Sox trade Renteria for blue-chipper Marte

Boston - The Red Sox acquired top Atlanta prospect Andy Marte in exchange for Edgar Renteria and cash on Thursday. Marte, 22, could be Boston's third baseman for years to come. However, it is anticipated that he will begin 2006 in Pawtucket unless Boston can find a suitor for Mike Lowell. Some insiders have also rumored that Marte could immediately be spun for outfield or shortstop help. Marte hit 20 home runs for AAA Richmond in 2005 in under 400 at-bats, but struggled was unable to show his full potential during his September call-up. Nonetheless, Atlanta's former top prosect now fills out the space at the top of Boston's prospect list. With an above average glove and high power potential, Marte is a true blue chip prospect, who many scouts see as a future all-star.

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Sox land pitchers, infielder in Rule 5 draft

The Red Sox added pitchers James Vermilyea (Toronto), Victor Ramos (Pittsburgh) and Jason Richardson (Atlanta), as well as second baseman David Bacani (NY Mets) during today's Rule 5 draft. Vermilyea (pictured), 23, split time between AA New Hampshire and AAA Syracuse , going a combined 6-3, with a 3.65 ERA in 101 innings. He was the only player taken in the Major League portion of the draft, and thus would be required to stay on the 25-man roster (or the DL) for the entire 2006 season, or else must be offered back to Toronto. Vermilyea is said to be a "groundball pitcher that commands the strike zone with many different pitches." Ramos, 24, went a combined 3-5 with 34 strikeouts in 32.1 innings of work between low-A Peoria, high-A Boise and AA West Tennessee in 2005. Richardson, 25, split time between high-A Myrtle Beach and AA Mississippi while pitching in the Atlanta system. He went a combined 1-4 with 63 strikeouts in 66.1 innings pitched in 2005. Bacani, 26, split time between AA Binghamton and AAA Norfolk in 2005, hitting a combined .280 with 5 HRs and 47 RBIs while getting on base at a sound .375 clip in AA, but a measly .250 in AAA. The Red Sox lost pitcher Henry Cabrera to Pittsburgh and third baseman Vince Harrison to St. Louis during the course of the draft.

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Sox acquire Van Buren from Cubs

The Red Sox acquired former Cubs minor leaguer Jermaine Van Buren this week for the obligatory player to be named later and/or cash. The move provides the Sox with the additional bullpen depth that the Sox have been looking to shore up since the end of last season. Van Buren, 25, a former starting pitching prospect before he was converted to a reliever in 2004, was named the Cubs Triple-A Pitcher of the Year last season, after posting a sparkling 1.98 ERA with 25 saves. That performance earned him a call up to Chicago in late-August, where he went 0-2 and sported a 3.00 ERA in six appearances. Van Buren is expected to compete for a spot in the Boston bullpen in 2006.

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Beckett deal finalized

Boston and Florida finalized the Josh Beckett deal late Thanksgiving night, adding a few new names to the mix. The final deal has Florida sending Josh Beckett, Mike Lowell, and Guillermo Mota to Boston in exchange for minor league prospects Hanley Ramirez, Anibal Sanchez, Jesus Delgado, and Harvey Garcia. Mota and Garcia were added to the deal late, after Boston expressed some concerns as to Beckett's disclosed health reports.

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Red Sox deal for Josh Beckett

ESPN is reporting that the Red Sox have agreed in principle to trade prospects Hanley Ramirez, Anibal Sanchez, and a player to be named later to the Florida Marlins in exchange for ace pitcher Josh Beckett and third baseman Mike Lowell. While the deal is complete (pending physicals), an official announcement is not immediately expected. The PTBNL is said to be a mid-level pitching prospect, with some reports citing the player as reliever Jesus Delgado. Beckett, the former World Series MVP, figures to be slotted at the top of Boston's rotation along with Curt Schilling. Gold-Glove third-baseman Mike Lowell, who had an off year at the plate in 2005, would likely start at 3B for Boston in 2006, but also could see some time at 1B. There is also some speculation that Lowell could be spun to the Twins for some bullpen help.

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Red Sox add six to 40-man

Boston - The Red Sox recently added six players to their 40-man roster, purchasing the contracts of pitchers Jesus Delgado, Harvey Garcia, Jon Lester, and David Pauley, as well as outfielders Brandon Moss and David Murphy. The team released outfielder Gabe Kapler from the 40-man roster.

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11/11 Cup of Coffee

Last night, the Peoria Saguaros lost to Mesa 6-5. They ended up in last place in the their division with a 8-23 record. The only Red Sox prospect to see action last night was Brandon Moss, who went 2 for 3 with a home run and 2 runs scored. He ended up hitting .236 - he was 17 for 72 with 3 doubles, 2 HRs, and 5 RBI over the course of the fall season. David Murphy ended up hitting .319 - 29 for 91 with 6 doubles, 2 triples, 3 HRs, 9RBI, 4BB, a .354 OBP, and a .527 SLG pct. Chris Smith pitched 21 1/3 innings. He was 0-3 with a 8.44 ERA. He gave up 32 hits, 8 BB, and 2 HRs while striking out 13. Jesus Delgado pitched 17 2/3 innings. His record was 0-0 with a 4.08 ERA. He gave up 18 hits, 3 BB, 1 HR while striking out 10. Randy Beam finished at 0-0 with a 3.77 ERA. He gave up 12 hits in 14 1/3 innings pitched. He walked 8, struck out 14, and gave up 2 HRs. Charlie Zink threw 13 1/3 innings with a 0-0 record and a 9.45 ERA. He gave up 17 hits, 6 BB, 3 HRs while striking out 6.

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11/10 Cup of Coffee

The second to last game in the Saguaros Arizona Fall League season ended like most of their other games this fall. That is with a loss to Grand Canyon 7-0. David Murphy (.319) went 1 for 4 . Brandon Moss (.217) went 0 for 2 with both at bats being strikeouts. Randy Beam pitched 2 innings of scoreless ball allowing 1 hit, 1 walk and he recorded 2 Ks. Charlie Zink pitched a single inning allowing 1 run on 1 hit, a home run. He also walked a batter. The Saguaros (8-22) end their schedule tomorrow with a game against Mesa.

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11/09 Cup of Coffee

In action last night the two Peoria teams, the Saguaros and the Javelinas played to a 3-3 tie in a game that was called after eleven innings. League rules stipulate that no game can go beyond eleven innings. David Murphy (.322) went 2 for 5 with a run scored and a RBI. Brandon Moss entered the game as a pinch runner. Chris Smith started the game and went 5 innings allowing 2 runs on 4 hits. He walked 1 and struck out 3. Jesus Delgado pitched 1 1/3 innings allowing 0 runs on 1 hit. He struck out 1 hitter.

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11/08 Cup of Coffee

The Peoria Saguaros have only a few days left in the Arizona Fall League but they still have not found much success. Last night, they continued their losing ways, falling 12-10 to the Surprise. David Murphy (.317) went 3 for 5 with a double and a home run; he scored 2 runs and had a RBI. Brandon Moss (.224) had a night to forget. He went 0 for 5 and struck out twice. Charlie Zink pitched 1 inning giving up 5 runs on 4 hits and 2 walks. Randy Beam also threw an inning allowing 2 runs on 2 hits with a walk and 2 strikeouts.

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11/06 Cup of Coffee

Last night the Saguaros (8-20) defeated Phoenix 5-2. Jesus Delgado pitched one scoreless inning allowing a hit and a walk. Brandon Moss (.242) was the only other Sox prospect to see action. He went 1 for 4 with a run scored.

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11/05 Cup of Coffee

The Saguaros looked like the were headed for their eighth win last night as they took a 3-2 lead into the bootom of the ninth. The Surprise team,however, scored 2 runs in the bottom of the ninth to win 4-3. The Peoria Saguaros record is now 7-20. David Murphy (.299) was 0 for 5 in the game. He grounded out to first, flied out to left, grounded into a double play, struck out swinging and flied out to center. He was the only Sox prospect to see action.

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11/04 Cup of Coffee

The Saguaros went down to defeat at the hands of Surprise last night by the score of 11-4. David Murphy (.319) went 3 for 5 with 2 runs scored. He tripled to right, singled to left, grounded out to second, had an infield single, and popped out to second. Charlie Zink pitched 2 innings, giving up 3 runs on 2 hits and 2 walks. He had 2 Ks and gave up a home run. Randy Beam pitched 1 inning allowing 1 run on 1 hit, a home run.

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11/03 Cup of Coffee

Last night the Saguaros shut out the Javelinas 5-0. Chris Smith finally had a good outing. He pitched 4 innings allowing 0 runs on 3 hits. He also had 4 strikeouts. Brandon Moss (.241) went 0 for 3. He walked twice and scored 1 run. The three outs he made included a ground out to short, grounding into a double play, and a ground out to second.

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11/2 Cup of Coffee

The two Peoria teams went at it yesterday with the Javelinas edging the Saguaros 3-2. David Murphy (.299) went 1 for 4. He grounded out to first, was hit by a pitch, flied out to center, grounded out to second, and singled to right. Brandon Moss pinch ran in the ninth. Jesus Delgado pitched 1 inning, allowing 1 run on 2 hits with 2 strikeouts.

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11/1 Cup of Coffee

The Saguaros lost their 17th game yestwerday falling to Grand Canyon 6-3. Charlie Zink pitched 2 2/3 innings of scoreless relief, allowing just 1 hit while recording 2 strikeouts. Randy Beam pitched 2 innings, allowing 1 run on 2 hits. He recorded 3 Ks. David Murphy was 1 for 4 with 1 run scored while Brandon Moss was 0 for 3 with a walk and 2 Ks.

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10/30 Cup of Coffee

The Saguaros recorded their sixth victory yesterday with a 4-3 win over Grand Canyon. Their record now stands at 6 wins 16 losses. David Murphy was the only Red Sox prospect to play in the game. He went 1 for 3 with a run scored - he grounded out to first , walked, doubled to center, and was called out on strikes. His batting average now stands at .305.

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10/29 Cup of Coffee

On Thursday, the Saguaros defeated Phoenix by the score of 11-2. David Murphy (.304) went 3 for 5 and scored 2 runs. He singled to right, struck out swinging, hit a ground rule double, flied out to center, and singled to center. Brandon Moss (.260) went 0 for 5. He struck out swing 3 times, grounded out to second, and grounded out to first. Jesus Delgado had a good outing - he pitched 2 innings and gave up 0 runs on 1 hit with 3 Ks. Last night, The Javelinas of Peoria shutout the Saguaros 7-0. Chris Smith (0-3) started the game and took the loss. He gave up 3 runs (only one of them earned) on 3 hits. He gave up 2 walks and struck out 1. His ERA is now 13.14. Brandon Moss (.269) went 1 for 2 with a walk. He singled to right and grounded out to second.

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Greenville Bombers Change Name

The low-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox will be known as the Greenville Drive when they resume play in April 2006. Formerly known as the Bombers, the Greenville team move from Columbia prior to the 2005 season, keeping the previous nickname for the season. Team President Craig Brown attributed the new name to the city’s “incredibly entrepreneurial, forward-looking spirit.” A new logo was also unveiled, and the team is presently working on new merchandise and a new website, which is located at http://www.greenvilledrive.com/. The team is also slated to begin the 2006 season in a brand new state-of-the-art stadium, which is currently under construction.

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10/27 Cup of Coffee

The Saguaros (4-15) lost last night 7-3 to Phoenix. David Murphy (.275) went 0 for 3. He flied to right, lined out to right, and popped up a bunt attempt. Randy Beam pitched 2 innings of hitless releif. He walked 1 and struck out 1, reducing his ERA to 3.24.

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10/26 Cup of Coffee

The Peoria Saguaros (4-14) split a doubleheader with Mesa yesterday, losing the opener 7-5 and taking the second game 12-6. David Murphy (.292) went 2 for 3 in the opener. He homered in his first at bat, walked, singled to center and struck out swinging. Brandon Moss (.289) went 0 for 3 grounding out to second and striking out swinging twice. In the second contest, Charlie Zink got the start, going 4 1/3 innings and gaving up 4 earned runs on 6 hits. He struck out 2 and allowed a home run. He was the only Red Sox prospect to play in the second game.

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10/25 Cup of Coffee

In Arizona Fall League action yesterday, Mesa handed the Saguaros (3-13) a 6-5 loss. David Murphy (.267) got one at bat as a pinch-hitter, drew a walk, and scored a run. Jesus Delgado pitched 1 2/3 innings in relief. He gave up 1 run on 1 hit while allowing 1 BB.

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10/23 Cup of Coffee

Yesterday in AFL action, the Saguaros outslugged the Surprise 12-10, for their third victory of the season. Three Red Sox pitching prospects saw action. Chris Smith went 1 2/3 innings giving up 6 earned runs on 5 hits. He allowed 1 BB. His ERA is now 18.36. Charlie Zink saw his first action of the fall season - he went 2 1/3 innings giving up 1 earned run on 3 hits. Randy Beam threw 1 inning allowing no runs on no hits, stiking out one. Offensively, David Murphy (.267) went 3 for 5 with 3 runs scored and 3 RBI. He singled to center, reached first on a force attempt, tripled to left, struck out and singled to left. Brandon Moss, however, went 0 for 5. His batting average fell to .310. He was called out on strikes, flied to left, grounded to first, popped out to third and flied out to center.

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10/22 Cup of Coffee

In the battle of the two Peoria teams yesterday, the Saguaros (2-12) lost 8 -7 to the Javelinas. David Murphy, the only Red Sox prospect to play in the game, went 0 for 4. He is now hitting .225. He led off the game by grounding out to second. He then struck out swinging and gounded out to first twice in his last three at bats.

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10/21 Cup of Coffee

In AFL play on Thursday, Phoenix defeated the Peoria Saguaros 6-2. The Saguaros record is now 2-11. Jesus Delgado pitched 1 1/3 innings of relief, holding Phoenix hitless whil striking out 1. Randy Beam pitched 1 inning of relief, giving up 2 runs on 2 hits. He also gave up 2 walks and struck out 1. Brandon Moss went 2 for 4 with a run scored and raised his batting average to .351. He singled to center, was called out on strikes, singled to right, and flied out to center.

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10/20 Cup of Coffee

The Peoria Saguaros (2-10) lost 5-4 last night to Grand Canyon. David Murphy (.250) went 0 for 4 with a RBI. He flied out to left, popped out to second, grounded into a force out, and was called out on strikes. No other Red Sox prospects were involved in last night's game. The Saguaros play Phoenix today in an afternoon game.

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10/18 Cup of Coffee

The Peoria Saguaros snapped their losing streak and recorded their 2nd win of the AFL season with a 9-2 win over the Surprise Scorpions. Brandon Moss went 2 for 5 with a run and a RBI. He is now hitting .333. In his first at bat, he homered to right center. He then struck out swinging twice, lined out to left, and doubled to right. David Murphy (.281) went 0 for 4 with a run scored. He lined out to short, walked, grounded out to short, struck out swinging and grounded out to first. No Red Sox pitching prospect took part in yesterday's game.

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10/16 Cup of Coffee

The two Peoria teams faced each other yesterday and the Saguaros went down to defeat to the Javelinas 8-7 for their fourth straight loss, and an overall record of 1-9. Chris Smith got the start and went 3 1/3 innings giving up 3 earned runs on 5 hits. He walked 3 and struck out 3. Jesus Delgado pitched 2 1/3 innings allowing 2 runs on 4 hits, striking out 1. Randy Beam also went 2 1/3 innings, giving up a home run. He also walked 2 and struck out 1. Brandon Moss went 1 for 1 as a pinch hitter and scored a run.

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10/15 Cup of Coffee

The Peoria Saguaros lost for the third straight game, moving their overall record to 1-8. They were hammered by Mesa by a score of 16-4. Once again David Murphy was one of the team's few bright spots, going 3 for 3 with a run scored and an RBI. He doubled to right, singled to left, and singled to right, raising his batting average to .321. Brandon Moss went 1 for 5 with a run scored. He singled to left, was called out on strikes, struck out swinging, and grounded out to second twice. His batting average dropped to .296. No Red Sox prospect pitched for the second straight game. The Red Sox have sent Charlie Zink to the Saguaros to fill their last roster spot.

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10/14 Cup of Coffee

The Peoria Saguaros (1-7) went down to defeat again last night, losing 8-3 to Grand Canyon. David Murphy went 3 for 4 with 2 runs scored. He homered to right in his first at bat, was called out on strikes, doubled to left and singled to right. He is now batting .240 in the AFL. Brandon Moss went 1 for 3 - He singled to short, grounded out to first, and struck out. He is now hitting .316. No Red Sox pitchers saw action on the mound last night.

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10/13 Cup of Coffee

The Peoria Saguaros have now lost six of their first seven games after going down to Grand Canyon by the score of 11 to 7. Jesus Delgado pitched 2 innings of relief allowing 2 runs both of which were earned on 2 hits. He struck out 1 and gave up 1 BB. Randy Beam saw his first action of the fall season going 2 innings, giving up 3 hits but 0 runs. He walked 1 and struck out 3. Brandon Moss and David Murphy did not play in the game.

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10/12 Cup of Coffee

The Peoria Saguaros broke their five game losing streak and recorded their first win of the AFL season with a 7-6 win over Phoenix. Brandon Moss went 2 for 4 with a RBI. He singled to center twice, grounded out to first and struck out swinging. He raised his average to .316 for the Fall season. David Murphy went 1 for 5 scoring 2 runs. He doubled to left, reached on an attempted force out, grounded out to first, second and was out on an attempted bunt . He is now hitting .143.

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10/11 Cup of Coffee

The Peoria Saguaros are now winless in their first five games after losing yesterday 13-8 to Phoenix. Sox prospect Chris Smith (0-2) started the game and took the loss. He went 2 1/3 innings allowing 5 hits and 3 runs all of them earned. His ERA is now 21.60 over the two games he has pitched. David Murphy was 1 for 3 with a single. He grounded out to second and flied to center in his two other at bats. He is now 2 for 16 for an average of .125. Brandon Moss was 2 for 3 with a sacrifice fly, a RBI and a run scored. He is now 4 for 15 for an average of .267. He had a single to center, a triple to right and grounded out to second.

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10/8 Cup of Coffee

The Peoria Saguaros lost their fourth straight game last night by a score of 12-2 to Mesa. Jesus Delgado pitched 2 1/3 innings in relief giving up 2 runs on 3 hits. David Murphy came into the game in the seventh inning as a pinch hitter and went 0-2. He grounded out in his first at bat and flied out to center in his second. Brandon Moss went 2 for 5 with a RBI. He doubled, singled, lined into a double play and struck out twice.

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10/7 Cup of Coffee

The Peoria Saguaros lost their third straight game yesterday to the other Peoria team, the Javelinas 12-6. The Javelinas are stocked with players from the Orioles, Rockies, Brewers, Padres and Mariners. David Murphy was 0 for 5 and is now just 1 for 11 in the three games that have been played so far. He grounded out to second, flied out to center twice, popped out to third and grounded back to the pitcher. Brandon Moss was 0 for 4 in the game. He did score a run after being hit by a pitch. So far he has 0 hits in 7 AB. Besides getting hit by a pitch, he grounded out to first twice, grounded into a double play and struck out. No Sox pitching prospect saw action in the game.

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10/6 Cup of Coffee

Last night, the Peoria Saguaros went down to defeat to the Surprise Scorpions for the second straight night by the score of 11-6. David Murphy was the only Sox prospect to see action in the game. He came into the game as a defensive replacement in the sixth inning, and went 0 for 2 in the game flying out to center in the seventh, and grounding out to short in the bottom of the ninth. Washington prospect David Maust started the game for the Saguaros and gave up 6 runs on 6 hits in 1 1/3 innings. Jared Weaver started the game for the Scorpions and struck out 6 of the first seven batters he faced. The Saguaros resume play on Friday vs. the other Peoria team.

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10/5 Cup of Coffee

The Arizona Fall League began its season on Tuesday. The Peoria Saguaros were hammered by the Surprise Scorpions 14-2. Chris Smith (0-1) took the loss going only one inning. He gave up 6 runs, 5 of them earned while giving up 7 hits. He had 1 strikeout. Jesus Delgado pitched 2 2/3 innings of relief allowing 3 hits and 1 run. He had 1 K. David Murphy was 1 for 4 with a single while Brandon Moss went 0 for 3. The Saguaros are stocked with players from the Red Sox, White Sox, Pirates, Jays, and Nationals. The Scorpions are stocked with players from the Astros, Royals, Angels, Pirates and Cards.

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Red Sox set ALDS Roster

BOSTON -- The Red Sox set their playoff roster for the American League Division Series on Tuesday. While much of the roster was already set, the final decision was to include Jeremi Gonzalez over Lenny DiNardo for the last spot in the bullpen. The decision was based on Gonzalez's success against the White Sox, as well as the lack of left-handed hitters in the Chciago lienup. Here is the ALDS Roster:
Starters: Matt Clement, David Wells, Tim Wakefield, Curt Schilling
Bullpen: Mike Timlin, Jon Papelbon, Chad Bradford, Mike Myers, Bronson Arroyo, Jeremi Gonzalez
Catchers: Jason Varitek, Doug Mirabelli
Infield/DH: John Olerud, Tony Grafanino, Bill Mueller, Edgar Renteria, David Ortiz, Kevin Millar, Alex Cora, Alejandro Machado, Kevin Youkilis
Outfield: Manny Ramirez, Johnny Damon, Trot Nixon, Adam Hyzdu

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Red Sox earn playoff berth

The Boston Red Sox clinched a spot in the playoffs on Sunday, winning the wild card for the third consecutive season. The team earned the berth when the Cleveland Indians fell to the Chicago White Sox in the final game of the season. Boston led New York 6-0 in the bottom of the fifth inning when the team learned of Cleveland's loss. Boston will open the best-of-five series Tuesday at 4:00 pm in Chicago against the AL-Central champion White Sox. Matt Clement will get the start and will face Jose Contreras, who has pitched impressively as of late. Look for Red Sox prospects Jonathan Papelbon and Alex Machado to make the post-season roster in the opening round, along with a number of other players who played in the minors in 2005, including Kevin Youkilis, Adam Hyzdu, and Lenny DiNardo.

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Prospects Taylor, Peralta traded to Nationals for Stanton

In a surprise move, the Red Sox traded away prospects Yader Peralta and Rhys Taylor to the Washington Nationals for former Yankee reliever Mike Stanton Thursday afternoon. To make room for Stanton on the 40-man roster, Wade Miller was transferred to the 60-day disabled list. Stanton was originally waived by the Yankees in June after putting up a bloated ERA of 7.07 for the pinstripes. The Nationals claimed him in July, and became the Stanton of old, posting a 2-1 record with a more respectable 3.58 ERA in 30 games for the Nats. Taylor, a native of Australia, went 2-2 with a 1.49 ERA for the GCL Red Sox in 2005. Peralta went a combined 2-3 with a 4.57 ERA between the GCL Sox, Greenville and Lowell. What makes this move highly unusual are reports that Stanton, who also pitched for the Sox back in 1995 and 1996, won't be included on the postseason roster should the Sox earn a playoff berth. The move appears to be one specifically targeted with the Yankees left-handed hitters in town this weekend, which include notorious Red Sox killers Jason Giambi and Hideki Matsui.

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Red Sox Official Minor League Awards

The Red Sox named their minor league award winners for the 2005 season on Tuesday. The winners are:
Pitcher of the Year - Jon Lester
Offensive Player of the Year - Dustin Pedroia
Defensive Player of the Year - David Murphy
Base Runner of the Year - Alejandro Machado
Latin Pitcher of the Year - Felix Doubront
Latin Player of the Year - Carlos Fernandez

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Red Sox to void Abreu contract

According to ESPN's Peter Gammons, the Boston Red Sox will attempt to avoid the recently signed contract of Cuban defector Michel Abreu. The power hitting first baseman signed a $425K contract in late August, and the organization had hoped he would compete for a big league roster spot in spring training. However, Abreu represented his age as 26, and Boston later discovered that Abreu was actually 30 years old. Such a misrepresentation is valid grounds for voiding the contract. Additionally, Abreu has been unable to establish residnecy in the United States.

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Red Sox Fall Instructional League

The Red Sox Fall Instructional League (FIL) is underway in Fort Myers, FL, and will run until the end of October. The Fall Instructional League is a short-season league used to develop low-A and Rookie ball players, including many recently drafted prospects. The league focuses on fundamental baseball and includes classroom training. Some players may also use the FIL to rehab from injuries. Often, success in the FIL translates to higher placement within the organization the following year. The league is not publicized, and admission to games is free.

The 2005 Red Sox FIL Roster
Pitchers: - Scott Blue, Michael Bowden, Clay Buchholz, Ismael Casillas, Jesus Delgado, Felix Doubront, Kyle Fernandes, Joseph Guerra, Jimmy James, Hunter Jones, Chris Jones, Jose Marte, Blake Maxwell, Mike Rozier, JT Zink, Kevin Frederick, Victor Prieto, Phil Seibel, Billy Simon, Miguel Socolovich
Catchers: Jonathan Egan, John Otness, Mitch Stachowsky, Mark Wagner, William Alverez
Infielders: Ian Bladergroen, Dominic Ramos, Richard Santana, Matt Mercurio, Argenis Diaz, Christian Lara, Jed Lowrie, Luis Segovia
Outfielders: Jeff Corsaletti, Jacoby Ellsbury, Reid Engel, Carlos Fernandez, Mickey Hall, Willy Mota, Moises Santa, Luis Soto, Yahmed Yema, Mike Jones

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Red Sox prospect arrested on drug charges

According to the Augusta Chronicle, Boston Red Sox 2005 second-round draft pick Jonathan Egan was arrested along with two friends on September 9 outside of Millen, Georgia after being stopped at a roadblock. Egan was charged with felony possession of a schedule II controlled substance, driving while intoxicated, possession of alcohol by a minor, underage possession of alcohol, and possession of a fake ID card. The substance was believed to be under a gram of cocaine. He was held overnight in Jenkins County Jail, and was released on a bond the next morning. According to the Georgia Public Defender's office, a first offense penalty for posession of a schedule II controlled substance is imprisonment for not less than 2 and not more than 15 years. Egan's hearing in Superior Court has yet to be scheduled. The 18-year old catcher had recently completed his rookie season for the GCL Red Sox after recieiving a $600,00 signing bonus. He hit .222 with 15 RBIs in 35 games, and impressed the organization with his defense. He is slated to report to the Fall Instructional League this week.

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Hansen, Ramirez promoted to Boston

Craig Hansen and Hanley Ramirez have been activated by Boston and will be in uniform in Tampa Bay for tonight's game against the Devil Rays. Hansen and Ramirez were both promoted from AA Portland, who lost its final game in the Eastern League Championship on Saturday.

Craig Hansen, tabbed Boston's closer of the future by some scouts, was a first round draft pick by the Red Sox this June. Prior to the draft, Baseball America tabbed Hansen as the closest player to the major leagues of all draft eligible players. He signed in Augtst and pitched for a short stint with the GCL Red Sox before being promoted to Portland. After pitching a full season at St. John's and his stints at GCL and Portland, he has struggled with a tired arm over the last two weeks. Despite his ailment, Hansen returned and pitched for Portland through the playoffs. Over the course of the regular season, he did not allow a run, while striking out 14 with only 1 walk in 12.2 innings. While Hansen has the arsenal to contribute immediately, look for him to be handled carefully by skipper Terry Francona.

Hanley Ramirez has long been considered one of Boston's top prospects since signing in the summer of 2000 at the age of 16. While his stats weren't stellar in 2005, he still possseses the highest ceiling in the organization, and projects very well as an everyday major league shortstop. In 122 games in Portland, Ramirez hit .271 with 6 HR, 52 RBIs, and 26 SBs. He has played multiple positions over the course of the year for the Sea Dogs, including SS, 2B, 3B, and CF. Ramrirz may see some action as a pinch runner, but in all likelihood will only be utilized in blowout games or after the playoff seedings have been established.

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9/18 Cup of Coffee

Well the coffee pot is empty! This last cup has a little bitter taste.The last Red Sox farm team in action came to the end of their season last night. Portland lost to Akron 4-1 in the Ohio city. The win gave Akron the Eastern League Championship 3 games to 1 over the Sea Dogs. David Pauley started and took the loss going 4 innings giving up 5 hits and 2 runs. He struck out 4. Randy Beam took over and pitched a single inning striking out the side but he gave up 2 runs on 3 hits. Edgar Martinez had another solid performance going 2 scoreless innings giving up just 1 hit. Jimmy Mann pitched a perfect inning. Offensively, Jeremy West went 4 for 4 with a run scored. Hanley Ramirez went 2 for 4 with a RBI. Matt Van Der Bosch was 1 for 2. When you look at the batting averages for the final series it becomes clear what a major problem was for the Sea Dogs. Jeremy West led the way at .538, followed by Chris Durbin .353 and Hanley Ramirez .333. From there it dropped off dramatically to Brandon Moss .188, Scott Youngbauer .176, Alberto Concepcion .167, David Murphy .091, and Chad Spann .071. The coffee pot will be put back on in a couple of weeks when the Arizona Fall League begins and we will follow the progress of the Red Sox minor leaguers on the Peoria Saquaros.

Player of the Night: Jeremy West who had a perfect night at the plate going 4 for 4.

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9/17 Cup of Coffee

Portland lost 2-0 to Akron last night in spite of outhitting them 5-2. Wade Miller went 5 innings allowing only 1 hit. He gave up 0 runs and struck out 6. Anibal Sanchez pitched 2 innings giving up 2 runs on 1 hit and Craig Hansen pitched 1 scoreless inning. Chris Durbin went 2 for 4. David Murphy went 1 for 2 while Chad Spann and Alberto Concepcion were both 1 for 3. Portland is now faced with winning 2 straight games on the road if they are to be Eastern League Champs.

Player of The Night: Wade Miller who pitched 5 innings giving up just 1 hit, 0 runs while striking out 6.

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Hyzdu Called up to Boston

The Red Sox recalled Adam Hyzdu from triple-A Pawtucket on Thursday, taking Gabe Kapler's spot on the roster. Kapler is expected to miss the rest of this season and a large part of the 2006 season after rupturing his Achilles tendon after rounding second base on a Tony Graffanino home run in Toronto Wednesday night.

Hyzdu, who played five games for the Sox back in late-July after being re-acquired from the Padres in exchange for former PawSox pitcher Scott Cassidy, hit .254 with 4 home runs and 25 RBIs in 31 games for Pawtucket this year. Hyzdu, who can play all three outfield positions as well as DH, is expected to provide the Sox with additional insurance off the bench.

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9/15 Cup of Coffee

The Eastern League Championship Series is now tied at one game apiece after Akron defeated Portland last night 4-3. Charlie Zink started the game and took the loss going 5 innings while giving up 4 runs on 7 hits. He had 5 Ks. The Sea Dogs bullpen held Akron scoreless the rest of the game. Connor Brooks pitched a perfect 6th, Edgar Martinez pitched a perfect 7th striking out 2. Randy Beam gave up a hit in which Brandon Moss played into a triple and then retired the next three without allowing the run to score. Craig Hansen pitched the ninth allowing a double and a walk but 0 runs. One pitch was clocked at 97 mph and several other were at 96. Hanley Ramirez went 2 for 4 with a run scored. Brandon Moss was 2 for 4. Alberto Concepcion went 1 for 2 with a RBI. Chris Durbin went 1 for 4 with a run scored and Scott Youngbauer also went 1 for 4. Honourable mention for Player of The Night goes to the Sea Dog bullpen.

Player of The Night: Hanley Ramirez who went 2 for 4 with a run scored.

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9/14 Cup of Coffee

Portland drew first blood in the Eastern League Championship Series with a 6-4 win over Akron. Jon Lester went 6 innings giving up 4 hits and 3 runs only 1 of them earned. He struck out 6 Akron hitters. Randy Beam went 1 1/3 innings allowing 1 hit and 1 run with 2 Ks. Denny Tomori went 1/3 of an inning giving up a hit along with a strikeout. Jimmy Mann pitched a perfect last 1 1/3 innings to record the save. Chris Durbin went 3 for 5 at the plate with a home run and 2 runs scored. Scott Youngbauer went 2 for 5 with a run scored and a RBI. Jeremy West went 2 for 4 with 2 RBI. Brandon Moss was 1 for 4 with a home run. Jared Sandberg went 2 for 3 with a run scored.
Player of The Night: Jon Lester who pitched 6 innings allowing 3 runs, only one of them earned and he recorded 6 Ks.

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