Huntzinger promoted, Spann released in another flurry of moves

The Boston Red Sox made another flurry of moves in recent days, this time highlighted by the promotion of pitcher Brock Huntzinger from Lowell to Greenville and the release of Pawtucket infielder Chad Spann. Huntzinger, a third-round pick in the 2007 draft, toyed with hitters in the New York-Penn League to earn the call up to the Drive. The 20-year-old righty was 5-0 in eight starts, allowing just 3earned runs for a 0.64 ERA, allowing just 25 hits and seven walks, while striking out 32 over 42.0 innings.

Spann, a corner infielder, was released to make room for infielder Jeff Natale, who was activated from the disabled list after a lengthy rehab assignment in Lowell. Spann was once a highly regarded prospect in the Sox system, ranked 8th in the system in April 2003 by SoxProspects.com behind Freddy Sanchez, Hanley Ramirez, Jorge de la Rosa, Kevin Youkilis, Phil Dumatrait, Kelly Shoppach, and Jon Lester - who are all currently in the majors - and ahead of David Murphy, Charlie Zink, Kason Gabbard, and Manny Delcarmen.

In other moves, speedy infielder Kris Negron and left-handed relief pitcher Kyle Fernandes were promoted from Greenville to Lancaster. Two highly regarded Taiwanese prospects, infielder Chih-Hsien Chiang of the JetHawks and Greenville outfielder Che-Hsuan Lin, were placed on the Temporarily Inactive List, as they will represent their country at the coming Olympic Games in Beijing. Greenville pitcher Jose Alvarez was activated off of the Drive's disabled list, and Sea Dogs pitcher Matt Goodson began a rehab assignment with Lowell. The Sox also signed infielder Zach Penprase, a former member of the Phillies organization who had been excelling this year in the independent Northern League, and assigned him to Greenville. Greenville righty Ryan Colvin was placed in the GCL on a rehab assignment.

After these moves, the JetHawks and Spinners both have an open roster spot, so expect a few more transactions to come. According to sources, one pending move could be the promotion of lefty Felix Doubront from Greenville to Lancaster following his Thursday start. While the recently signed Ryan Lavarnway will likely take the open roster spot in Lowell, another pitcher is also expected to be promoted from the GCL to Lowell, signaling the possible return of Dennis Neuman to the Spinners' bullpen. Sandy Madera is still occupying a roster spot for Lowell on a temporary paper move from Pawtucket. Additionally, infielder Ryan Khoury could be activated for Portland shortly, as he is presently rehabbing with Lowell. In the last of the anticipated moves, look for recently signed draftees Richie Wasielewski and Tyler Wilson to officially report to the GCL team in the next week or so. The pending trade deadine will determine how some of these moves pan out in terms of timing and roster space.

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