Plummer tosses 5.2 scoreless innings in Sea Dog win

4/30 Cup of Coffee: Syracuse downed Pawtucket 4-1 in action on Wednesday. Kris Johnson threw 4.2 innings allowing 4 runs on 5 hits and 3 walks. He had 8 strike outs. Jose Vaquedano went 1.1 innings and did not allow a run or a hit. He had a strike out. Daniel Bard closed the game off pitching the final 2 innings. He did not allow a run on 1 hit and a walk. He fanned 4. Sean Danielson went 2 for 4 with a RBI. Chris Carter went 2 for 4 and is batting .455 since being sent down to the PawSox. Gil Velazquez went 2 for 3.

Portland defeated Binghamton 6-2. Jarod Plummer pitched 5.2 scoreless frames allowing 5 hits and 3 walks. He had 6 strikeouts. Chris Province went 1.1 innings and did not allow a run on 2 hits. He had a strikeout. TJ Large threw a perfect inning of relief striking out 1 of the 3 batters he faced. Bryce Cox pitched the final inning and gave up 2 unearned runs on 1 hit. He had a strikeout. Ryan Khoury went 2 for 3 and scored 2 runs. Aaron Bates went 2 for 4 with a home run. Bubba Bell went 2 for 3 with a run scored and 2 RBI.

Kinston downed Salem 7-2. Seth Garrison pitched 4.1 innings allowing 6 runs on 4 hits and 4 walks. He fanned 8. Kyle Fernandes threw 1.2 frames and gave up 1 run on 2 hits and a walk. He had 4 strikeouts. Josh Papelbon tossed 2 scoreless innings allowing 1 hit. The Salem offense managed only 3 hits with Luis Segovia going 1 for 2 with a RBI.

Savannah outslugged Greenville 11-7. Yeiper Castillo threw 2.2 frames giving up 7 runs on 7 hits and 2 walks. He fanned 2. Caleb Clay tossed 4.2 frames fiving up 2 runs on 6 hits and a walk. He fanned 3. Felix Ventura went 1.2 frames allowing 2 runs on 4 hits. He had a strikeout. Mitch Dening went 3 for 5 with 2 runs scored and a RBI.

Player of the Night: Jarod Plummer who threw 5.2 innings of scoreless ball

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The Ladder

SoxProspects.com is rolling out a new in-season series called The Ladder. Each week, the series will provide an in-depth look at how select Red Sox prospects are progressing in their development as they move their way up the steps of the organization. Look for a new segment every Wednesday until the final pitch of the minor league season has been thrown.

Josh Reddick

The Line: Off to a solid start in his second exposure to Double-A, Reddick has been able to carry over the success he had in the major league camp to an outstanding .294/.368/.632/1.001 line in 68 at-bats to start the season. After being overmatched in his Portland debut and at times in the Arizona Fall League, Reddick has been making the adjustments at the plate that the Red Sox were looking for. His 5 home runs and 6 doubles have been a demonstration of the power that he possesses and shows that he feels less overmatched at the plate. After drawing only 34 walks in 124 games last season, Reddick has already been able to work 8 walks in his first 16 games of this season; this is a positive sign that he is starting to adjust more to the Red Sox philosophy on hitting. His 16 strikeouts are somewhat concerning, but 8 of these strikeouts were clustered in 3 games, and Reddick has only fanned 2 times over his last 5 games, which is much more in line with his career trends.

The View: Reddick has been impressing thus far around the Eastern League and looks like a much more comfortable hitter in the box than when he first arrived on the scene last summer. He looks especially more comfortable against off-speed pitches, which were an Achilles heel for him last season in Portland, while staying back on them much more consistently and picking them up better, not chasing as many of them in the dirt. There is still work to be done in this area, as his swinging strikeouts have mostly been on breaking balls, but the signs point towards a hitter making strides. The power that Reddick generates has been impressive, and the balls he has sent out of the park this year have been absolutely crushed on a line. His bat speed and quick swing path to the ball enable him to barrel up on a lot of pitches. Reddick has been impressing scouts who track the league with his range and arm in center field as well. Originally projected as a right fielder at the major league level, there has been talk about Reddick being able to handle center field in the big leagues after he’s flashed some excellent range and good first-jump instincts on balls hit deep into the gaps. One scout who recently watched Reddick came away very impressed with his play in center-field along with his overall baseball ability. His patience and strikeout rates bear watching over the course of the next month or two, but the early season indicators have been in Reddick’s favor.

Casey Kelly

The Line: After an off-season full of debates about his ideal position, Kelly’s much anticipated debut on the mound has gotten off to a hot start. Dealing off of the rubber through 4 April starts covering 20 innings of work, he’s gone 3-0 with a 0.90 ERA while striking out 19 against only 3 walks. Out of his 19 hits allowed, Kelly’s only given up 3 extra base hits while keeping the majority of the contact against him on the ground. In his last start on April 28th against Savannah, he dialed it up to fan 7 batters over 5 innings of work. He gave up 9 hits in his last start, but he has generally been around the plate and has thus far neutralized the amount of solid contact against, especially in the air. Kelly has not walked more than one batter in any of his 4 starts in April and has yet to really have a tough inning of work.

The View: Coming into the system with scouting reports highly touting his stuff, the initial season reports have not varied one bit. Kelly’s heavy, sinking 88-91 MPH fastball has been his dominant weapon. He’s also featured a tight curveball and an advanced change-up that has some excellent depth and fade. His excellent fastball command and advanced secondary offerings have been the driving force behind his fast start. The ball comes out of his hand very well through a smooth and fluid delivery. Kelly’s release point has remained consistent and he has stayed on top of his pitches well to create the downward slant to his fastball. Only twenty percent of the way to his targeted 100 innings goal, Kelly has shown how advanced he is on the mound. The main question will be how his stamina holds up as he continues to build arm strength and stretch out as a starter. Keeping an eye on his velocity numbers as he gets a few more starts into the season could lend a clue to how his stamina is holding up. His command and control has been excellent thus far, with reports mentioning how well he comes after hitters and pounds the strike zone with his stuff. Being around the plate more often, the contact against him has been a little on the high side as can be expected, but if Kelly can continue to make batters earn their way on base he’ll minimize the damage. He’ll be set to see more of the league in May, and batters will make their adjustments, but thus far all systems have been go for Kelly in his march to 100 innings in 2009.

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Q&A with Argenis Diaz

The Red Sox signed Argenis Diaz as an international free agent in July of 2003 out of Guatire, Venezuela. The slick fielding shortstop began his career in the Venezuelan Summer League in 2004 and has steadily risen through the ranks of the organization, joining the Portland Sea Dogs mid-way through the 2008 season. After spending some time in the major league camp this spring, Diaz broke camp with the Sea Dogs looking to sharpen his skills and make his push towards the big league roster. Chris Mellen of SoxProspects.com recently had a chance to sit down with Diaz and talk some baseball.


Chris Mellen: You’ve spent the last couple of Spring Trainings in major league camp. What type of experience has that been for you with regards to your growth as a player?
Argenis Diaz: It’s been great. Last year (2008) was the best Spring Training I’ve had in my career. This year, I felt pretty good, but it wasn’t like that year for me. I struggled a bit with my hitting and just didn’t play as well as I would have liked to in the field. I had trouble getting comfortable this season, but it’s been a good experience for me to see where I have to get to as a player and the improvement I need to make.

CM: Can you talk about the difference between playing at Lancaster in the California League and now playing at Portland in the Eastern League?
AD: It’s been different - real different. Down there, they throw fastballs in 3-1, 2-0 counts and will give in to you. Here, (at Portland) you don’t see as many fastballs and they don’t throw as many fastballs in those hitter’s counts. Pitchers will throw you change-ups and off-speed pitches in any count. It’s harder to hit the ball and you have to be ready for any pitch. The pitching is obviously better and they have better control of their pitches.

CM: Give us a self scouting report on Argenis Diaz.
AD: First I’d say an improving hitter, but also a hitter who can improve some more to get to the big leagues. In the field, [I’m] a shortstop working to get better and sharpen his defensive game. I’m a player who is going to play the game the right way and likes to have fun while playing the game. I have a lot of fun playing baseball.

CM: Who has been a teammate that has impressed you the most here in Portland?
AD: Josh Reddick. He’s awesome. I’ve had a chance to play with him for the past couple of years and he can really hit. Josh is exciting to watch and he’s not that far off from playing in the big leagues.

CM: What do the Red Sox have you focusing on the most this season?
AD: They want me to focus the most on my defense and be the best defensive player I can be. I’ve been working to play right everyday, to practice the right way, and make the routine plays.

CM: What’s going to get you promoted to Pawtucket?
AD: They want me to make the routine plays. We’ve talked about how I make the great plays, but sometimes struggle with the routine plays, and [I need] to work on that aspect of my game. It’s about making every play out there and getting better at that to take the next step. I’d like to keep hitting the ball consistently and improve on that aspect of my game as well.

CM: Why have the routine plays given you trouble?
AD: I don’t really know. When the ball is hit right at me, sometimes I just get myself into trouble. When it is on either side, it just is a natural reaction I guess. I’m working on it a lot before games and in practice. Every day, I take about 20-30 routine balls hit right at me to work on it. We’re working on the angle I take to the ball and to circle around it more rather than heading straight at it. When I go straight into the play, I have trouble seeing the bounce of the ball and can’t track it. I’ve been seeing the bounce a lot better circling around it, so things have been improving there and getting better for me thus far into the season.

CM: Who has been the most influential in your career within the Red Sox organization?
AD: I’d say Victor Rodriguez ( Minor League Hitting Coordinator). We talk a lot about hitting and he has helped me get better as I have advanced as a player, along with becoming more comfortable in general. In the beginning when I started as a pro, I wasn’t that great of a hitter. Victor and I have done a lot of work together. Year after year, I have started recognizing the pitches better and understand the strike zone better. Now, I’m able to pick up the pitches a lot better than when I started, draw a few walks, and keep getting the bat on the ball. My hitting still needs some more work, but Victor has helped me come a long way from my first season in Venezuela.

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Sea Dogs score 3 times in 9th to edge Binghamton

4/29 Cup of Coffee: Tuesday saw Pawtucket's game against Syracuse postponed.

Portland scored 3 times in the bottom of the ninth to edge Binghamton 9-8. Adam Mills strarted and went 3 innings. He gave up 6 runs on 10 hits and 2 walks. He had 2 strikeouts. Chad Rhoades threw 3 innings allowing 1 run on 2 hits and a walk. He fanned 3. Richie Lentz pitched 0.2 of an inning giving up 1 run on 1 hit and 2 walks. He struck out 1. Dustin Richardson threw 1.1 scoreless, hitless innings. He walked 1 while striking out 2. Justin Hedrick got the win after pitching 1 scoreless frame. He allowed 1 hit. Josh Reddick and Ryan Khoury each went 2 for 5 and scored a run. Aaron Bates went 2 for 4 with a run scored and 2 RBI. Bubba Bell went 2 for 4 with 2 runs scored and a RBI. Jon Still went 2 for 3 with a home run and 3 RBI.

Kinston downed Salem 3-2. Jose Capellan pitched 4.2 innings giving up 2 runs on 8 hits and 4 walks. Ryne Miller tossed 2.1 innings allowing 1 run on 1 hit and a walk. He had 3 strikeouts. Derrick Loop threw 1 clean inning. The Salem offense managed only 3 hits in the game. Luis Exposito went 1 for 3 with a home run and 2 RBI.

Greenville edged Savannah 4-3. Casey Kelly threw 5 innings allowing 3 runs on 9 hits and a walk. He fanned 7. Fabian Williamson threw 4 innings of near perfect relief allowing just a walk. He fanned 4. Oscar Tejeda went 2 for 4 with a run scored and a RBI. Michael Almanzar went 1 for 1 with a home run. He also drew a walk.

Player of the Night: Fabian Williamson who tossed 4 scoreless, hitless innings of relief for the Drive

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Player of the Week, April 20-26: Anthony Rizzo

Greenville 1B Anthony Rizzo blew away the competition both on the field and in the polls last week, posting a .414/.452/.655 line, with 12 hits (one home run and four doubles) and two walks over 29 at-bats, running away with SoxProspects.com (position) Player of the Week voting for April 20-26. Rizzo is batting .319/.412/.514 (.926 OPS) with two home runs and eight doubles in 72 at-bats, walking 12 times and striking out 15, in 19 games with the Drive in 2009. He is currently the 20th rated prospect in the organization by SoxProspects.com.

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Pitcher of the Week, April 20-26: Michael Bowden

Pawtucket RHP Michael Bowden continued his early dominance of the International League, hurling 5.1 shutout innings against Lehigh Valley (Phillies), allowing three hits, striking out seven while walking one and earning the win and SoxProspects.com Pitcher of the Week honors for April 20-26. For his efforts Bowden was rewarded with a temporary promotion to Boston to lend a hand in the beleaguered bullpen, further distinguishing himself in two perfect innings against New York April 26. In 14 innings pitched over three starts with the Paw Sox Bowden owns a 1-0 record, allowing one run on 10 hits (.189 BAA), striking out 15 and walking 5.

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Buchholz pitches well but gets no decision

4/28 Cup of Coffee: The Coffee Cup is a small one today as only one of the Sox affiliates saw action on Monday. Lehigh Valley edged Pawtucket 2-1 in 12 innings. Clay Buchholz pitched 6 innings allowing just 1 run on 3 hits and a walk. He had 7 strikeouts. Fernando Cabrera tossed 2.1 scoreless, hitless innings. He gave up a walk while fanning 1. Billy Traber took the loss giving up 1 run on 3 hits and 2 base on balls. He had 1 strikeout. The PawSox offense produced just 5 hits over the 12 innings with Gil Velazquez leading the way going 2 for 5 with a run scored.

Player of the Night: Clay Buchholz who went 6 innings allowing 3 hits, 1 run. He struck out 7.

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Lugo activated, Bowden back to Pawtucket

After a four-game rehab assignment for Triple-A Pawtucket, the Red Sox have activated Julio Lugo from the 15-day disabled list, this according to Kevin McNamara of the Providence Journal. Lugo went 4 for 17 with a double, 2 walks and 5 strikeouts while playing error-free defense with the Paw Sox. The 33-year-old shortstop underwent arthroscopic surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee on March 27 and was placed on the disabled list on April 4. Despite throwing 2.0 scoreless innings against the Yankees Sunday, Michael Bowden will be returned to Triple-A Pawtucket as expected to make room for Lugo on the active roster.

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Anderson drives in 5 in Sea Dog loss

4/27 Cup of Coffee: On Sunday, Pawtucket defeated Lehigh Valley 7-4. Enrigue Gonzalez pitched 6 innings allowing 3 runs on 4 hits and 3 walks. He had 5 strikeouts. Rocky Cherry threw 2 innings and gave up a run on 3 hits. He fanned 2. Marcus McBeth closed the game out pitching a hitless ninth. He gave up a base on balls. Julio Lugo went 2 for 5 with a run scored. Chris Carter went 2 for 5 with 2 runs scored and a RBI. Travis Denker went 3 for 5 with a run scored and 2 RBI. Ivan Ochoa went 2 for 4 with a RBI.

In a game with a score more resembling a football game, Connecticut scored 8 unanswered runs in the final two innings to down Portland 20-15. Blake Maxwell started and lasted 2.2 frames. He allowed 8 runs on 6 hits and 3 base on balls. He fanned 2. TJ Large went 2.1 innings giving up 1 run on 1 hit. He had 1 strikeout. Chad Rhoades threw 1 inning allowing 3 runs on 4 hits and a walk. Justin Hedrick was the only Sea Dog pitcher to not allow a run. He went 1 inning giving up 1 hit and a walk. He fanned 1. Chris Province lasted 0.2 of an inning giving up 7 runs on 5 hits and 2 walks. Bryce Cox went 1.1 frames giving up 1 run on 3 hits. He struck out 1. The Sea Dogs set a franchise record for hits in a game with 23. Aaron Bates went 4 for 6 and scored twice. Lars Anderson went 3 for 5 with a run scored and 5 RBI. Jorge Jimenez went 4 for 6 and scored a run. Ryan Khoury went 3 for 6 with 2 runs scored and a RBI. Josh Reddick went 2 for 5 with a home run, 2 runs scored and 2 RBI.

Myrtle Beach defeated Salem 4-3. Kyle Weiland pitched 3 innings and allowed 2 runs on 4 hits and 2 walks. He had 3 strikeouts. Jose Alvarez threw 4 innings giving up a run on 6 hits and a walk. He fanned 1. Jason Rice went 1 inning allowing a run on a hit and a walk. He fanned 1. Josh Papelbon threw a clean ninth inning striking out 1. Jared Stanley went 2 for 4 with a RBI.

Greenville defeated Asheville 10-6. Bryan Price threw 6 innings allowing 3 runs on 8 hits and a walk. He had 5 strikeouts. Mitch Herold went 0.2 of an inning and gave up 3 runs on 3 hits and a walk. Lance McClain pitched the final 2.1 innings. He did not allow a run on 1 hit. He had a strikeout. Ryan Dent went 2 for 5 and scored 2 runs. Mitch Dening went 3 for 5 with 2 runs scored and 1 RBI. Oscar Tejeda went 2 for 5 with a run scored and 2 RBI. Tim Federowicz went 2 for 4 with a home run, 2 runs scored and 2 RBI. Will Middlebrooks went 2 for 4 with 2 runs scored and 2 RBI. Ryan Lavarnway and Jonathan Hee both were 2 for 4 in the game. Hee had a RBI.

Player of the Night: Lars Anderson who had 3 hits and 5 RBI in the Sea Dog loss

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Bowden called up to bolster bullpen

The Red Sox have called pitcher Michael Bowden up to Boston to reinforce the bullpen for tonight's contest against the Yankees. This will be his second stint with Boston in his young career, as he earned his first major league win in a 5-3 victory over the White Sox on August 30, 2008. To make room for Bowden on the active roster, infielder Gil Velazquez was optioned to Triple-A Pawtucket. The move is expected to be temporary; with shortstop Julio Lugo slated to come off the disabled list and return to the Boston lineup tomorrow, Bowden will likely be headed back to Pawtucket. Bowden has been dominant so far at the Triple-A level this season, going 1-0 with a 0.64 ERA and 15 strikeouts in 14.0 innings pitched in his first 3 starts.

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Portice goes 5 strong innings in Salem win

4/26 Cup of Coffee: Pawtucket got off to a 4-0 lead and had to hang on to edge Lehigh Valley 6-4 in 10 innings . Charlie Zink took a no hitter into the 6th inning but then gave up 3 runs on 1 hit and 4 walks. He struck out 4. Fernando Cabrera tossed 0.2 of an inning and did not allow a run or a hit. He gave up 2 walks. Billy Traber pitched 0.2 innings and did allow a run or a hit. He walked 2 and fanned 1.Daniel Bard blew the save but picked up the win going 1.2 frames. He gave up the game tying home run in the bottom of the ninth. It was the only hit he allowed. He struck out 2. Jose Vaquedano pitched the bottom of the tenth and allowed 1 hit. Julio Lugo went 2 for 6. Paul McAnulty went 2 for 5 with a RBI. Chris Carter went 2 for 4. Chip Ambres went 3 for 5 with 2 runs scored and a RBI.

Portland jumped off to a 4-0 lead but could not hang on and fell 7-4 to Connecticut on Saturday. Junichi Tazawa went 5.2 innings allowing 6 runs on 6 hits and 2 walks. He struck out 4. Dustin Richardson threw 1.1 frames and did not allow a run or a hit. He walked 4. Justin Hedrick pitched 1 innings giving up a run on 2 hits. William Latimer pitched the final inning and did not allow a run. He gave up a hit and a walk. Jorge Jimenez went 2 for 4 with 2 RBI.

Salem edged Myrtle Beach 3-2. They scored 3 runs on just 5 hits with no player having more than one. Eammon Portice threw 5 innings allowing just 1 run on 2 hits and 2 base on balls. He fanned 4. Kyle Fernandes went 2 innings giving up a run on 2 hits and a walk. He struck out 3. Ryne Miller pitched 2 perfect innings to close out the game. He had 2 strikouts.

Asheville downed Greenville 6-2. Stolmy Pimentel threw 5 innings giving up 6 runs on 8 hits and a walk. He struck out 6. Hunter Strickland pitched the final 3 innings and did not allow a run. He gave up 4 hits while fanning 2 Asheville batters.

Player of the Night: Eammon Portice who tossed 5 innings for Salem allowing just 1 run on 2 hits

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Doubront fans 8 in Sea Dog win

4/25 Cup of Coffee: On Friday, Lehigh Valley trounced Pawtucket 13-3. Starter Kris Johnson took a 3-1 lead into the bottom of the third and then was charged with 7 runs before the inning ended. His line was 2.1 innings pitched with 8 runs allowed on 9 hits and 2 walks. He fanned 2. Marcus McBeth gave up a run on 2 hits and a walk in 1.2 innings. He had a strikeout. Rocky Cherry threw 2 innings giving up 2 runs on 5 hits and a base on balls. He fanned 1. Chris George pitched the final 2 frames and allowed 2 runs on 2 hits. Chris Carter went 2 for 4 with a RBI. Chip Ambres had 2 hits in 4 at bats. Julio Lugo was hitless in 3 at bats.

Portland defeated Connecticut 3-1 behind the strong performance of Felix Doubront. He threw 5 innings allowing 1 run on 2 hits. He walked 2 while striking out 8. Chad Rhoades threw 2 perfect innings of relief recording 3 strikeouts. TJ Large pitched 1 scoreless, hitless inning allowing 1 walk. Bryce Cox pitched a scoreless ninth allowing 1 hit. Lars Anderson went 2 for 4 with a RBI. He is now hitting .296. Aaron Bates went 2 for 4 and scored a run. Argenis Diaz went 2 for 4 and is now hitting .323.

Although outhit, Myrtle Beach edged Salem 1-0. Dave McKae pitched 6 strong innings but gave up the game's only run on 2 hits and a base on balls. He fanned 3. Derrick Loop threw 3 scoreless innings giving up 3 hits and a walk. He fanned 2. The Red Sox 6 hits were spread out amongst 6 different players.

Greenville blanked Kannapolis 8-0. Brock Huntzinger pitched 5.2 scoreless innings allowing 4 hits and 2 walks. He had 3 strikeouts. Armando Zerpa tossed 3.1 perfect innings of relief striking out 1. Anthony Rizzo went 3 for 5 with 2 runs scored. He is now hitting .339. Oscar Tejeda went 3 for 5 with a run scored. Ryan Lavarnway went 2 for 4 with a RBI. Pete Hissey went 2 for 4 with 2 runs scored and a RBI.

Player of the Night: Felix Doubront who toosed 5 innings of 1 hit ball fanning 8

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Van Every activated, Carter sent down

Outfielder Jon Van Every was activated from his rehab assignment at Triple-A Pawtucket today and will be available for Boston's game tonight against the New York Yankees at Fenway Park, this according to Boston.com's Chad Finn. Van Every will take the roster spot of Chris Carter, who was optioned to Pawtucket yesterday. Carter had gone 0 for 5 at the plate this season. Van Every, who had been on the disabled list retroactive to March 27 with a right ankle sprain, appeared in one game for Pawtucket while on rehab, going 2 for 6 with a double and a grand slam. The 29-year-old lefthanded hitter spent 11 games in the majors last season for the Red Sox, hitting .235/.278/.353 with a triple and 5 RBI in 17 at bats. He did his best work in 2008 for Pawtucket, leading the team with 26 home runs while hitting .263/.360/.524 in 380 at bats.

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Negron homers twice in Salem win

4/23 Cup of Coffee: On Thursday, Pawtucket was idle. They resume play tonight against Lehigh Valley.

Connecticut downed Portland 6-2. Jarod Plummer started and went 4 innings allowing 6 runs on 9 hits and a walk. He had 3 strikeouts. Chris Province threw 2 innings of relief giving up just 1 hit. Chad Province went 1 inning and did not allow a run, hit or walk. He fanned 1. TJ Large pitched a scoreless, hitless inning of relief allowing 1 base on balls. Justin Hedrick threw a clean inning fanning 1.

Salem defeated Myrtle Beach 6-1. Seth Garrison went 6 innings allowing 1 run on 4 hits. He did not give up a walk while striking out 6. Jason Rice pitched 2 perfect innings of relief. Jason Blackey closed the game out pitching a scoreless inning. He gave up 1 walk and struck out 1. Kris Negron went 3 for 4 with 2 home runs and 4 RBI. Mike Jones went 2 for 4.

Greenville edged Kannapolis 2-1. Yeiper Castillo pitched 4 scoreless innings giving up 2 hits and 2 base on balls. He fanned 6. Fabian Williamson threw 3.1 frames allowing 1 run on 2 hits and a walk. He struck out 4. Felix Ventura went 1.2 scoreless hitless innings. He gave up 1 walk and struck out 1. Anthony Rizzo went 1 for 2 with a RBI. He also walked twice. David Mailman went 1 for 4 with a RBI.

Player of the Night: Kris Negron who had 3 hits including 2 home runs which produced 4 RBI

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Sox reacquire Kason Gabbard

According to Boston.com's Nick Carfardo, the Red Sox have acquired lefthanded pitcher Kason Gabbard from the Texas Rangers. The deal is believed to be for cash considerations, this according to the Dallas Morning News. Gabbard will be returning for his second stint in the Red Sox organization, having been traded to Texas with David Murphy and Engel Beltre for Eric Gagne at the 2007 trade deadline. Pitching out of the bullpen for Triple-A Oklahoma City this season, Gabbard has so far surrendered 7 earned runs on 10 hits and 11 walks in just 6.0 innings pitched (10.50 ERA) for the Red Hawks. The 27-year-old southpaw was originally a 29th-round draft pick by the Red Sox in 2000 and owns a 9-7 record with a 4.53 ERA in 34 major league appearances for Boston and Texas. In his minor league career, Gabbard has pitched to a 32-37 record with a 4.03 ERA with 411 strikeouts in 505.0 innings. He will initially be sent to extended spring training, where he will continue to work to recover from August 2008 surgery to remove bone spurs from his elbow.

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Van Every slams Rochester in extra-innings win

4/23 Cup of Coffee:

It was a wild night for Red Sox affiliates, beginning at McCoy Stadium, where the Pawtucket Red Sox erased a five-run ninth-inning deficit to come back and win 8-7 in eleven innings. Jon Van Every, playing in the first game of a rehab assignment after injuring his ankle in spring training, went 2 for 6 and tied the game at 7 with his two-out grand slam off of Red Wings reliever Armando Gabino in the bottom of the ninth to send it to extra innings. Chip Ambres ended the game with a bases-loaded walk in the bottom of the eleventh. Julio Lugo, also in Pawtucket on a rehab assignment, led off and played shortstop, going 0-3 with 3 strikeouts and a walk. Making his first start since tweaking his hamstring during a workout last week, Clay Buchholz started the game on the mound for the Red Sox, pitching 5.0 innings allowing 2 earned runs on 3 hits and a walk. He struck out 2. Billy Traber relieved him, allowing 3 earned runs in his inning of work. After Rocky Cherry and Jose Vaquedano each gave up an earned run in back to back innings, Daniel Bard came on to pitch a scoreless ninth, striking out the side on exactly 9 pitches. Fernando Cabrera and Chris George (1-0) each pitched a scoreless inning to set up Pawtucket's walk-off win in the eleventh.

Portland's game against New Britain was not nearly as eventful, as the Sea Dogs fell 6-4. Adam Mills (0-1) pitched the first 4.0 frames, giving up all 6 Rock Cats runs on 2 walks and 8 hits, including 2 home runs. Dustin Richardson and Bryce Cox each fired 2.0 scoreless innings out of the bullpen to give Portland a chance, but the offense couldn't quite come through. Jorge Jimenez led the way offensively for the Sea Dogs, going 2 for 4 with a double and 2 RBI. Bubba Bell went 2 for 4 with a double of his own and a run scored, while Ryan Khoury and Jon Still each went 1 for 3 with a double as well. Lars Anderson went 1 for 4, hitting his second home run of the year in the sixth.

In the conclusion of game two of yesterday's scheduled double header that was suspended due to rain in the third inning, Salem outlasted Wilmington 11-4 in a game that ended after 7 innings. Eammon Portice started the game Tuesday for Salem, working the first 3.0 innings giving up 1 earned run on 3 hits and a walk, striking out 3. Ryne Miller (3-0) picked things up yesterday and went 2.0 innings, giving up 1 earned run on 4 hits and a walk while striking out 3 of his own to earn the win. Kyle Fernandes pitched the final 2.0 frames before the game was called, giving up 2 runs (1 earned) on 3 hits and a walk. The Red Sox accumulated 12 hits, led by Aaron Reza, who went 3 for 5 with a double, an RBI, and a run scored. Chih-Hsien Chiang and Jason Place each went 2 for 4 with a home run, 3 RBI, and 2 runs scored, while Kris Negron went 2 for 4 with an RBI.

To keep the roll going, Salem defeated Wilmington 6-4 in last night's regularly scheduled contest. Jose Capellan went the first 3.0 innings, giving up 3 earned runs on 6 hits and 3 walks, striking out 3. Josh Papelbon (1-1) came on to throw 3.1 hitless innings to earn the win, although he did walk 3 Blue Rocks and give up 1 earned run. Derrick Loop pitched the final 0.2 innings to earn the save, as this one ended after seven innings as well. Che-Hsuan Lin was the hitting star for Salem, going 2 for 4 with 2 RBI and a run scored out of the leadoff spot. Chih-Hsien Chiang had another good game, going 2 for 3, while Zak Farkes and Wil Vazquez each went 1 for 2 with a double and an RBI. Ryan Kalish went 0 for 3 with a walk, but did steal his fifth base of the season.

Greenville couldn't hold a late lead, giving up 2 runs in the eighth and ninth innings, and fell to Kannapolis 5-4. Casey Kelly had yet another strong start for the Drive, pitching the first 5.0 innings giving up no runs on just 2 hits and no walks, striking out 4. He has yet to allow a run on the season. Caleb Clay (0-1) finished the game for Greenville and took the loss, giving up all 5 Kannaopolis runs on 3 walks and 7 hits, including a walk-off single by Justin Greene, in 3.1 innings. The Drive managed just 5 hits in the game and scored only 2 earned runs in the defeat. David Marks was 1 for 2 with an RBI, while Jon Hee knocked in the other run, going 1 for 4.

Player of the Night: Jon Van Every, who hit a game-tying grand slam with two outs in the bottom of the ninth to help spur Pawtucket to victory.

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Hansack released, expected to be back on minor league deal

To make space on the 40-man roster for Jeff Bailey, who was called up to Boston yesterday, the Red Sox have placed Nicaraguan pitcher Devern Hansack on unconditional release waivers. However, WEEI's Alex Speier is reporting that Hansack will re-sign a minor league deal with the organization once he clears waivers. Hansack, who was originally signed by the Red Sox as a minor league free agent in December 2005, had appeared in 1 game this season for Pawtucket, giving up 1 run on 2 hits in his inning of work. He owns a career record of 37-34 with a 3.79 ERA, 496 strikeouts and 166 walks in 552.0 minor league innings pitching in the Houston and Boston organizations. He has also made 9 major league appearances, including 3 starts, over the past 3 seasons for Boston, putting up a 2-2 record with a 3.70 ERA and 18 strikeouts in 24.1 innings. The highlight of Hansack's major league career came on October 1, 2006 when he held Baltimore hitless over 5.0 innings before the game ended on account of rain.

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Rizzo homers, drives in 3 in Drive win

4/22 Cup of Coffee:

It was a wet day in the northeast, as both Pawtucket and Portland were rained out. Julio Lugo and Jonathan Van Every were both scheduled to begin rehab assignments with Pawtucket.

Salem was scheduled to play a double header Tuesday due to the rainout of Monday's game against Wilmington, but the rains once again came hard and heavy, suspending the scheduled night game in the top of the fourth inning with Salem leading 5-1. The two teams did manage to play seven innings in game one, with Salem falling 8-3. The teams will resume play in game two before tonight's regularly scheduled contest. Kyle Weiland (0-1) started for the Red Sox in game 1 and was roughed up, surrendering 8 runs (7 earned) on 7 hits and 2 walks in 3.1 innings, striking out 4. Jose Alvarez pitched the final 2.2 before the game was called, yielding just 3 hits and no runs. Matt Sheely continued to swing a hot bat, going 2 for 3 with a double, an RBI and a run scored. Aaron Reza went 1 for 3 with his first home run of 2009, a two-run shot in the third. Ryan Kalish and Mike Jones each went 1 for 3 as well, while Kris Negron went 1 for 2 with a walk.

The weather did manage to cooperate in Kannapolis, NC, where the Drive downed the homestanding Intimidators by a score of 5-3. Bryan Price (1-0) started for Greenville, firing 6.0 innings giving up 2 runs (1 earned) on 4 hits and 2 walks, fanning 4 to earn the win. Hunter Strickland pitched the final 3.0 innings to earn his first save of the year, giving up only a solo home run while striking out 2. The Drive pounded out 11 hits, led by Anthony Rizzo, who was 4 for 5 with 2 doubles, a home run, and 3 RBI to raise his season line to .313/.424/.563. Michael Almanzar went 3 for 5, while David Mailman went 2 for 5 with a triple and an RBI.

Player of the Night: Anthony Rizzo, who went 4 for 5 with 2 doubles, a home run, and 3 RBI in Greenville's 5-3 win over Kannapolis.

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Lowrie has wrist surgery, likely out until July

The Boston Globe's Chad Finn is reporting that shortstop Jed Lowrie underwent successful surgery today in Arizona to repair his injured left wrist. If all goes according to plan, he could be ready to return to the Boston lineup sometime in July. Lowrie was placed on the 15-day disabled list on April 13 after telling the team he had been experiencing pain in his left wrist, the same wrist in which he suffered a non-displaced fracture that he played with last season. He had been hitting just .056/.150/.056 in 18 at bats in 2009 before going on the disabled list. This followed an encouraging spring training performance that saw him hit .343/.400/.657 with 3 home runs.

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Baldelli pulls hamstring, Bailey to Boston

Just hours after leaving Monday's game against the Orioles with an apparent hamstring injury, Boston outfielder Rocco Baldelli has been placed on the 15-day disabled list. According to Amalie Benjamin of the Boston Globe, Jeff Bailey will be called up from Pawtucket to take Baldelli's place on the roster. The 30-year-old Bailey had been hitting well at Triple-A to start the season, putting up a .255/.407/.511 line with 4 home runs in 47 at bats through the first 12 games for Pawtucket. Hitting mostly from the leadoff spot, Bailey has accumulated as many walks (10) as strikeouts (10), driving in 7 while scoring 11 runs. He will now join fellow 2008 Pawtucket hitting star Chris Carter, against whom he was competing for the final spot on the 25-man roster during spring training, on the Boston bench.

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SoxProspects.com Podcast, Episode 2

In our second attempt at podcasting, we discuss the early season assignments, the most underrated and overrated players in the Red Sox system, and the qualitative and quantitative factors that we use to rank prospects, among other topics. Included in the hour-long round table-discussion are staff members Mike Andrews (soxprospects), Chris Mellen (Cem21), Ian Theodoridis (templeUsox), and Chris Hatfield (Arquimedez Bozo). We have to apologize once again for some continued minor technical difficulties - we are in the process of upgrading to an entirely new audio system, and prior to last night's recording we realized that we are in need of one additional piece of hardware. We hope to have the upgrade process complete for next month's podcast, which should be skip-free. Hope you enjoy!

The links:

Full Link

iTunes Link

Subscription Feed

Segment 1 (direct download)
Segment 2 (direct download)
Segment 3 (direct download)

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Pitcher of the Week, April 9 - 19: Daniel Bard

Continuing his bullpen brilliance from last season and spring training, Pawtucket closer Daniel Bard has been voted SoxProspects.com Pitcher of the Week for April 9-19 by the SoxProspects.com community. The tall righthander pitched 7.0 innings, limiting opposing teams to 1 earned run on 1 hit (a solo home run) while striking out 11 and walking only 2 to record 2 saves for Pawtucket. A first-round pick by the Red Sox in 2006, Bard began his tenure with the organization as a starter before moving to the bullpen to begin last season. Once converted to relief, he pitched to a 5-1 record with 7 saves and a sparkling 1.51 ERA in 77.2 innings, striking out 107 between his stints in Greenville and Portland in 2008. He is currently the third ranked prospect in the organization as designated by SoxProspects.com.

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Player of the Week, April 9 - 19: Ryan Kalish

With an impressive .353/.511/.559 line that included 4 doubles, 1 home run, and a 12:7 walks-to-strikeouts ratio in 46 plate appearances, Salem outfielder Ryan Kalish has won SoxProspects.com Player of the Week honors for April 9-19. The speedy outfielder also stole 4 bases in 4 attempts and scored 11 runs to help put Salem at the top of the Carolina League's Southern Division standings after the first 11 games of 2009. Kalish, who just turned 21 years of age in March, batted .279/.449/.368 in Hawaii Winter Baseball this off season with a league-high 12 stolen bases. He had been voted as a 2009 Pre-Season All Star by the SoxProspects.com community and is looking forward to a healthy 2009 after a 2008 season in which he was hampered by injury.

Honorable mention goes to Portland third baseman Jorge Jimenez, who was named the Eastern League Player of the Week for April 8-19 after hitting .389/.450/.583 with 1 home run and 11 RBI.

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Bowden pitches Paw Sox past Lehigh Valley

4/21 Cup of Coffee:

Michael Bowden (1-0) turned in his third impressive start of 2009, helping Pawtucket defeat Lehigh Valley 2-0 to earn a split of the four-game series. The big righthander pitched 5.1 innings scoreless, yielding only 3 hits and 1 walk whine fanning 7 Iron Pigs. Fernando Cabrera continued his fine work out of the Pawtucket bullpen, firing 2.2 hitless innings with 1 strikeout. Daniel Bard slammed the door on Lehigh Valley with a hitless ninth, striking out 2 to earn his third save. All the offense for Pawtucket was provided by Paul McAnulty's first-inning two-run home run. Jeff Bailey and Dusty Brown each went 1 for 3.

Both Portland and Salem were rained out on Monday.

Not to be outdone by their Triple-A counterparts, Stolmy Pimentel (1-1) and the Greenville Drive also turned in a pitching gem, downing Greensboro 2-0. Pimentel went the first 5.0 innings, giving up 5 hits while striking out 5. Lance McClain then pitched 3.0 hitless frames, fanning 4, before Felix Ventura finished the game with a scorless ninth to record his first save. Oscar Tejeda continued his recent hot streak, going 3 for 4 with a double, a triple, and a run scored. Mitch Dening went 2 for 4 with an RBI, while Tim Federowicz drove in the other Greenville run, going 1 for 4. Zach Gentile also has a multiple-hit game, going 2 for 3 with a double.

Player of the Night: Michael Bowden, who struck out 7 over 5.1 scoreless innings to earn his first win of 2009.

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Sheely drives in 3 in Salem win

4/20 Cup of Coffee:

It was a low-scoring Sunday for Sox affiliates, beginning with Pawtucket, which lost to Lehigh Valley by a score of 6-2. Enrique Gonzalez (1-1) put in a good effort but took the loss, throwing 6.0 innings of two-run ball while giving up 5 hits and 2 walks while striking out 4. Fortune was not as kind to Chris George, who gave up 4 earned runs on 6 hits in just 1.2 innings. Robert Coello, making his first appearance for Pawtucket since being signed out of the independent Golden Baseball League last week, finished the game with 1.1 scoreless innings, striking out 1. The Red Sox managed just 6 hits in the game, with no player having more than 1, although Ivan Ochoa did manage to hit his first home run of the season in the ninth.

Junichi Tazawa wasn't as sharp as he was in his first two American starts, and Portland fell to Binghamton 4-2. The Japanese righthander threw 4.2 innings and struck out 5, giving up only 2 earned runs, but yielded 6 hits and 3 walks. Chris Province (2-2) picked up his fourth decision of the season, tossing 2.1 innings giving up 1 earned run on 1 hit and 1 walk, striking out 3 while taking the loss. Justin Hedrick pitched the final inning, giving up a solo home run. The Sea Dogs managed just 4 hits in the game, although Zach Borowiak made his a triple in his first game action of 2009.

The lone minor league bright spot for the organization came at the hands of Salem, which defeated Frederick 9-3. Dave McKae, making his Red Sox debut opposite top Orioles prospect Brian Matusz, pitched the first 3.2 innings, giving up 3 earned runs on 6 hits and a walk. Derrick Loop (1-1) continued his strong start to the season to earn the win, tossing 3.0 scoreless innings giving up 3 hits and a walk while striking out 2. Josh Papelbon pitched the final 2.1 innings to earn the save, blanking the Keys on 2 hits. Right fielder Matt Sheely led the way offensively for Salem, going 3 for 5 with 2 RBI, 2 steals, and a run scored. Ryan Kalish went 2 for 4 with 2 RBI a steal, and a run scored of his own, while Jason Place went 2 for 5 with 2 RBI as well.

Greenville took the lead early but gave it up late, losing 8-6 to Greensboro. Brock Huntzinger pitched the first 4.0 innings, giving up 4 earned runs on 5 hits and 3 walks striking out 3 but departed with the Drive leading 5-4. Fabian Williamson (0-1) wasn't any more successful in his 3.0 innings of work, surrendering 4 earned runs on 7 hits and 2 walks to take the loss. Dennis Neuman turned in the best pitching performance for Greenville, firing 2.0 scoreless innings. Anthony Rizzo went 1 for 2 with 3 walks and an RBI, while Kade Keowen went 1 for 3 with a walk, hitting his first home run of the year in the second.

Player of the Day: Matt Sheely, who went 3 for 5 with 2 RBI, 2 steals, and a run scored in Salem's win over Frederick.

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Wilkerson chooses retirement

Daniel Barbarisi of the Providence Journal is reporting that Brad Wilkerson, formerly of the Pawtucket Red Sox, has decided to retire after an eight-year major league career. The 31-year-old outfielder / first baseman cited a lack of fire as his reason for retiring. Wilkerson had been signed to a minor league deal in February with the expectation that he would compete for a backup role with Boston, but he lost out to Chris Carter after a poor spring training that saw him hit only .196/.286/.119 with 18 strikeouts in 42 at bats. In his major league career with Montreal / Washington, Texas, Seattle, and Toronto, Wilkerson hit .247/.350/.440 with 122 home runs and 399 RBI in 972 games.

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Jimenez powers Sea Dogs to victory

4/19 Cup of Coffee:

Another night, another victory for Pawtucket, which downed Lehigh Valley 5-2 at McCoy Stadium. Marcus McBeth went the first two frames and was charged with 1 earned run despite giving up no hits and only 1 walk, striking out 2. Jose Vaquedano (1-1) relieved McBeth in the third inning, allowing the base runner he inherited to score but then proceeding to throw 3.0 shutout innings to earn the win. Rocky Cherry and Fernando Cabrera held the Iron Pigs scoreless for the next 3.0 innings, before Daniel Bard gave up his first run of the season in the ninth on a home run to Lehigh Valley's Jeremy Slayden. Carlos Maldonado entered the game in the top of the third inning replacing Dusty Brown and went 2 for 2 with a run scored. Chip Ambres and Jeff Natale each had 2 hits and drove in 2, while Ivan Ochoa went 1 for 3 with 2 stolen bases.

Portland exploded offensively, collected 18 hits and scoring 12 runs in a 12-4 rout of Binghamton. Felix Doubront (1-0) started and picked up the win, pitching 5.0 innings giving up 2 earned runs on 5 hits and 4 walks, striking out 4. William Latimer struggled a bit in his first appearance of 2009, giving up 3 hits and 4 walks in 2.0 innings, but held the Mets to 2 runs (only 1 earned). Bryce Cox finished the game with 2.0 scoreless innings. Six Sea Dogs had multiple-hit games, including Jorge Jimenez, who went 4 for 5 with a home run, 3 RBI, and 2 runs scored. Lars Anderson continued to swing a hot bat, going 4 for 6 to raise his line on the year to .310/.348/.452. Aaron Bates, Josh Reddick, Iggy Suarez, and Mark Wagner each had 2 hits.

Salem kept the Sox affiliates roll going, beating Frederick 7-4 on the road. Seth Garrison got the start for the Red Sox and fired 5.0 innings giving up 2 runs, only 1 earned, on 3 hits and 2 walks, striking out 2. Ryne Miller (2-0) picked up where Garrison left off, throwing 2.0 scoreless innings to earn the win. Jason Rice gave up 2 earned runs in his inning of work to make it a save situation for Jason Blackley, who put the Keys on ice with a scoreless ninth to record his third save of the season. Mike Jones was the hitting star for Salem, going 3 for 3 with a solo home run and 2 runs scored. He is now hitting .353/.421/.441 on the year. Second baseman Aaron Reza went 2 for 4 with an RBI, while Zak Farkes drove in 3 with a long two-out blast in the eighth that provided the winning runs for Salem.

Greenville couldn't quite recover from a 4-run top of the second, falling 4-3 to visiting Greensboro. Yeiper Castillo made the start and went 3.0 innings, giving up said runs on 4 hits and a walk. Armando Zerpa extended his season-opening scoreless streak to 9.0 innings, firing 3.0 frames while striking out 5. Mitch Herold struck out 4 of his own in his 2.0 scoreless innings of work, and Felix Ventura finished the game with a scoreless ninth. Anthony Rizzo, once again hitting third for the Drive, had a nice day at the dish, going 2 for 5 with 2 doubles and a run scored. Ryan Lavarnway, getting the start at catcher, went 1 for 3 with an RBI, while David Marks went 1 for 3, driving in 2 with a home run in the fifth.

Player of the Night: Jorge Jimenez, who went 4 for 5 with a home run, 3 RBI, and 2 runs scored. He is now hitting .424/.486/.636 with 11 RBI in 2009.

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Tejeda scores 4 runs in Greenville win

4/18 Cup of Coffee:

After eight games on the road to start the season, the Pawtucket Red Sox dropped their home opener to Lehigh Valley by a score of 4-3. Starting on three days' rest in place of the injured Clay Buchholz, knuckleballer Charlie Zink (0-2) took the loss, giving up 4 earned runs on 4 hits and 3 walks in 6.0 innings, striking out 2. Billy Traber finished the game, firing 3.0 scoreless innings giving up only 1 hit while striking out 3 Iron Pigs. Jeff Bailey went 3 for 4 at the plate, launching his fourth home run of the young season in the third inning. Zach Daeges had a nice night as well, going 2 for 4 with a double.

In the team's first road contest of 2009, the Portland Sea Dogs emerged victorious, doubling up Binghamton 8-4. Blake Maxwell started for Portland, throwing 3.0 innings and giving up 2 earned runs on 5 hits. He struck out 4 and did not walk a batter. Lefthander Dustin Richardson (2-0) followed Maxwell to the mound and earned the win, giving up 1 earned run on 3 hits and a walk in 3.0 innings, striking out 3. Chad Rhoades and TJ Large finished the game for the Sea Dogs. Bubba Bell went 2 for 5 at the plate with a double and a run scored, and Mark Wagner also went 2 for 5, including his second home run of the season. Lars Anderson went 1 for 3 with a home run of his own and 2 runs scored, while Ryan Khoury drove in 3 with a bases-loaded double in the third.

Despite a tough day on Thursday, Salem bounced back to earn a 5-4 victory over Frederick in Carolina League action last night. Jose Capellan (1-0) earned the win, firing 5.1 innings giving up 3 earned runs on 7 hits and a walk, striking out 4. Kyle Fernandes pitched the next 2.2 innings, giving up 1 earned run on 2 hits, striking out 4. Jason Blackey slammed the door with a scoreless ninth, striking out 1 to earn the save. Batting third and serving as the team's designated hitter, Ryan Kalish went 3 for 4 with 2 doubles, a walk and 2 runs scored. Thirdbaseman Zak Farkes went 2 for 2 at the plate with 2 walks and a steal, while Jason Place launched his first home run of the season, a 3-run shot in the third inning. He now has 10 RBI on the young season.

In an impressive all-around performance, the Greenville Drive blanked Greensboro, 9-0. Casey Kelly (2-0) was impressive once again in his second start of the season, scattering 4 hits and a walk in 5.0 scoreless innings, striking out 4. Caleb Clay pitched the final 4.0 innings, giving up 3 hits and a walk while striking out 2. The Drive pounded out 12 hits on the evening, with David Mailman and Anthony Rizzo each going 2 for 5. Ryan Lavarnway, serving as the team's DH, drove in 2 with a triple in the first, while Michael Almanzar hit his second home run of the year in the fourth. But the hitting star of the night was Oscar Tejeda, who went 3 for 4 with a walk, a triple, a home run, and 4 runs scored.

Player of the Night: Oscar Tejeda, who went 3 for 4 with a triple, a home run, and 4 runs scored in a 9-0 Greenville win.

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Johnson goes 5 scoreless in Pawtucket win

4/17 Cup of Coffee:

Pawtucket prevailed 1-0 in a well-pitched game at Rochester last night. Kris Johnson (1-0) got the win, throwing 5.0 scoreless innings, striking out 3 while yielding only 2 hits and 2 walks. Side-arming lefty Chris George followed him with 2.2 scoreless innings before Fernando Cabrera slammed the door with 1.1 scoreless innings of his own. For the second time this season, Carlos Maldonado caught Johnson and drove in the only run of the game, going 1 for 3 with a double. Travis Denker, Chip Ambres, and Ivan Ochoa each went 1 for 3 as well.

In Eastern League action, Binghamton edged Portland 4-3 in a hard-fought game at Hadlock Field. Jarod Plummer started for the Sea Dogs, giving up 2 earned runs on 4 hits and 3 walks in 4.0 innings. The loss was charged to Chris Province (0-1), who gave up 1 earned run on 3 hits in his 2.0 innings of work, walking 1 and striking out 2. Justin Hedrick finished the game giving up 1 earned run in 2.0 innings. Shortstop Argenis Diaz was the hitting star for Portland, going 2 for 4 with a double, a triple, and 2 RBI. Lars Anderson also went 2 for 4 with 2 doubles and a run scored, and Jorge Jimenez went 2 for 4 with an RBI of his own.

Salem was beaten to the tune of 8-2 in game 1 of double-header action against Potomac in a game that was called after 7 innings. Eammon Portice (0-1) racked up 7 strikeouts in his 5.0 innings of work, but he also gave up 4 earned runs on 5 hits and 2 walks and took the loss. Lefty Jose Alvarez followed Portice to the mound, giving up 4 earned runs of his own on 4 hits and 2 walks in 2.0 innings. Jason Place drove in both runs for Salem, going 3 for 4 with a double and a stolen base. Ryan Kalish went 0 for 2 but did walk twice and score a run while stealing his third base of the season. Five other Salem hitters each had 1 hit in the game, including catcher Luis Exposito, who went 1 for 3 and also threw out the only runner who tried to steal against him.

Things didn't go much better for Salem in game 2, as the team lost a 5-1 decision to Potomac, this time in an 8-inning affair. Derrick Loop held the 2008 Carolina League champions to only 2 walks over 4 hitless innings, striking out 3. Jason Rice threw 2.0 innings, giving up only 1 unearned run on 2 hits and 2 walks, striking out 4. Submariner Josh Papelbon (0-1) wasn't quite as successful, yielding 4 earned runs on 3 hits and a walk in his 2.0 frames and taking the loss. Designated hitter Mike Jones went 2 for 4 in the game for Salem, while catcher Will Vazquez and first baseman Jered Stanley each went 1 for 3 with a double. Luis Segovia drove in the only Red Sox run, going 1 for 4.

In a tight ball game in North Carolina, Greenville edged visiting Hickory 4-3. Bryan Price kicked off the game for the Drive, twirling 5.0 impressive scoreless innings, giving up only 2 hits and 2 walks while whiffing 4 Crawdads. Big Hunter Strickland (1-1) picked up the win despite giving up 3 earned runs on 6 hits, including 2 home runs, in his 4 innings of work. He struck out 3 and did not walk a batter. David Mailman led off for Greenville and went 1 for 4 with a triple, 2 runs scored and an RBI. He was also able to steal 2 bases after reaching base via a fielder's choice in the bottom of the 5th, swiping both second and third while Oscar Tejada (1 for 3, double, 2 RBI) was at the plate. Centerfielder Mitch Dening went 2 for 3 in the game with 2 doubles, while catcher Tim Federowicz went 2 for 4 hitting out of the cleanup spot.

Player of the Night: Kris Johnson, who went 5.0 scoreless innings to pick up the win for Pawtucket. He has now pitched 10.0 scoreless innings to start the season.

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Kalish scores 4 and drives in 2 in Salem win

4/16 Cup of Coffee: Pawtucket downed Rochester 4-2 on Wednesday. Mike Bowden went 4 innings giving up 1 run on 5 hits and 2 walks. He had 3 strikeouts. Rocky Cherry threw 3 innings and allowed 1 run on 1 hit and a walk. He had 4 strikeouts. Daniel Bard pitched 2 scoreless frames. He did not allow a hit but gave up 2 base on balls. He fanned 3. Travis Denker went 2 for 5. Paul McAnulty went 2 for 4 with a run scored and a RBI. Jeff Natale went 2 for 4 with a run scored.

New Britain doubled Portland by the score of 6-3. Adam Mills went 3.2 innings allowing 3 runs on 7 hits and a walk. He fanned 5. Bryce Cox went 1.1 innings giving up 3 runs on 3 hits and a walk. He had 1 strikeout. TJ Large went 1 scoreless inning allowing a hit and a walk. He had 2 strikeouts. Chad Rhoades threw a scoreless inning. He allowed a hit and a walk while recording 1 strikeout.

Salem drubbed Potomac 12-4. Kyle Weiland threw 3.1 innings allowing 4 runs on 5 hits and 2 base on balls. Ryne Miller pitched 2.2 scoreless, hitless frames. He walked 1 while fanning 3. Jarod Plummer threw a scoreless inning. He allowed a hit and a walk. Jason Blackey pitched 2 scoreless innings. He allowed a hit and a walk while fanning 3. Kris Negron went 2 for 5 with a run scored. Aaron Reza went 2 for 6 and scored a run. Ryan Kalish went 2 for 3 with a home run, 4 runs scored and 2 RBI. He also had 2 walks. Jason Place went 3 for 5 with 3 runs scored and 2 RBI. Luis Exposito went 2 for 5 with a run scored and 3 RBI. Mike Jones went 3 for 5 with 3 RBI.

Hickory blanked Greenville 8-0. Stolmy Pimentel went 3.1 innings allowing 3 runs on 5 hits and 3 walks. Dennis Neuman went 2.1 frames with 2 runs scored on 3 hits and a walk. He struck out 2. Mitch Herold went 1.2 frames allowing 3 runs on 5 hits. He had 3 strikeouts. Felix Ventura went 1.2 scoreless, hitless innings. He gave up 1 walk while striking out 1. Mike Almanzar went 2 for 4 .

Player of the Night: Ryan Kalish who reached base 4 times on 2 hits and 2 base on balls. He had a homer, 4 runs scored and 2 RBI.

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Sox call up Jones, send Matsuzaka to the D.L.

The Red Sox today called up relief pitcher Hunter Jones from Triple-A Pawtucket to take Daisuke Matsuzaka's place on the active roster, this according to Boston.com's Chad Finn. The Japanese righthander was placed on the 15-day disabled list today with a right shoulder strain after being removed from last night's game against Oakland with fatigue in his pitching arm. Jones has already appeared in 3 games for Pawtucket this season, firing 3.2 perfect innings with 2 strikeouts. The big lefthander split last season between Double-A Portland and Pawtucket, posting a combined 7-3 record with a 2.45 ERA and 76 strikeouts in 48 appearances spanning 73.1 innings.

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Zerpa tosses 4.1 perfect innings in 15 inning marathon

4/15 Cup of Coffee: Last night, Rochester edged Pawtucket 6-5. Enrique Gonzalez went 5 innings allowing 4 runs on 7 hits and a walk. He had 3 strikeouts. Marcus McBeth threw 1 clean inning of relief. He fanned 2. Billy Traber went 0.2 of an inning giving up 1 run on 1 hit. He had 1 strikeout. Jose Vaquedano pitched 0.2 of an inning allowing the winning run on 2 hits. Hunter Jones retired the 2 batters he faced fanning 1 of them. Jeff Bailey went 3 for 4 with 2 home runs and 3 RBI. Angel Chavez went 2 for 4 and scored twice.

Portland downed New Britain 4-3. Junichi Tazawa lasted 6 innings allowing 1 run on 4 hits and 2 walks. He had 3 strikeouts. Blake Maxwell threw 2 scoreless innings. He allowed 2 hits while striking out 2. Justin Hedrick pitched the final inning giving up 2 runs on a hit and 2 walks. He fanned 2. Jon Still was 2 for 2 with a run scored.

The Salem-Potomac game was postponed.

In a 15 inning marathon, Greenvilled edged Hickory 2-1. Brock Huntzinger started and went 5 innings allowing 1 run on 4 hits. He had 3 strikouts. Fabian Williamson threw 4.2 scoreless innings giving up 1 hit and 2 base on balls. Armando Zerpa tossed 4.1 perfect frames fanning 2. Lance McClain threw 1 clean frame fanning 2. Tim Federowicz went 2 for 5 and scored a run. Matt Keowen went 2 for 6 with a RBI. Pete Hissey went 2 for 5.

Player of the Night: Armando Zerpa who pitched 4.1 innings of middle relief recording 2 strikeouts

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