5.46 ERA) continues to demonstrate impressive stuff, along with room for improvement. He needed 89 pitches (62 strikes) to get through four innings: 2 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 6 K.

First baseman Travis Shaw (.227) said in a recent story that he felt he was turning it around. True to his word, Shaw went 3-for-7 in the doubleheader and is 8-for-15 in his last five games. If you missed it, Shaw and his father Jeff were the subject of last Sunday's Fathers' Day column.

In the Carolina vs. California league All-Star Game Tuesday, Salem's Blake Swihart went 1-for-3 with an RBI ... Garin Cecchini was 0-for-2 with a walk ... Henry Owens, who pitched for Salem on Sunday, did not pitch Tuesday.

Salem is off until Friday. Will all three All-Stars be re-joining their team, or are any (hint: Cecchini) headed to Double-A?

And, finally a peek at the AL East standings after Boston's sweep. Baltimore beat the Tigers and Verlander, the Yankees were rained out, and Toronto won its seventh straight.

Red Sox 44-29
Orioles 41-31 (2.5 games back)
Yankees 38-31 (4)
Rays 36-33 (7)
Jays 33-36 (8.5)

A doggish win for Pawtucket

Angie Muhs Only — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 10:55:21 GMT

Not many Red Sox teams playing Monday, except for Triple-A Pawtucket, and the season-opener for the Lowell Spinners.

Pawtucket won 4-0 with the help of several former Sea Dogs. Bryce Brentz (.272) hit his 14th home run ... Ryan Lavarnway (.261) has been slumping but he doubled and scored on a single by Jeremy Hazelbaker (.280).

Starter Rubby De La Rosa (not a former Sea Dog) went 5 1/3 innings. He was wild (5 walks) but effective: 2 H, 0 R, 5 K. His ERA is now 2.89 ... Relievers Alex Wilson (1 2/3 IP, 1 H, 3K) and Brock Huntzinger (2 IP, 1 K) took care of the rest.

Lowell won 1-0, scoring on an error in the ninth. Three pitchers combined for a 4-hit shutout. Starter Sergio Gomez, 19, struck out 8 in 5 innings ... Chris Carpenter (a Pawtucket pitcher just coming off the DL) pitching a scoreless inning, and Jonathan Aro, 22, struck out 6 in 3 innings.

This is the time of year, prospects begin to move around. The Sea Dogs have lost a few, but can expect to receive a few from Salem. See today's column.

The Orioles lost Monday, giving Boston some breathing room.

The Al East standings:

Red Sox 42-29
Orioles 40-31 (2 games back)
Yankees 38-31 (3)
Rays 36-33 (5)
Jays 33-36 (8)

Tight AL East, Lester woes, other lefties

Angie Muhs Only — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 10:05:27 GMT

The Red Sox get today off, to recover from a 1-3 series in Baltimore. The Orioles are closing in, the Yankees and Rays are hanging around, and even the Blue Jays have won five straight.

The standings:

Red Sox 42-29
Orioles 40-30 (1.5 games back)
Yankees 38-31 (3)
Rays 36-33 (5)
Jays 32-36 (8.5)

Jon Lester (6-4) took the loss, allowing five runs in five innings. His 4.37 ERA is now fourth-best in the rotation, ahead of only Felix Doubront (4.91).

Lester's first nine starts: 18 ER in 59 2/3 innings: 2.71

Lester's last six starts: 28 ER in 35 innings: 7.20

In the minors, knuckleball pitcher Steven Wright (the only right-hander we will talk about) showed rare control, going eight innings: 5 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 7 K (97 pitches, 69 strikes). Wright is 3-4, 4.60.

Portland lefty Drake Britton(6-5, 3.08) put in another fine performance: 7 IP, 5 H, 2 R (1 ER), 3 BB, 1 K. The question remains: why is Britton still in Double-A? See the game story.

Salem lefty Henry Owens continues to compile the strikeouts, with seven more Sunday, in 4 1/3 innings. He also gave up 5 H, 2 R and 3 BB. Owens (5-2, 3.03) has 80 K's and 28 walks in 65 1/3 innings.

Greenville lefty Cody Kukuk (3-7, 4.66) gave up only one hit in 3 2/3 innings on Sunday, but he matched a season high with six walks. He allowed one run and struck out three. Kukuk, who is in his first full pro season, has 48 strikeouts and 43 walks in 46 1/3 innings.

Who follows Workman and Bogaerts out of Portland? Who shows up?

Angie Muhs Only — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 13:14:05 GMT

Xander Bogaerts' debut for Triple-A Pawtucket was rained out Thursday. Back here in Portland, life went on.

While the Sea Dogs will miss their star-in-the-making (see the short story), plenty of prospects are still delivering at Hadlock Field. Anthony Ranauldo proved that Thursday with his finest pro game to date: 7 2/3 IP, 2 H, 2 BB, 13 K. See today's game story.

Bogaerts became the second player promoted to Pawtucket (following starter Brandon Workman).

Who is next? Three candidates come to mind:

Left-hander Drake Britton (5-5, 3.25) is in his second year on the 40-man roster. It seems the Red Sox have to move him up soon - to Pawtucket, with maybe a taste of the majors later this season (the way Boston is burning through pitchers because of doubleheaders and extra-inning games, Britton could be of use sooner than expected).

Ranaudo (7-1, 2.15) is not on the 40-man roster, but he will be before the end of the year. Ranaudo is eligible for the Rule V draft after the season (a process where non 40-man roster guys can he drafted by other teams). No way the Red Sox risk losing this arm. If Ranaudo keeps dominating in Double-A, Boston may be forced to move him up to Triple-A, even though the Pawtucket rotation is a crowded group.

Michael Almanzar, 22, showed a little extra motivation Thursday, going 3-for-3 with both RBI in a 2-0 win. Almanzar watched his friend Bogaert's move up and wants to follow. Signed as a 16-year-old, Almanzar had been an under-performer until last year. Now he seems to have "turned the switch." He is also eligible for the Rule V draft, so Boston needs to make some decisions concerning his future. Seeing how he does in Triple-A may help the process.

Who might be coming to Portland from advanced Class A Salem? Two names come to mind: third baseman Garin Cecchini (.351/1.001 OPS). He will be Rule V eligible next year. He is expected at Hadlock Field very soon. Left-handed pitcher Henry Owens (5-2, 2.95) will get here eventually.

In the majors, former Sea Dogs right-hander Alex Wilson got the loss for Boston in extra innings, but his performance was very promising. See Tim Britton's story in the Providence Journal.

Nava one of the top AL outfielders

Angie Muhs Only — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 08:52:32 GMT

Daniel Nava’s two-run home run was the difference Wednesday night (that and Alfredo Aceves’ pitching), in Boston’s 2-1 victory over Tampa Bay.

Nava continues to surprise. He leads all American League outfielders in on-base percentage (.291), is second in both batting average (.299) and RBI (44), and is fourth in OPS (.870).

Now it’s on to Baltimore for a big four-game series:

Current AL East standings:

Red Sox 41-26
Yankees 37-28 (3 games back)
Orioles 37-29 (3.5)
Rays 35-30 (5)
Jays 28-36 (11.5)

In the minors, the Sea Dogs dropped two one-run games in a doubleheader Wednesday. Xander Bogaerts had a total of two hits and a walk. He has reached base in 51 of 56 games this season, and has hit safely in 19 of his last 23 starts. Bogaerts is batting .311, with a .407 on-base percentage and .502 slugging average.

Salem outfielder Keury De La Cruz is starting to get hot (.4447 in his last 10 games). He went 3-for-4 Wednesday with a double, upping his average to .281.

The Sea Dogs are at home tonight at 6 p.m., with Anthony Ranaudo pitching.

Iggy time; Prospect grade: 4 B's and a C

Angie Muhs Only — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 10:16:00 GMT

Jose Iglesias, a.k.a. Iggy, is a player without a regular position for the Boston Red Sox, although he is hitting .449.

No, Iglesias is not the second coming of Ted Williams, but he is consistently one of the best players on the field for Boston, when he plays, like Tuesday when he was at third and Will Middlebrooks sat.

The Red Sox will have to be creative in getting Iglesias playing time. They would like the power-hitting Middlebrooks to get into a groove, and for shortstop Stephen Drew is bat more consistently. But Drew is batting .228.

One thought is a platoon at short with Iglesias starting against left-handers. But Boston's next five games, including tonight, is against right-handers. Drew needs to sit down for at least one or two of those.

Tonight: Alfredo Aceves (1-1, 4.91) vs. Tampa Bay's Chris Archer (1-1, 4.91). Aceves pitched well his last start (6 IP, 1 R) and Archer is very good at hoe (2-0, 2.84).

In the minors, it was another case of the B's shining (Bradley, Brentz, Bogaerts and Britton), and one C (Cecchini).

Bryce Brentz (.279) went 2-for-4 with his 12th home run, while Jackie Bradley Jr. (.348) also was 2-for-4 ... Pawtucket starter Steven Wright (2-4, 5.10 ERA) gave up seven hits and four runs over six innings ... Chris Hernandez (3.86) has moved to the bullpen. He pitched a scoreless inning Tuesday.

Sea Dogs shortstop Xander Bogaerts (.310) was 1-for-2 with a walk, upping his OPS to .913 ... Britton (5-5, 3.25) pitched a seven-inning shutout: 6 H, 1 BB, 3 K. He has allowed one earned run in the last 25 innings and seems on the threshold of a promotion. See today's story.

Salem third baseman Garin Cecchini (.355) also looks primed for promotion (after the Carolina League All-Star Game next week?). He went 2-for-3 and his OPS is now 1.014.

The Sea Dogs play a 6 p.m. doubleheader tonight.

Dogs on, Sox moves, lineups

Angie Muhs Only — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 20:43:18 GMT

PORTLAND — Greetings from a wet Hadlock Field, where the Portland Sea Dogs are hoping to get in their doubleheader tonight, starting at 6 p.m. (Getting in a least one game would be good, since the two teams meet only two more times this year - Wednesday and Thursday).

The lineups are below.

Drake Britton (4-5, 3.69) gets the start for Portland. he has allowed only one earned run total in his last three starts. Britton's last outing was a one-hitter over eight innings. He keeps this up, he'll be in Pawtucket soon.

The Red Sox, as expected, made a move for a fresh arm, before the 7 p.m. game with the Rays. Boston put Clayton Mortensen on the disabled list ("hip impingement") and reliever Jose De La Torre was called up from Pawtucket. He might be with Boston for only a day since starter Alfredo Aceves is expected to be brought up Wednesday.

A deep start by Jon Lester would do wonders for the bullpen.

Now for the lineups:

SEA DOGS
Shannon Wilkerson CF
Xander Bogaerts SS
Michael Almanzar 3B
Juan Carlos Linares RF
Tony Thomas DH
Travis Shaw 1B
Matt Spring C
Peter Hissey LF
Heiker Meneses 2B
(Drake Britton P)

RED SOX
Jacoby Ellsbury CF
Daniel Nava RF
Dustin Pedroia 2B
David Ortiz DH
Mike Napoli 1B
Daniel Nava LF
Stephen Drew SS
David Ross C
Jose Iglesias 3B
(Jon Lester P)

Who gets called up? Dogs back in town; lefties

Angie Muhs Only — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 10:53:02 GMT

After Boston's 10-8 14-inning win over the Tampa Bay Rays, one thing is certain: The Red Sox need fresh arms.

Don't know how Boston will re-arrange its rosters (major and minors), but the Red Sox have several pitchers available to bring aboard.

Alfredo Aceves (likeliest candidate), Allen Webster and Steven Wright are on enough days' rest in Pawtucket, as is Portland left-hander Drake Britton (who is scheduled to start tonight). Plus, there is reliever Alex Wilson.

Boston fans may be wondering what happened after the Red Sox scored six runs with their first seven batters in the first inning.

Rays starter Alex Cobb settled down, while the Sox pitchers could not hold the lead. Starter John Lackey went 5 2/3: 10 H, 4 R. Andrew Miller and Junichi Tazawa both allowed a run.

But if Red Sox followers are upset over blowing the lead, what of Rays fans? Their team tied the game 8-8 in the bottom of the 10th and had based loaded with no outs. Evan Longoria hit into a 5-2-3 double play, and pinch-hitter Sam Fuld then tried to bunt in a run, but Dustin Pedroia threw him out.

Daniel Nava got the game-winning RBI single in the 14th.

Pawtucket was rained out and Portland was off Monday. The Sea Dogs begin a six-day home stand today with a 6 p.m. doubleheader against Erie.

The Red Sox featured two of its young left-handed prospects in Class A on Monday. Henry Owens (5-2, 2.95) went five innings for advanced Class A Salem: 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K. Owens turns 21 next month.

Cody Kukuk, who turned 20 this past April, is 3-6 with a 4.65 ERA for low Class A Greenville. He pitched five innings Monday: 2 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 9 K.

Missing Arroyo; unlikely Sox standouts; Workman; Couch; the X-man

Angie Muhs Only — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 10:22:40 GMT

Two 36-year-olds took the mound Sunday. Ryan Dempster (4-6, 4.40) put in a quality start for Boston (6 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 6 K), in Boston's 10-5 win over the Angels. Signed to a two-year deal, at $13.25-million per, Dempster is doing OK for the Red Sox.

Bronson Arroyo (3.35 ERA) had a non-decision in the Red's loss to St. Louis (6 IP, 6H, 2 R, 1 BB, 4 K). He's making $11.5-million in the last year of his contract.

Just wondering if the Red Sox kept Arroyo, who was traded to the Reds on March 20, 2006, for Wily Mo Pena - in Boston's desperate and unsuccessful attempt to add more power to the lineup.

We would probably be saying Arroyo is "doing OK." His lifetime numbers: 130-120, 3.20 ERA. But there was value to Arroyo. He was a durable part of the 2004 World Champion rotation. In his last season in Boston, in 2005, Arroyo was 14-10, making 35 starts and pitching 205 innings.

Since then, Arroyo has not made fewer than 32 starts in a season, nor pitched less than 199 innings.

Just wondering.

As mentioned, the Red Sox won. They continue to have the best record in the American League, but it is hard to break away in the AL East.

The standings:

Red Sox 39-29
Yankees 37-26 (1.5 games back)
Orioles 35-28 (3.5)
Rays 34-28 (4)
Jays 27-35 (11)

More evidence of Boston's depth: at this point in the season, did you figure Jose Iglesias would be batting .446, Daniel Nava .299 (with a .395 on-base percentage), and Mike Carp .318 (with six home runs)?

John Lackey (3-5, 2.79) pitches in St. Petersburg tonight against the Rays and Alex Cobb (6-2, 2.34).

In the minors, Brandon Workman made his Triple-A debut after his promotion from Portland. He was not his efficient self (98 pitches/59 strikes), but he got the win: 5 2/3 IP, 8 H, 3 R, 3 BB, 4 K.

Bryce Brentz (.376) had three hits for Pawtucket, including his 11th home run ... Will Middlebrooks (.294) went 1-for-5.

Keith Couch replaced Workman in Portland's rotation. He was a starter before this season and sent to the bullpen at the beginning of this year. He also won, going five innings: 3 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 3 K ... Chris Balcom-Miller (2.35 ERA) and Brock Huntzinger (2.51) pitched scoreless relief.

The X-Man, Xander Bogaerts, went 2-for-3 for Portland, with his sixth triple and a walk. His numbers: .308 average, .403 OBP, .507 slugging ... Michael Almanzar also went 2-for-3 (.287, .347, .511).

The Sea Dogs fly back from Akron today and start a home stand at Hadlock Tuesday with a 6 pm. doubleheader.

Kids, don't throw a curveball yet

Angie Muhs Only — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 10:47:29 GMT

With their first two draft picks, the Boston Red Sox went for pitching. Boston chose high school left-hander Trey Ball in the first round and junior college right-hander Teddy Stankiewicz in the second.

My favorite part about Ball's bio on the Baseball America website was that Ball's father "restricted his use of a curveball before his junior season (of high school) ... he learned to rely on a change-up, which he throws with deceptive arm speed and nice fade."

How many kids start throwing a curveball too early? They not only risk messing up their arm, they rely too heavily on the pitch and don't develop as a pitcher (i.e. learn how to use a change-up).

Stankiewicz was drafted in the second round last year by the Mets, but did not like New York's offer.

In the minors, both Shane Victorino and Will Middlebrooks went deep during their rehab appearances with Pawtucket. It was the second straight homer for Middlebrooks.

Pitcher Allen Webster was ejected for the second time this season after hitting three batters. He also walked one and gave up four hits, including a Steve Tolleson grand slam (Webster hit Tolleson his next time up, prompting Webster's ejection) ... Webster gave up five runs in 3 1/3 innings, jumping his ERA from 2.57 to 3.38.

The Sea Dogs were rained out in Erie. Since that was their last scheduled game in Erie, the SeaWolves game in Portland next Tuesday is now a doubleheader.

Salem prospects Garin Cecchini (.346) and Blake Swihart (.289) both doubled on Thursday night.

Draft; no Ellsbury; Middlebrooks obeys; Britton & Bogaerts boffo

Angie Muhs Only — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 09:34:32 GMT

The major league draft begins tonight with the Red Sox holding the No. 7 pick. The top picks - college pitchers Mark Appel (Stanford) and Jonathan Gray (Oklahoma) and college third basemen Kris Bryant (San Diego) and Colin Moran (North Carolina) - figure to be gone.

Here’s a group of players that the Red Sox will likely chose from, if available.

Texas high school pitcher Kohl Stewart (my pick if he’s available); George high school outfielder Clint Frazier (my second guess).

Then there are college pitchers Braden Shipley (Nevada) and Ryne Stanek (Arkansas), Indiana high school pitcher Trey Ball and Georgia high school outfielder Austin Meadows.

From media reports out of Fenway before Wednesday’s game, Red Sox manager John Farrell is now not sure when Jacoby Ellsbury will return from his groin injury. Injury plagued? Ellsbury has missed 252 of his last 546 games.

Farrell also said Will Middlebrooks’ stint in Pawtucket is open-ended. The Red Sox want Middlebrooks to show some consistency. Think he heard them? Middlebrooks was 2-for-3 Wednesday night with a home run and five RBI.

The minor league performance of the night belonged to Sea Dogs lefty Drake Britton (4-5, 3.60), who carried a no-hitter into the seventh inning. Britton’s line: 8 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 8 K … 88 pitches/62 strikes … Maybe Britton was motivated by teammate Brandon Workman being promoted to Pawtucket.

Shortstop Xander Bogaerts (.310) continues to look like he will be in Pawtucket sooner rather than later. He went 2-for-4 with his sixth home run and a walk (and no strikeouts) … Michael Almanzar (.283) hit his 11th home run.

Salem left-hander Henry Owens was wild (5 walks) but effective (1 hit, 0 runs, 6 strikeouts) over five innings.

Should Sox have moved Murphy to the pen? Bogaerts reaches .400

Angie Muhs Only — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 13:40:24 GMT

Crazy game at Fenway Tuesday night, with the Red Sox routing the Rangers 17-5. Boston tallied 19 hits, including a triple to the triangle by speedster David Ortiz.

But the strangest scene was watching former Sea Dogs and Red Sox outfielder David Murphy pitching for the Rangers in the eighth inning. And the eighth was the only frame the Red Sox did not score in.

“I was just trying to give the bullpen a breather and trying to get through the inning without getting hurt,” Murphy told reporters after the game. “It will be fun to look back on it some day.”

Murphy’s appearance led to jokes that Boston should have kept him as a reliever instead of trading him to Texas in 2007 for reliever Eric Gagne. Murphy’s ERA: 0.00. Gagne’s ERA for Boston: 6.75.

Murphy was drafted 10 years ago, in the first round by the Red Sox (Theo Epstein’s first draft as Boston’s GM).

“It’s crazy. That’s been the fastest 10 years,” Murphy said, “considering what I’ve done in baseball, plus getting married, having three kids …”

Murphy is expected to be in the Rangers lineup again today - back in left field, well away from the mound.

Most impressive in Boston’s romp on Tuesday was the play of its so-called “part-time” players. See today’s column.

Watching the Rangers and Red Sox, you see two teams that are grateful today, in the light of the Biogenesis performance-enhancing drug scandal. Texas is thankful that it traded Alex Rodriguez away, and the Red Sox must be relieved that their deal to obtain Rodriguez fell through.

In the minors Tuesday night, Will Middlebrooks made the first of four scheduled rehab appearances with Pawtucket. He went 1-for-2 with a walk … Jeremy Hazelbaker (.282) went 2-for-3 with two walks.

Portland lost to Erie 8-7 in 12 innings … Xander Bogaerts (.306) and Michael Almanzar (.284) both had two hits, including a double … Bogaerts also walked twice, upping his on-base percentage to .400 … Anthony Ranaudo (6-1, 2.43 ERA) had his first rough start of the season: 4 2/3, 8 H, 7 R, 4 BB, 5 K.

Salem catcher Blake Swihart (.288) doubled, homered and walked. His OPS is .816 (.371/.445).

Ryan Reid's debut; the Texas test

Angie Muhs Only — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 10:30:17 GMT

The Pittsburgh Pirates brought Portland's Ryan Reid into his first major league game Monday night in Atlanta, in the seventh inning.

With bases loaded.

The Pirates were already losing 7-1, but it was still quite a situation for the reliever's big league debut.

Reid got a ground out. Then he pitched a 1-2-3 eighth, all on ground outs (10 pitches, six strikes).

Reid, 28, is the former Deering standout and teammate of Ryan Flaherty, now with the Orioles. (And, no, the Pirates and Orioles do not face each other this year).

The Red Sox were off Monday, but welcome the Texas Rangers today. Texas is the only team to sweep Boston in a series this year. Ryan Dempster (2-6, 4.45) goes against Justin Grimm (5-3, 3.93) who has won his last three starts.

Dempster pitched well his last outing (7 IP, 2 ER).

Boston (35-23) is 2.5 games ahead of both the Orioles and Yankees (both at 32-25). New York beat the Indians (and Justin Masterson) 7-4 Monday. Masterson (8-4, 3.57) gave up nine hits and seven runs over 6 1/3 innings.

Pawtucket lost 6-5 in 11 innings. Chris Martin gave up the winning run. After a 0.00 ERA in Portland and not being scored upon in his first four PawSox appearances, Martin has hit a blip, allowing four runs in his last three outings ... Ryan Lavarnway (.289) went 2-for-6.

Portland was off Monday. Salem swept a doubleheader. Third baseman Garrin Cecchini (.364) went 2-for-3 with three walks in the two games ... Outfielder Keury De La Cruz, who batted .308 in Greenville last year, showed some life, going 4-for-6 with a double and triple in the two games. His average is up to .251.

Should Bogaerts move up? Plus: pitching, winning a game with one hit and the Sox lead

Angie Muhs Only — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 10:14:56 GMT

Are the Red Sox considering a promotion for Xander Bogaerts to Triple-A?

Bogaerts continues to hit for the Portland Sea Dogs, which brings up speculation that he might be headed to Pawtucket sometime soon (if not next month).

Fueling the speculation is the thought that Jose Iglesias may stay with Boston as a utility player, even when Will Middlebrooks comes off the disabled list. That would leave a spot for Bogaerts in Triple-A.

Here is the latest batch of numbers on Bogaerts:

Last 7 games: 12-for-23 (.522), 3 HR

Last 15 games: 21-for-57 (.368), 3 HR

Season: 48 Games. 58-for-192 (.302), 11 2B, 5 3B, 5 HR, 30 RBI
.393 OBP, .490 Slugging, .882 OPS

Here’s something else. In his last 13 games, Bogaerts has walked 11 times and struck out only five times.

“He’s managing his at-bats real well,” Sea Dogs manager Kevin Boles said.

Counting last year, Bogaerts has played 71 Double-A games (half of a season).

Others have spent brief times with Portland, including Dustin Pedroia (66 games) and Jackie Bradley Jr. (61 games). But they were drafted out of advanced college programs.

Another comparison is Iglesias, who played 57 games in an injury-filled year with the Sea Dogs in 2010. Iglesias was moved to Pawtucket the next year, at the age of 21. He was already on the 40-man roster, so the clock was ticking.

Considering that Iglesias struggled offensively the past two years, it can be argued that he should have begun 2011 in Portland.

Bogaerts is only 20 (birthday is Oct. 1), yet he shows the maturity to handle both success and adversity. The Red Sox could challenge him at Triple-A and not worry about him being overwhelmed.

If/when Bogaerts is promoted, it won’t be because he’s being rushed. Bogaerts is not yet on the 40-man roster (he will be on it before next year, at the latest).

If/when Bogaerts is promoted, it is unlikely that Salem starting shortstop Deven Marrero is moved up. He is batting .263 in this, his first full professional season. More likely is that Nick Natoli, 25, is moved up from Salem as a utility player and Derrik Gibson goes from utility to shortstop.

In Sunday’s games, Pawtucket starter Rubby De La Rosa came within one out of getting a decision, but lasted only 4 2/3 innings (83 pitches). His line: 3 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 7 K.

Matt Barnes had been pitching well in his last six games, but his start featured a combination of some elevated pitches and a gusting wind blowing out. Barnes pitched 1 2/3 innings: 6 H, 7 R, 0 BB, 2 K (three home runs). His ERA ballooned to 5.62. See today’s story.

Salem starter Kyle Stroup (3.88 ERA) pitched seven strong innings: 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K.

Salem won 3-2, with only one hit. In the fourth, after a hit-batter and walk, Brandon Jacobs doubled two runs in. In the sixth, Salem scored on two walks, a stolen base (by Garrin Cecchini) and a throwing error on a pick-off attempt.

And finally a look at the American League East, now that Boston has taken two of three from the Yankees:

Red Sox 35-23
Orioles 32-25 (2.5 games back)
Yankees 31-25 (3)
Rays 31-25 (3)
Jays 24-33 (10.5)

Who do the Sox want? Some pitching gems

Angie Muhs Only — Sun, 02 Jun 2013 16:47:21 GMT

In today's column, we look at who the Red Sox might get with the seventh pick in the major league draft (which starts Thursday). It is the highest draft pick Boston has had since 1993.

Boston has drafted some top pitching talent in recent years (including today's Portland starter, Matt Barnes - see today' lineup below).

Allen Webster was not drafted by Boston, but obtained in the mega Dodgers deal last August. Webster (5-0, 2.57 in Pawtucket) went 6 1/3 innings on Saturday: 4 H, 2 R, 3 BB, 6 K.

Brandon Workman (3.43 ERA) needed only 89 pitches to go eight inning for the Sea Dogs: 3 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 5 K ... Michael Almanzar hit his 10th home run for Portland.

Caleb Clay is mentioned in today's draft story as a high draft pick that did not work out for the Red Sox. He signed with the Nationals in the off-season and pitched a nine-inning shutout for Harrisburg on Saturday. Clay is 5-2 with a 3.69 ERA.

On Friday, Salem lefty Henry Owens (3.53) was dealing: 6 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 7 K.

To keep track of Barnes today, follow us on twitter: @ClearTheBases

Here's today's Sea Dogs lineup:

SEA DOGS
Shannon Wilkerson CF
Xander Bogaerts SS
Tony Thomas LF
Michael Almanzar DH
Juan Carlos Linares RF
Travis Shaw 3B
Matt Spring 1B
Christian Vazquez C
Heiker Meneses 2B
(Matt Barnes P)

East tightens; Brentz & Bogaerts go boom; Pedro watches Ranaudo

Angie Muhs Only — Thu, 30 May 2013 15:24:36 GMT

The Red Sox have lost two straight to Philadelphia, while the Mets are rolling over the Yankees. The result is a tightening of the American League East.

Red Sox 32-22
Yankees 30-22 (1 game back)
Orioles 29-24 (2.5)
Rays 28-24 (3)
Jays 23-30 (8.5)

Meanwhile, Boston goes with Franklin Morales tonight, while wondering when Clay Buchholz will be recovered from his sore AC joint (collarbone area).

As expected, Jackie Bradley Jr. was called up from Pawtucket to Boston. He entered in the ninth as a pinch-hitter and struck out against Jonathan Papelbon.

Pawtucket's Bryce Brentz continues to mash. Brentz (.284) went 2-for-4 with his 10th home run ... Jeremy Hazelbaker (.288) also was 2-for-4, with a double.

Xander Bogaerts (.287) hit home runs in the first and second inning of the Sea Dogs' 9-1 romp Wednesday ... Michael Almanzar (.289) went 3-for-4 and Juan Carlos Linares (.234) went 3-for-5.

For more on Bogaerts and the performance of starting pitcher Anthony Ranaudo, see today's story.

Ranaudo put in his finest effort: 7 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 8 K. His ERA is 1.48. One impressive observer was former Red Sox pitcher Pedro Martinez. Now an assistant to the Boston general manager, Martinez was in town to visit Portland's pitchers. See the story.

Salem got some nice performances from its prospects: third baseman Garin Cecchini (in a DH role Wednesday) went 2-for-5, upping his average to .356 ... catcher Blake Swihart (.287) went 3-for-4 ... outfielder Brandon Jacobs (.210) may be coming out of his slump, going 3-for-5.

The blog is taking a break for a couple of days (dropping off the eldest daughter at Notre Dame. Road trip!). Be back Sunday with updates and talk about the upcoming draft.

Jackie Bradley Jr. heading back to majors; and other "B's"

Angie Muhs Only — Wed, 29 May 2013 10:12:00 GMT

Jackie Bradley Jr. will re-join the Boston Red Sox, according to Alex Speier of weei.com. Boston has been short an everyday player since outfielder Shane Victorino went on the disabled list with a strained hamstring.

Bradley began the year with Boston. He began strong but faded quickly. He was batting .097 when he was sent down. Bradley soon regained his form in Pawtucket. He was batting .354 after Tuesday's game.

Boston has been going with an extra pitcher since Victorino went on the DL. According to Speier, the Red Sox are sending reliever Alex Wilson back to Pawtucket. Wilson performed well in his first stint in the majors (1-0, 2.50 ERA over 18 innings). But he has minor league options, while the other Red Sox relievers do not.

Boston plays the Phillies again tonight, but in Philadelphia this time, meaning no DH. Either Mike Napoli or David Ortiz will play first base.

Despite the loss, it had to be encouraging to see Ryan Dempster's line: 7 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 3 BB, 4 K.

While Bradley is going back to the bigs, Boston's other "B's" - Brentz, Barnes, Bogaerts and Blake - performed well in the minors.

Bryce Brentz went 2-for-4 in Pawtucket's loss, upping his average to .280.

Matt Barnes put in an impressive six innings for the Sea Dogs: 4 H, 3 R, 1 BB, 4 K. See today's story for more.

Xander Bogaerts (.277) was 2-for-5 for Portland with an RBI.

Salem catcher Blake Swihart (.272) enjoyed a 3-for-4 night. His one-base percentage is .352.

A Papelbon memory; Aceves; Napoli; and JBJ (again)

Angie Muhs Only — Tue, 28 May 2013 10:40:11 GMT

Jon Papelbon was not summoned from the Phillies bullpen Monday night, not with Boston routing his team.

Red Sox manager John Farrell was glad not to see Papelbon. Before Monday’s game, he praised him both for his ability and the fact that “he has a very good short-term memory. The days that don’t go well, he puts it behind him.”

That brings us back to June 21, 2005. Papelbon, a starter for the Portland Sea Dogs, was on the mound against the Trenton Thunder. In the Hadlock Field stands was general manager Theo Epstein.

Papelbon was terrible (4 1/3 innings, seven hits, five runs). He looked miserable in the clubhouse after the game. The next day, Thunder manager Bill Masse bumped into Papelbon and offered some consoling words. Papelbon, in his usual bravado, said he was fine.

“He had already forgotten about it,” said Masse, now a scout for the Mariners. “I knew he was going to do well.”

Papelbon would eventually start a game for Boston that year, before becoming the closer in 2006.

In Monday’s win, so much went right for Boston, including an unexpected strong spot start by Alfredo Aceves. See today’s column.

Mike Napoli went 2-for-4 with a home run and RBI double. He also struck out twice (giving him 72, 105 from Mark Bellhorn’s record).

Napoli will sit out a game either Wednesday or Thursday when the Red Sox go to Philadelphia (and lose the designated hitter). David Ortiz will play first base in one of the games.

In the minors, Pawtucket won as Jackie Bradley Jr. (.360) went 2-for-4 with a walk, double and home run. He has a .461 on-base percentage and .547 slugging average … Jeremy Hazelbaker (.283) also was 2-for-4 … Starter Rubby De La Rosa (3.45 ERA) remains on a tight pitch count. He went four innings (48 pitches): 2 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 1 K.

Brandon Workman (3.75 ERA) pitched six innings for the Sea Dogs: 7 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 9 K … Xander Bogaerts (.273) was 1-for-3 with two walks. His on-base percentage is .360 … Michael Almanzar (.279) went 2-for-4.

The Sea Dogs return to Portland tonight at 6 p.m. Matt Barnes is the starter.

Greenville catcher Jayson Hernandez (.378) went 2-for-4.

Aceves (with fingers crossed); dominant Pap; excpected moves; Jackie Bradley Jr.; past records after 51 games

Angie Muhs Only — Mon, 27 May 2013 16:43:37 GMT

BOSTON — Early greetings from Fenway Park. Only about 8 hours until game time here at Fenway. Catching up on lots of work in an empty press box.

The Red Sox are 31-20 (more about that below)

Two pitchers, former teammates in the Boston bullpen, will be in the spotlight tonight, when the Phillies visit.

Alfredo Aceves, up from Pawtucket, gets the start for the Red Sox, in place of the ailing Clay Buchholz (sore AC joint in the collarbone region). Aceves' last start for Boston on April 23 did not go so well (3 1/3 IP, 7 H, 8 R).

The other marque pitcher might not get into the game, unless the Phillies are leading. Closer Jonathan Papelbon is being his dominant self: 0.96 ER, opponents' batting average of .159 in 18 2/3 innings (15 strikeouts/two walks). Nine of nine in save opportunities.

Tyler Cloyd (1-0, 2.70 ERA) will start for the Phillies. He has taken Roy Halladay's spot in the rotation.

The Red Sox are expected to make one or two moves after the game or on Tuesday.

Left-hander Franklin Morales should be coming off the disabled list. While he has been stretched out as a starter, manager John Farrell said Morales will join the bullpen.

Aceves will likely go down after his start. The Red Sox will still have 13 pitchers and could send another arm down to Pawtucket and bring up an outfielder (with Shane Victorino on the DL).

Alex Wilson is a candidate for Pawtucket. He has pitched well (2.50 ERA), although is walks/hits per inning (WHIP) is 1.56, highest among Boston's active relievers.

Boston may recall outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr., who is batting .352 for Pawtucket.

Bradley went 2-for-4 for the PawSox on Sunday ... Ryan Lavarnway (.318) hit his third home run, while Bryce Brentz (.275) hit his ninth ... Chris Hernandez (3-2, 3.58) enjoyed his best start of the year: 6 2/3 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 2 K.

Another lefty, Henry Owens (3-2, 3.80), did not fare well for Salem: 4 2/3 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 BB, 6 K. Of the 19 earned runs that Owens has allowed this year, 11 have come in his last three starts.

Back to the major league club. While walk-off wins generate excitement, fans mistakenly begin talking about "momentum." We need to point out that Boston also had a walk-off win on May 26 of 2012 (Jarrod Saltalamachia's two-run homer in the ninth to beat Tampa Bay).

Boston improved to 23-23 that day. The Red Sox would not get their 31st win until June 13. These Red Sox of 2013 should do better, but no guarantees. See today's column.

So, what does a 31-20 record mean? Well, it's a good start. Here is a look at past Red Sox teams through 51 games:

Year: record (final record; result)
2012: 26-25 (69-93, out of playoffs)
2011: 29-22 (90-72, out of playoffs)
2010: 28-23 (89-73, out of playoffs)
2009: 29-22 (93-69, first round of playoffs)
2008: 31-20 (95-67, reached ALCS)
2007: 36-15 (96-66, won World Series)
2006: 31-20 (86-76, out of playoffs)
2005: 28-23 (95-67, first round of playoffs)
2004: 31-20 (98-64, won World Series)
2003: 31-20 (95-67, reached ALCS)
2002: 36-15 (93-69, out of playoffs)

Doubront, Iglesias, JBJ, Britton

Angie Muhs Only — Sun, 26 May 2013 15:26:21 GMT

Greetings from Fenway Park where Felix Doubront (3-2, 5.61) tries to continue his string of good starts. Manager John Farrell said pitching coach Juan Nieves worked overtime with Doubront after Doubront's May 8 start against the Twins (11 hits and six earned runs in 5 1/3 innings).

The result: Two starts, a total of 11 innings, eight hits and four earned runs.

Boston appears to have the edge in the pitching match-up. Cleveland's Corey Kluber (3-3, 5.19) has a 7.71 ERA in May.

Jose Iglesias remains in the lineup, moving over to third base. He was 3-for-4 with a double on Saturday. (See the lineup below).

In the minors, Jackie Bradley Jr. (.343) is getting hot in Pawtucket. He went 2-for-4 Saturday and is batting .444 (16-for-36) in his last nine games ... Ryan Lavarnway (.321) also had two hits.

Portland starter Drake Britton (4.33 ERA) walked four on Saturday, but was effective over five innings: 2 H, 0 R, 5 K ... veteran reliever Rafael Perez, 31, just signed by Boston, made his Sea Dogs debut: 1 IP, 1 K.

Salem third baseman Garin Cecchini (.371) was 1-for-3.

Cecchini is likely to be headed to Portland sometime this summer. That and other tidbits can be found in today's column.

Now for the Red Sox lineup:

RED SOX
Jacoby Ellsbury CF
Daniel Nava RF
Dustin Pedroia 2B
David Ortiz DH
Mike Napoli 1B
Daniel Nava RF
Jarrod Saltalamacchia C
Mike Carp, LF
Stephen Drew SS
Jose Iglesias 3B
(Felix Doubront P)

I'll check back later (twitter: @ClearTheBases)