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August 31, 2010 at 10:14 PM

The Book: Jose Iglesias



SS Jose Iglesias
Date: August 29, 2010
Team: Portland Sea Dogs


Line: 0 for 4, 3 strikeouts, reached on error

Swing: Iglesias possesses a smooth, fluid stroke from the right side of the plate that requires very little maintenance and is short to the point of contact. His swing is highlighted by extremely quick hands that generate excellent bat speed through the hitting zone and allow him to produce line drives when he squares the ball up. Level throughout his swing path, Iglesias doesn’t create much lift, but hits with some backspin that causes the ball to carry when he puts a charge into it. Very good at clearing out inside pitches, Iglesias shows his best power when pulling his hands in and whipping the bat head out in front of the ball to the point of contact. This makes him tough to get fastballs by on the inside corner, and allows him to take advantage of mistakes made in this area. However, his swing loses some fluidity when he tries to go the other way, as well as on offerings on the outer third of the plate. Iglesias tries to stick the head of the bat out at these pitches rather than leading with his hands to continue to hit inside the baseball and drive balls into the right-centerfield gap. Because he tends to slap at balls running away from him, most of the contact he generates to the opposite field is weak, and this makes him prone to pitches in this area. While not projecting as a player with good home run power to all fields, some work on his swing mechanics in hitting to the opposite field should enable him to hit more line drives and round into a hitter that can use the whole field to his advantage.

Approach: Iglesias is in the very early stages of developing an approach, and still coming up to speed with the advanced pitching he now sees at the professional level. This is the area in which he has the most work to do. Not overly selective, Iglesias has a very large strike zone and will chase most pitches that are close to the plate, often fishing for breaking balls sweeping across the strike zone and into the dirt. He has enough recognition to lay off fastballs down and out of the strike zone, but jumps at ones that are elevated and outside. He has yet to get a grasp on what he can and can’t handle, but this is expected for an aggressively assigned young hitter in the beginning of his professional career. Iglesias stays back before unleashing his swing, but his raw pitch recognition leads to him getting himself out and making bad choices regarding what to attack. He’s also pull-happy, and has yet to gain trust in going the other way, which is tied into the aforementioned work needed with his swing mechanics. With improvement with his count management and the natural progression that comes with getting exposed to more and more pitching, he should show positive strides in this area soon. While not having the look of a hitter who is going to be a high on-base player down the line, his hitting skills are good enough for him to make more consistent, hard contact as he improves his batting eye, works himself into good fastballs counts, and takes pitches he cannot handle regardless of whether or not they are strikes.

Take: Coming into the Red Sox system as a highly touted defensive player, Iglesias’s skills have been as advertised in this department. He has experienced some growing pains and an initial adjustment period to playing defense as a professional, leading to some early errors, but his range, hands, and arm are all above-average or better. Showing excellent fluidity and body control, Iglesias can make very tough plays look easy, and he has become much steadier when making the routine plays. While he may make some errors on tougher plays or because he gets to more balls than many of the players out there, he has the look of a shortstop who can be elite at the major league level for years to come. Losing time to a broken knuckle did set him back some at the plate this season, and he will have to make up the at-bats to continue his offensive progression. His main strength at the plate is the excellent bat speed that he generates due to his quick hands and smooth load. His compact swing does not require much attention and does not have too many moving parts, which should prevent it from easily falling out of whack. This bodes well for him evolving into a player that can produce a lot of contact at the major league level as his approach and pitch recognition continue to come up to speed. Iglesias will be pressed to hit for even average power in the big leagues, as he is slight of build and doesn’t look to have much more room to fill out, but he has the power to produce doubles and plug gaps. The ball comes off his bat nicely, especially when he pulls the ball. Developing his approach will be his biggest challenge, and whether or not he does so will determine if he going to be selective enough to produce in a major league lineup. Given his defensive strengths and the value he will add in that area, he does not have to produce like other bats in the lineup and can hit in the lower third, but he has the hitting skills to become a second place hitter on a good team. There was a lot of defensive hype surrounding Iglesias coming into this season to go along with some questions about his bat. He’s more than lived up to the reports on his defensive capabilities and, from what he has shown so far at the plate, Iglesias has the all-around talent to be known for more than just his glove. Development time tables are always tough to predict and are dependent on various factors, but Iglesias is a talent that should find himself in the major leagues within the next couple of seasons, and has the overall package to stick there for a while.
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at 7:22 PM

Seven Red Sox prospects headed to the AFL


The initial rosters for the Arizona Fall League were released today, including the roster for the Peoria Javelinas, the team to which Red Sox players will be assigned. Six Red Sox prospects are on the list, including Jason Rice, Daniel Turpen, Seth Garrison, Ryan Lavarnway, Juan Carlos Linares, and Jose Iglesias. The roster also lists one "TBA" pitcher slot for Boston. That spot is expected to be filled by top prospect Casey Kelly, assuming he is back to full health this fall.

The AFL, the most well-respected off-season league, is generally reserved for highly-regarded prospects whom the organization is hoping to see advance in the upcoming season, or for advanced players who missed significant time during the minor league season due to injury. Peoria's schedule gets underway on October 12 and will run through November 18. The Peoria squad will also include players from the Cleveland Indians, Houston Astros, Seattle Mariners, and Toronto Blue Jays. Greenville pitching coach Kevin Walker will serve as the pitching coach for the Javelinas.
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at 4:06 PM

Delcarmen traded to Rockies for minor leaguer Balcom-Miller


According to multiple reports, the Red Sox have traded Manny Delcarmen and cash considerations to the Colorado Rockies for pitcher Chris Balcom-Miller.

Delcarmen's tenure with the Red Sox comes to an end after 10 years in the organization. Drafted out of high school in the second round of the 2000 draft, he made 289 appearances out of the bullpen for the Red Sox since debuting in 2005. The Massachusetts native notched a career 11-6 record with a 3.89 ERA. In his 284.1 innings pitched, Delcarmen struck out 243 and walked 131, while posting a 1.36 career WHIP.

Balcom-Miller was drafted in the 35th round of the 2008 draft by the Royals, but chose to return to West Valley College for another year. In 2009, he signed with the Rockies after being drafted in the 6th round. The right-hander spent the rest of the 2009 campaign with Casper in Rookie ball. In 11 starts, he went 4-0 with a 1.58 ERA, fanning 60 batters in 57 innings.

This season, the 21-year-old has made 19 starts for Asheville, the Rockies South Atlantic League affiliate. He is 6-7 with a 3.31 ERA, and has struck out 117 batters while walking just 19 in 108.2 innings. Balcom-Miller will report to Single-A Greenville. Coincidentally, Balcom-Miller's last start was Sunday against the Drive, when he was tagged for 5 runs on 8 hits in 5.2 innings.

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at 11:34 AM

Players of the Week, August 23-29; Ryan Lavarnway and Pete Ruiz


The final week in August provided some of the most impressive performances of the entire 2010 season, culminating in Ryan Lavarnway and Pete Ruiz being named SoxProspects.com Player and Pitcher of the Week, respectively.

Lavarnway compiled one of the strongest one week slash lines for any Red Sox minor leaguer in recent memory last week, with a .421/.621/1.211 output. His OPS of 1.831 is the highest one-week OPS for any player in the system since 2008. The 23-year-old also smacked 3 doubles and 4 home runs while driving in 9 for the Sea Dogs. Lavarnway continues an outstanding season at the plate that has seen him earn this award for a third time, in addition to garnering SoxProspects.com Player of the Month honors in both April and June.

On the mound, Ruiz had a two-start week which saw him earn the victory in both. He took the mound against Charleston on Monday, throwing 5.0 innings allowing 2 runs (1 earned) on 4 hits in Greenville's 6-5 win. He followed that performance up with a 5.0 inning, 5 hit, 1 run outing against Asheville. Ruiz is now 10-8 with a 4.19 ERA in 26 appearances for the Drive.

It was a banner week for hitters in the Red Sox organization last week, with Lavarnway, Josh Reddick, and Reynaldo Rodriguez all winning Player of the Week honors in their respective leagues. Reddick's week was particularly of note, with his 17 hits matching the organization's highest one-week total since 2008. Mike Lee also won Player of the Week in the Carolina League for his 6 innings of one-hit ball against Myrtle Beach on Wednesday.

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at 5:03 AM

Hill shines brightly in narrow Pawtucket victory


8/31 Cup of Coffee: Pawtucket squeaked out a close victory while Lowell picked up its fourth in a row and Portland came out on top in a back-and-forth contest.

Offense was at a premium Monday evening as Pawtucket nipped the Rochester Red Wings (MIN) 2-1. Rich Hill was outstanding during his 7.0 inning start, allowing just 1 run on 4 hits and a walk while striking out 6. Dustin Richardson pitched a scoreless eighth inning and Robert Manuel tossed a 1-2-3 ninth for his 13th save. After Rochester took a 1-0 lead in the top of the second, Lars Anderson scurried home on a wild pitch in the bottom half of the inning to tie the game. Jeremy Hermida's sacrifice fly in the fourth brought home the eventual winning run. Bubba Bell and Gil Velazquez each had 2 hits to lead the PawSox offense.

In a very close contest, Portland's bullpen was the difference as the Sea Dogs downed the Binghamton Mets (NYM) 7-6. Jeremy Kehrt was torched in his 4.2 innings of work, allowing 6 runs on 13 hits, striking out 2. Ryne Reynoso moved to 2-0 thanks to his 3.1 innings of scoreless relief. Daniel Turpen pitched a scoreless ninth inning to record his third save. Portland struck first in the bottom half of the first, receiving a Nate Spears RBI single to take a 1-0 lead. In the second, the Sea Dogs exploded for five runs on doubles by William Vazquez, Chih-Hsien Chiang and Luis Expoisto in addition to an RBI single by Jose Iglesias. Binghamton came roaring back to tie the game in the top of the fifth but Portland plated the decisive run in the bottom half of the inning on a Jorge Padron sacrifice fly. Every member of the Portland lineup recorded a hit except for Anthony Rizzo. Chiang was a perfect 3 for 3 to lead the Sea Dog offense.

Looking to increase its grasp on first place, the Greenville Drive lost a heart breaker to the Charleston RiverDogs (NYY) 3-1 in twelve innings. Ryan Pressly received the start for the Drive, going 5.0 innings, allowing just 2 hits and 2 walks while striking out 7. Armando Zerpa added 2.2 scoreless innings of relief, striking out 2. Dennis Neuman picked up his first blown save of the year for his 3.1 innings of relief in which he allowed 2 runs on 3 hits and a walk. Jordan Flasher tossed the final 0.2 innings of the contest, allowing 1 run on 1 hit. The Drive's only run of the evening came on a Kolbrin Vitek RBI double in the top of the second.

Lowell completed a rare sweep of the Staten Island Yankees by defeating them 6-3 on Monday night. Keith Couch went the first 3.0 innings, allowing an unearned run on 3 hits while striking out 2. Tyler Lavigne picked up his first win as a member of the Red Sox organization for his 5.0 innings of relief during which he allowed 2 runs on 7 hits. Cesare Angeloni hurled a 1-2-3 ninth inning to pick up his first save. Down 1-0 in the third, Lowell took the lead on RBI singles from Jose Garcia and Bryce Brentz. In the fourth, Henry Ramos, playing in his first game with the Spinners, knocked in the third Lowell run on his RBI ground out. The Spinners opened the game up in the fifth, scoring twice on a Joantoni Garcia RBI double and a costly passed ball. Lowell tacked on one more in the sixth on a throwing error by the Yankees third baseman. The Spinners open up their final series of the year tomorrow against the Tri-City ValleyCats (HOU).

Player of the Night: Rich Hill, who was stellar in his 7.0 inning start for Pawtucket, allowing just 1 run on 4 hits and a walk while striking out 6 in the PawSox 2-1 victory.
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August 30, 2010 at 10:47 AM

Almanzar drives Greenville to easy victory


8/30 Cup of Coffee: Greenville brought out their bats as Lowell stayed hot and Pawtucket got some help from a few rehabbing players to bring home victories on Sunday.

Pawtucket jumped out to an early start and was able to double up the Rochester Red Wings (MIN) 6-3. Adam Mills picked up his fourth victory of the year for his 5.0 innings of work, allowing 3 runs on 8 hits and a walk. Tommy Hottovy, Robert Coello and Francisco Cabrera combined to finish the final 4.0 innings in scoreless fashion. The PawSox struck for three in the first thanks to Jarrod Saltalamacchia's three run home run. In the third, Lars Anderson laced an RBI single through the middle to take a 4-2 lead. After Rochester inched closer in the fourth, Anderson and Bubba Bell smacked RBI singles in the fifth to give Pawtucket a 6-3 advantage. Bell, Anderson and the rehabbing Eric Patterson each had two hits to lead the PawSox offense.

Portland attempted a comeback in the ninth, but were ultimately struck down by the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (TOR) 6-3. Kyle Weiland picked up the loss despite his 5.0 innings during which he allowed 2 runs (1 earned) on 6 hits. Ryne Miller followed Weiland and tossed 2.0 innings of relief, allowing 4 runs on 3 hits and 3 walks. Jason Rice pitched a scoreless eighth inning. Portland took a 1-0 lead in the second as Ryan Lavarnway scampered home on a double play ball. Down 6-1 in the ninth, the Sea Dogs added two runs on a Lavarnway bases loaded walk and a Ray Chang hit by pitch that forced in a run. Despite the two runs scoring with no outs, Portland was unable to complete the comeback, striking out three times with the bases loaded.

Salem was crushed by the Kinston Indians (CLE) 15-2. The Indians used a 12 run fifth inning to cruise to the easy victory. Caleb Clay received the start, going the first 4.0 innings, allowing 3 runs on 3 hits and 2 walks. Cesar Cabral followed Clay and only recorded the first out of the fifth, allowing 8 runs on 5 hits and 3 walks. Kyle Fernandes finished off the fifth, allowing 4 runs on 3 hits and a walk. Will Latimer and Patrick Ryan combined to pitch the last 3.0 innings in scoreless fashion. The Red Sox scored singular runs in the second and eighth on an RBI single by Ronald Bermudez and an RBI ground out by Oscar Tejeda. Bermudez and Alex Hassan both recorded two hits to lead the Salem offense.

Greenville received stellar pitching and plenty of run support in their 13-1 drubbing of the Ashville Tourists (COL). Pete Ruiz picked up his tenth victory of the year for his 5.0 innings of work, allowing just 1 run on 5 hits and a walk while striking out 5. Jeremiah Bayer tossed 4.0 scoreless innings in relief of Ruiz, picking up his ninth save. Greenville got things started in the second as Kolbrin Vitek scampered home on a wild pitch. The Drive took the lead in the fourth as Reynaldo Rodriguez smacked his eleventh home run of the season. Greenville added three more in the sixth on a Reymond Fuentes RBI single and a Christian Vazquez RBI double. In the seventh, Vazquez, Vitek, and Michael Almanzar each laced RBI singles and Fuentes brought home another on his RBI ground out. The Drive continued their scoring in the eighth on an Almanzar three run home run and a wild pitch. Almanzar was 3 for 5 with 3 runs scored and 4 RBI to lead the Drive offense.

Lowell continued its recent winning ways, downing the Staten Island Yankees (NYY) 7-6. Hunter Cervenka picked up his first victory of the season for his 5.0 innings of work, allowing 1 run on 5 hits and 3 walks. Garrett Rau relieved Cervenka and was hit hard in his 2.1 innings, allowing 5 runs on 4 hits. Tyler Lockwood stopped the Yankees comeback by hurling 1.2 scoreless innings to pick up his fourth save. The Spinners got started early, scoring two in the first on a Miles Head RBI ground out and a Brandon Jacobs RBI single that was misplayed by the Yankees center fielder. Lowell added two more in the second on Jayson Hernandez and Joantoni Garcia sacrifice flies. In the sixth, the Spinners took a 6-1 lead on a Jacobs solo home run and a Garcia RBI single. The Spinners added the game's decisive run in the seventh on a Head sacrifice fly. Lowell will look to complete a rare sweep of Staten Island this evening.

Player of the Night: Michael Almanzar, who was 3 for 5 with a home run, 4 RBI and 3 runs scored in Greenville's 13-1 victory.
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August 29, 2010 at 11:08 AM

GCL Sox fall out of playoff contention


8/29 Cup of Coffee: The GCL Red Sox fell out of playoff contention on the last day of the season Saturday, while four Pawtucket pitchers combined for a five-hit shutout in their win over Rochester.

Niuman Romero's seventh-inning RBI single broke a scoreless deadlock and Pawtucket topped Rochester (MIN) 2-0. Kris Johnson struck out 6 in 6.0 innings and combined with Chad Paronto, Dustin Richardson, and Robert Manuel on a five-hit shutout. Jeremy Hermida drove in a run and Josh Reddick doubled twice in the win.

Ray Chang and Luis Exposito drove in 2 runs apiece as Portland topped New Hampshire (TOR) 5-2. Blake Maxwell moved to 6-0 with 5.2 innings of five-hit, two-run ball, while Eammon Portice and Daniel Turpen each held the Fisher Cats scoreless in relief. Chih-Hsien Chiang and Ray Chang had 2 hits each and Chang added an RBI in the win.


Dan Butler hit a two-run home run in the seventh, but it wasn't enough as Salem fell 5-3 to Kinston (CLE). Stolmy Pimentel walked 5 and gave up 3 runs in 2.0 innings of work, and Seth Garrison allowed a pair to score in 3.0 innings before Will Latimer and Pat Ryan gave the Sox 3.0 scoreless innings of relief. Drew Hedman, Oscar Tejeda and Mitch Dening had 2 hits apiece in the loss.

Jeremy Hazelbaker tripled and scored on a wild pitch in the 10th to give Greenville a 3-2 win over Asheville (COL). Reynaldo Rodriguez was 3 for 3 with an RBI and Derrik Gibson added 2 hits for the Drive. Kendal Volz made it just 3.0 innings, fanning 4 and allowing 1 hit. Tom Ebert gave up a pair in 3.2 innings of relief, and Pedro Perez picked up the win with a scoreless tenth.

Miguel Celestino allowed 2 runs in 5.0 innings as Lowell held on to beat Staten Island (NYY) 5-4. Stephen Fox and Wilson Matos gave up an earned run each, while Mike Hacker tossed 1.2 scoreless innings for the save. Josue Peley and Jose Garcia had 2 hits each, and 5 Spinners, including Bryce Brentz and Brandon Jacobs, had an RBI in the win.

A 3-0 loss to the Twins kept the GCL Red Sox out of the playoffs Saturday. Sergio Gomez, Scott Swinson, and Luis Bastardo each allowed an earned run, and Trygg Danforth had 2 of the Red Sox' 4 hits.

Player of the Night: Kris Johnson tossed 6.0 innings of four-hit, shutout ball in Pawtucket's win Saturday night.
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August 28, 2010 at 7:51 AM

Reddick, Saltalamacchia power PawSox comeback


8/28 Cup of Coffee: Pawtucket enjoyed an impressive come-from-behind victory Friday night, while the GCL Sox kept themselves right in the thick of the playoff race with a win over the Twins.

After Josh Reddick's three-run ninth inning home run, Jarrod Saltalamacchia doubled to score Bubba Bell and give Pawtucket a 6-5 win over Rochester (MIN). Ramon Ramirez surrendered 3 runs in 6.0 innings, and Santo Luis allowed a pair to score in an inning of relief before TJ Large and Fernando Cabrera tossed scoreless innings to close it out. Saltalamacchia and Eric Patterson had 2 hits apiece, Reddick had 3 hits and 4 RBI, and Niuman Romero had 3 hits of his own in the win.

Ryan Lavarnway hit a three-run shot in the sixth to power Portland to a 5-1 win over New Hampshire (TOR). Chih-Hsien Chiang added a solo home run in the ninth, and Nate Spears drove in the Sea Dogs' first run in the second inning. Alex Wilson struck out 8 and allowed a run on 3 hits in 4.1 innings, and Mitch Herold, Ryne Lawson, and Jason Rice combined for 4.2 innings of shutout relief.

Salem fell to 2.0 games out of first place after losing 2-1 to Kinston (CLE). Brock Huntzinger took a tough loss, allowing 2 runs in 6.0 four-hit innings. Zach Hammes struck out 2 and allowed a hit in 2.0 innings of scoreless relief, while Ronald Bermudez doubled and scored on a Ryan Dent sacrifice fly in the third to account for the Sox' only run.

In games with big SAL playoff implications, Greenville split Friday's doubleheader with Asheville (COL). The Drive won the first game 5-3 when Kolbrin Vitek's fifth-inning double broke a 3-3 deadlock. Manny Rivera struck out 5 and gave up 3 runs, 2 earned in 5.2 innings of work and Dennis Neuman notched his 14th save of the season with 1.1 innings of relief. Jeremy Hazelbaker was 2 for 3 with a double and a stolen base, and Derrik Gibson, Michael Almanzar, and Sean Kileen drove in a run apiece in the win.

Drake Britton fanned 6 in 5.0 innings in game two, but the Drive fell 4-2. Britton allowed 4 runs, 2 earned in 5.0 innings and Jordan Flasher tossed 2.0 perfect innings of relief. Michael Almanzar and Reymond Fuentes each had a single and an RBI in the loss.

Felix Sanchez collected 3 hits and Jose Garcia drove in 3 runs as Lowell thrashed Staten Island (NYY) 7-1. Tyler Wilson picked up his third win, allowing a run on 4 hits in 5.0 innings, and Charlie Rosario tossed 4.0 shutout innings of relief. Bryce Brentz was 1 for 3 with a stolen base and a run scored, and Josue Peley drove in a run in the loss.

The GCL Red Sox kept their playoff hopes alive with a 9-3 pounding of Twins. Swen Huijer followed up Francisco Taveras' 3.0 inning, three-run performance by striking out 7 in 4.0 innings of shutout ball. Justin Erasmus added 2.0 innings of scoreless relief. Willie Holmes was 2 for 3 with a three-run homer and Trygg Danforth hit a solo shot in the win. The Red Sox and the Blue Jays are .5 game back of the Mets for the wild card with one game to play.

Player of the Night: Josh Reddick was 3 for 5 with a home run and 4 RBI in Pawtucket's come-from-behind win Friday. He's batting .560 with 5 home runs and 12 RBI in his last 5 games.
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August 27, 2010 at 6:54 AM

Castro strikes out 8 in win


8/27 Cup of Coffee: With playoff races in full swing, Salem and the GCL Red Sox collected big win's, while Greenville will have to wait a day to chase their division lead after being rained out Thursday.

Fabio Castro struck out 8 and combined for a five-hitter in Pawtucket's 3-1 win over Rochester (MIN). Castro went 6.2 innings, allowing an earned run on 4 hits in 6.2 innings. Gil Velazquez was 3 for 4 with a pair of runs scored, while Jorge Jimenez and Jeremy Hermida drove in a run each. Robert Coello tossed a perfect inning and a third with 2 strikeouts, and Dustin Richardson fanned 2 in the 9th for the save.

Ryan Lavarnway and Nate Spears went deep in Portland's 6-3 loss to New Hampshire (TOR). The Fisher Cats scored 4 in the bottom of the eighth off Daniel Turpen, who spoiled a good day by Stephen Fife and Ryne Reynoso. Fife allowed 2 runs, 1 earned in 4.0 innings, and Reynoso tossed 3.0 hitless, scoreless innings of relief. Lavarnway and Matt Sheely had 2 hits apiece in the loss.

Kyle Fernandes made it interesting in the ninth, but Salem held on for a 5-4 win in over Myrtle Beach (ATL). All but one of Salem's runs were unearned, with the winning run coming when Ronald Bermudez reached on an error and 2 runs scored. Miguel Gonzalez struck out 7 in 5.0 innings of two-hit, one-run ball, and Mark Holliman gave up a pair in 3.0 innings. Fernandes allowed a run in the ninth, but finished off the save. Alex Hassan was 2 for 3 with an RBI double in the win.

The opener of Greenville's crucial series with Asheville was postponed. The Drive are currently 1.0 game back of the first-place Tourists.

In the first game of their doubleheader with Staten Island (NYY), Lowell fell 5-1. Keith Couch and Tyler Lavigne each went 3.0 innings, with Couch allowing 3 runs and Lavigne 2. Jose Garcia hit a solo home run, and Josue Peley was 2 for 3 with a double.

Lowell lost the second game as well, this one a 5-2 decision. Madison Younginer took the loss, giving up 3 runs, 2 earned in 4.1 innings. Tyler Lockwood gave up 2 runs in 1.2 innings of relief, and Bryce Brentz was 2 for 3 with a double and 2 RBI in the loss.

The GCL Red Sox stayed in the thick of the playoff race with a 7-1 win over the Rays. Yieper Castillo allowed a run in 1.2 innings on a rehab assignment, and Juan Rodriguez struck out 7 while limiting the Rays to 3 hits in 4.1 shutout frames. Sean Coyle doubled and scored 3 runs, while Jason Thompson was 2 for 4 with a home run and 3 RBI. Trygg Danforth and Moko Moanaroa drove in a run each, and Mike Gleason struck out 5 in 3.0 innings of relief.

Player of the Night: Fabio Castro lowered his ERA to 4.84 with his eight-strikeout, four-hit performance in Pawtucket's win Thursday.
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August 26, 2010 at 9:28 AM

Reddick does it again for Pawtucket


8/26 Cup of Coffee: The evening was highlighted by Pawtucket's extra inning victory as the GCL Sox couldn't keep pace in the playoff race and Portland and Salem were both unable to pull out close contests.

After blowing an early lead, Pawtucket roared back in extra innings for an 8-5 victory over the Buffalo Bisons (NYM). Rich Hill received the start for the PawSox and went 5.0 innings, allowing 1 run on 5 hits and a pair of walks. Hideki Okajima pitched the sixth inning and gave up 1 run on 1 hit. Tommy Hottovy pitched a scoreless seventh inning and Robert Manuel picked up the victory as he pitched the final 3.0 innings, allowing 1 run on 1 hit and a walk. Pawtucket got on the board in the second as they plated two on Jack Hannahan's RBI single. Lars Anderson's sacrifice fly in the third extended the PawSox lead to 3-0. The Bisons chipped away and scored singular runs in the fifth, sixth and eighth innings to tie the game and send it to extras. Pawtucket exploded for five runs in the top of the tenth, receiving an RBI single from Jorge Jimenez and a Josh Reddick grand slam. The red-hot Reddick was 2 for 6 with the grand slam and 4 RBI to lead the PawSox offense.

Portland was unable to dig themselves out of an early hole as they fell to the Harrisburg Senators (WAS) 5-3. Jeremy Kehrt tossed 6.0 innings, allowing 5 runs on 10 hits, striking out 6. Eammon Portice followed Kehrt with 2.0 scoreless innings, allowing just 1 hit while striking out 3. Down 2-0 in the third, Portland was gifted a run when the Harrisburg first baseman muffed the third out of the inning and allowed a run to scamper home. The Senators answered with three in the bottom half of the inning and opened up a comfortable four run advantage. Anthony Rizzo's RBI ground out in the seventh pulled the Sea Dogs one run closer, 5-2. Chih-Hsien Chiang's solo home run opened the ninth inning but was not enough to ignite a rally. Jose Iglesias was 3 for 5 from the top of the order to pace the Portland offense.

Despite a masterful pitching performance from their starter and an early lead, Salem was nipped by the Myrtle Beach Pelicans (ATL) 3-2. Mike Lee returned from the DL in brilliant fashion, tossing 6.0 scoreless innings, allowing just a hit and a walk while striking out 6. Cesar Cabral hurled 2.0 innings of relief, allowing 2 runs on 3 hits. Patrick Ryan allowed Myrtle Beach to walk off with the victory as he recorded just one out in the ninth, allowing 1 run on 2 hits. The game was scoreless until the fifth, when Salem received an RBI single from Mitch Dening and a sacrifice fly from Alex Hassan to take a 2-0 lead. Myrtle Beach tied the game in the seventh and then walked off with a win in the ninth. Hassan was 2 for 3 to lead the Red Sox offense.

Lowell was postponed due to rain for a second straight day and will play a doubleheader this evening against the Staten Island Yankees starting at 6 PM.

The GCL Red Sox, looking to keep their playoff hopes alive, were stung by the GCL Rays 7-3. The loss eliminates the Red Sox from the division race and leaves them 1.5 games behind the GCL Mets for the wild card. Jacob Dahlstrand pitched the first 2.0 innings, allowing just 1 hit. Jason Garcia picked up the loss for his 2.2 innings of work in which he allowed 7 runs (2 earned) on 8 hits. Luis Bastardo added 2.1 innings of scoreless relief, striking out 6. John Killen came on in the eighth, allowing just a walk and striking out 2. The Red Sox got on the board first as Heiker Meneses laced an RBI single in the second inning. Down 7-1 in the eighth, Jason Thompson cracked a two run home run but it was too little too late for the Red Sox. Sean Coyle recorded his first professional hit, a single, in the ninth inning.

Player of the Night: Josh Reddick, who was 2 for 6 with a tenth inning grand slam, 4 RBI and 2 runs scored in Pawtucket's 8-3 victory.
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at 8:26 AM

Q&A: Sean Coyle and Garin Cecchini


Check out my Q&A with two of Boston's newly-signed draft picks, Sean Coyle and Garin Cecchini.

ESPNBoston - Q&A: Sean Coyle and Garin Cecchini
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August 25, 2010 at 9:09 AM

Reddick's perfect night fuels Pawtucket win


8/25 Cup of Coffee: With a couple of games cancelled due to rain, it took a pair of perfect performances at the plate to salvage a pair of wins on Tuesday.

Josh Reddick had a perfect night at the plate and Pawtucket staved off a late Buffalo rally to top the Bisons (NYM) 7-3. Tied at 0 heading into the fourth, Reddick led off with a single and was singled home two batters later by Bubba Bell. Aaron Bates followed with a two-run double, and just like that it was 3-0 PawSox. An inning later, Reddick was both instigator and finisher, as he laced his fourteenth home rum of the year out to right to make it 4-0. Meanwhile, Adam Mills was in control on the mound, using laser accuracy to mow down the Bisons inning after inning. In all, Mills finished the first 6.0 innings, yielding just 5 hits and no runs while striking out 5, all without walking a batter. Dustin Richardson closed out the seventh without incident, but Chad Paronto ran into some trouble in the eighth, when he allowed 3 runs to close the Buffalo deficit to 1. But 3 Pawtucket runs in the top of the ninth, the last of which was driven in by Reddick, reestablished the lead at four, and Fernando Cabrera closed things down from there. Reddick ended the game 5 for 5, with a home run and 2 RBI. He was joined in the multi-hit club by Bates and Lars Anderson, who were both 2 for 4.

In a game of nearly equal chances, Portland was just 1 for 9 with runners in scoring position and dropped a 6-3 decision to Harrisburg (WAS). The Sea Dogs actually scored first in this one, as Ray Chang grounded out to bring in a run in the first, but Harrisburg then countered with 3 unanswered runs. A Chih-Hsien Chiang RBI single made it 3-2 heading to the bottom of the fifth, but Harrisburg answered back in that half to make it 4-2. Portland got within one again when Ryan Lavarnway homered in the top of the seventh, but two more Harrisburg runs made the lead three after seven. Portland managed to load the bases with one out in the ninth, but Jorge Padron and Jose Iglesias both struck out to end the game. Kyle Weiland took the brunt of the damage on the mound, allowing 4 runs on 5 hits and 3 walks in 5.0 innings, while Ryne Miller allowed 2 runs on 4 hits the rest of the way. Chiang had the best night at the dish, going 2 for 3 with a walk, while Luis Exposito was 2 for 4 with 2 doubles.

Salem took an early lead on Myrtle Beach (ATL), but the Pelicans ultimately walked off with a 3-2 win. Those runs came in the fourth, when Tim Federowicz doubled home Adalberto Ibarra and was later doubled home himself by Drew Hedman, with the final out coming at the plate on the play after the run had scored. Caleb Clay, meanwhile, had been cruising, shutting Myrtle Beach out through the first 5.0 innings before giving up a single run in the sixth. The righthander ended up allowing just 3 hits and 2 walks in his 6.0-inning outing, striking out 6. Seth Garrison, however, couldn’t hold the lead in relief, giving up the tying run in the seventh, and Will Latimer got two outs in the ninth before allowing a double and a single to end the game. Headman was the only multi-hit performer for the Red Sox, going 2 for 3 with 2 doubles.

Despite allowing 2 early runs, Greenville clamped down and came back to beat Charleston (NYY) 4-2. Those Riverdogs runs came in the second off Ryan Pressly, who then settled down and wound up going 5.0 innings allowing 3 hits, walking and striking out 4. Jeremiah Bayer went the rest of the way, allowing 6 hits but no walks and also striking out 4 to earn the win. The comeback began right away for the Drive, as Wilfred Pichardo singled in a run in the bottom of the second and the tying run scored in the bottom of the third on a Michael Almanzar ground out. The winning run came in the fifth, when Reynaldo Rodriguez singled home Jeremy Hazelbaker, and Shannon Wilkerson singled in an insurance run an inning later to make it 4-2. Rodriguez had himself a nice little game, going 3 for 3 with a walk, while Wilkerson was 2 for 4.

Lowell’s game at home against Vermont (WAS) was cancelled due to rain.

In game one on the day against the GCL Orioles (BAL), the GCL Red Sox scored early but then got blanked the rest of the way en route to a 3-1 loss in seven innings. That early run came courtesy of a Jason Thompson RBI double in the first, but the team would manage just 1 hit from there on out. Raynel Vellete made the lead stick as long as he could, but eventually gave up 3 runs in the fifth. He wound up completing 5.0, allowing 4 hits and a walk. Scott Swinson kept things scoreless from there, but the punchless Sox couldn’t mount the comeback. Game two was cancelled due to rain.

Player of the Night: Josh Reddick, who was 5 for 5 with a home run for victorious Pawtucket.
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August 24, 2010 at 9:28 PM

Vitek promoted to Greenville


The Lowell Spinners have announced that 2010 first round draft pick Kolbrin Vitek has been promoted to Low-A Greenville.

The third baseman out of Ball State played 56 games with the Spinners, posting a line of .270/.360/.422 with 4 home runs and 30 RBI. In his last 10 games, Vitek has hit .405 with 11 RBI and an OPS of 1.191. He'll get his first taste of a pennant race down in Greenville, where the Drive find themselves 2.0 games behind the first-place Asheville Tourists.
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at 3:51 PM

Players of the Week, August 16-22; Henry Ramos and Tyler Lavigne


The SoxProspects.com community has voted Henry Ramos and Tyler Lavigne the Player and Pitcher of the Week for this past week.

In a week that started with many 2010 draft picks signing their first official deals with the team, Ramos, a Red Sox fifth-round selection, made news with his bat rather than his signing bonus. He picked up 9 hits in 22 at bats with the GCL Red Sox, while also swiping 2 bases. The 18-year-old's 8 RBI were most among Red Sox minor leaugers last week. His big night came on Wednesday, when he went 2-for-4 with a home run and a triple, and tacked on 4 RBI as well.

Meanwhile, Lavigne's relief outing for Lowell against Vermont on Thursday earns him the nod. Coming in to the game with his team already trailing 7-0 in the first inning, the right hander spun five innings of shutout, one-hit ball out of the bullpen. While the Spinners went on to lose the game 10-9, Lavigne's performance gave his team a chance at a comeback. The 22-year-old is a newcomer to the Red Sox system after being signed out of the Frontier League in July.

In other minor league award news, Ramon A. Ramirez was named the International League's Pitcher of the Week. He made 2 starts for the PawSox, going 2-0 while pitching 12.0 innings and allowing just 9 baserunners for a WHIP of 0.75.
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at 4:53 AM

Spears powers Portland to second straight


8/24 Cup of Coffee: Portland and Greenville brought home the lone victories of the evening on the backs of their bats while Pawtucket's pitching let them down and Lowell couldn't muster enough offense on a cold and rainy evening.

Despite a very productive night from their outfield, Pawtucket was run over by the Buffalo Bisons (NYM) 12-4. Kris Johnson picked up the loss as he was victimized by poor defense, allowing 4 runs (1 earned) on 6 hits and 2 walks in his 4.0 innings. T.J. Large followed Johnson and was also smacked around, allowing 4 runs (3 earned) on 4 hits and a walk in 2.0 innings of relief. Hideki Okajima made his second appearance with the PawSox, collecting only the first out of the seventh inning and allowing 4 runs on 4 hits. Santo Luis finished off the game for Pawtucket, hurling 1.2 innings while allowing just 1 hit. Josh Reddick led off the game with a solo home run that gave Pawtucket a very quick 1-0 lead. Down 4-1 in the sixth, Reddick struck again for his second home run of the game, pulling the PawSox to within two. Gustavo Molina's solo home run and Jeremy Hermida's bases loaded walk plated two more for Pawtucket in the seventh. Reddick and Hermida each had 3 hits to lead the PawSox offense.

Portland's infield brought out their bats in a 10-5 downing of the Harrisburg Senators (WAS). Blake Maxwell moved to 5-0 on the season for his 5.0 innings on the mound in which he allowed 3 runs on 6 hits and 3 walks. Mitch Herold turned in 2.0 innings of relief, allowing 1 run on 4 hits while striking out 5. Jason Rice also added 2.0 innings of relief, allowing 1 run on 3 hits and 2 walks while punching out 4. The Sea Dogs had no trouble getting started in this contest, receiving a two run home run from Nate Spears in the first inning to take a 2-0 lead. Spears struck again in the second, this time lacing a three run home run to give Portland a 5-0 advantage. Up 5-1 in the fourth, Anthony Rizzo drilled a bases clearing RBI double to give the Sea Dogs a comfortable 8-1 lead. Portland scored singular runs in the fifth and the eighth on a Spears RBI single and a Ryan Lavarnway solo home run. Spears ended the evening 3 for 6 with 2 home runs, 2 runs scored and 6 RBI.

A shaky bullpen held on as Greenville brushed away the Charleston Riverdogs (NYY) 6-5. Pete Ruiz was solid in his 5.0 inning start, allowing 2 runs (1 earned) on 4 hits while striking out 5. Jordan Flasher followed Ruiz and tossed 2.0 scoreless innings, striking out 3. Dennis Neuman ran into trouble in the eighth, allowing 3 runs on 3 hits and 2 walks in his lone inning of work. Armando Zerpa picked up his second save for a scoreless ninth inning. After Charleston took the lead in the top half of the second, Shannon Wilkerson laced an RBI single to tie things in the bottom half of the inning. The Drive took the lead for good the very next inning as Reynaldo Rodriguez drilled his 10th home run of the season to give Greenville a 3-2 advantage. Kenneth Roque's RBI single in the sixth and RBI singles by Wilkerson and Derrik Gibson in the seventh added important insurance runs. The Riverdogs had a runner in scoring position in the ninth but were unable to capitalize.

The Spinners bats emulated the chilly ballpark weather as they fell to the Vermont Lake Monsters (WAS) 2-1. Hunter Cervenka received the start and went 5.0 innings, allowing 1 run on 5 hits and 2 walks, striking out 5. Garrett Rau moved to 0-4 for his 3.0 innings of relief in which he allowed the winning run on 1 hit and 4 walks. Cesare Angeloni pitched a scoreless ninth inning. Lowell's lone run of the contest came in the fifth as Bryce Brentz drilled a ball off the left field scoreboard for his fifth home run of the season. The loss brings the Spinners record against Vermont to 4-9 this season.

The GCL Red Sox were postponed and will look to continue their charge to first place today at noon against the GCL Orioles.

Player of the Night: Nate Spears, who was 3 for 6 with 2 runs scored, 2 home runs and 6 RBI in a 10-5 Portland victory over Harrisburg.
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August 23, 2010 at 6:54 AM

Iglesias, Sea Dogs walk off with win in extras


8/23 Cup of Coffee: It was a good night for Sox affiliates, when Pawtucket played two on the road and some extra-innings drama propelled Portland to victory as part of an organizational sweep of Sunday's action.

The PawSox took an early lead and piled on late, taking game one from Buffalo (NYM) 9-2. A Bisons error followed by three straight singles plated the first pair of Pawtucket runs in the first, which was plenty for starter Ramon A. Ramirez. Ramirez went the distance in this one, allowing just 2 runs on 7 hits and a walk in his 7.0 innings. Still a tight game through 5.0, the Pawtucket offense added insurance in a big way in the sixth and seventh innings. In the sixth, a solo shot by Lars Anderson was followed two batters later by a two-run job off the bat of Gustavo Molina to score three runs, and in the seventh, Anderson added a two-run double while Jeremy Hermida clubbed a two-run bomb to add four more. Anderson's 2-for-3 showing, including a walk and 3 RBI, led the way on offense, while Hermida, Molina, Jorge Jimenez and Jack Hannahan all had 2 hits apiece.

In game two, a back-and-forth battle ended in Pawtucket's favor, producing a 7-5 victory. Once again, the scoring started early for Pawtucket, as Anderson singled in a run in the first and Gil Velazquez doubled home a run in the second for a 2-0 lead. The Bisons finally got to Robert Coello in the fourth, however, touching him for 3 runs before the inning was over. In all, Coello went the first 4.0 giving up 3 runs on 2 hits and 3 walks, striking out 5. Ultimately, the Buffalo lead was short lived, as Aaron Bates hit a three-run home run in the top of the fifth, making it 5-3 Pawtucket. But back again came the Bisons in the sixth, as Robert Manuel gave up the tying runs to send the game to the seventh knotted at 5. In the final frame, former big league closer Chad Cordero got the first two outs, but then gave up a walk and three straight singles, then made a throwing error, and when the dust had settled it was 7-5 Pawtucket. That's how things would stay thanks to Fernando Cabrera, who recorded his sixteenth save in the ninth. Bates and Anderson did most of the damage in this one at the dish, as the former was 3 for 3 with a walk and 4 RBI, and the latter went 2 for 4 with 2 RBI.

It took some extra-innings drama, but in the end, Portland escaped with a 7-6 victory over Trenton (NYY). The game was relatively quiet in the early going thanks to Alex Wilson, who allowed just 1 run on 1 hit and 3 walks through the first 5.0, striking out 8 and leaving the mound with a 2-1 lead. After a perfect sixth, however, Ryne Reynoso ran into all kinds of trouble in the seventh, allowing a single, double, triple, and sacrifice bunt in succession to turn a 2-1 lead into a 4-2 deficit. But right back came the Sea Dogs, scoring a run in the seventh and two more in the eighth on a two-run double by Chih-Hsien Chiang to take a one-run lead to the ninth. After getting the first out in the ninth, though, Ryne Lawson served up a game-tying home run, sending this one to extra frames. Things looked bleak after Daniel Turpen allowed the go-ahead run to the Thunder in the top of the tenth, but Nate Spears homered in dramatic fashion to tie things in the bottom half. Just an inning later, a lead-off single by Matt Sheely and a throwing error by the Thunder catcher set the stage for Jose Iglesias, who laced a single to left to end the game. Portland banged out 18 hits in this one, including three each for Iglesias, Ray Chang, and Ryan Khoury, and two each for Ryan Lavarnway, Chiang, and Sheely.

After allowing an early run, Stolmy Pimentel and the Salem bullpen clamped down, blanking Frederick (BAL) the rest of the way to secure a 4-1 win. The tying and eventual winning runs scored in the third, when Ryan Dent and Alex Hassan went back-to-back with home runs to open the inning. The Red Sox also scored in the sixth, on a Pete Hissey single, and seventh, on a single by Oscar Tejeda, but Pimentel already had all he needed. The Sox starter was a bit wild but ultimately effective, going the first 5.2 innings allowing a run on 3 hits and 4 walks, striking out 5. Cesar Cabral went the next 2.0 innings scoreless, and new closer Patrick Ryan slammed the door from there for his fourth save of the year. It was the Ryan Dent show at the dish in this one, as the Salem shortstop and lead-off man went 3 for 4 with a double and a home run. Tim Federowicz also had a good night, going 2 for 4 with a double. The win puts Salem just a half game behind division-leading Winston-Salem in the Carolina League's southern division.

Greenville also found itself in an early 1-0 hole, and though it was closer, the result was the same, a 2-1 win over Charleston (NYY). That run came off of Kendall Volz, who threw the first 3.0 frames yielding just 1 hit, striking out 2. He left the game off the hook thanks to Reynaldo Rodriguez, who singled home the tying run in the third. Pete Perez kept the Riverdogs off the scoreboard for the next 4.0 innings, allowing 3 hits and a walk, which set the stage for the Drive eighth. With two down, Zach Gentile doubled, and after a walk, a double steal, and another walk, the bases were loaded. All it took was a wild pitch, and just like that, Greenville had the lead. Already having set Charleston down in order in the eighth, Anatanaer Batista came back out for the ninth and struck out two en route to the save. Gentile was the only Drive hitter with multiple knocks, going 2 for 3 with a walk, though Jeremy Hazelbaker did continue his dominance on the base paths, stealing his 54th and 55th bases of the season.

Lowell took care of business the more traditional way on Sunday, taking an early lead and riding it all the way to a 5-3 win over Hudson Valley (TB). That lead came courtesy of a Jose Garcia ground out in the third, and a Seth Schwindenhammer single, a Nick Robinson walk, and a Felix Sanchez ground out in the fourth to make it 4-0. Through 4.0, Miguel Celestino had been cruising, but he ran into a bit of trouble in the fifth, getting the first out but then allowing back-to-back hits before being pulled. Charlie Rosario wasn't much more effective in relief, allowing two more runs to score to make it 4-3. But an RBI single by Robinson in the sixth padded the lead, and there were no further incidents from there. Robinson and David Renfroe led the way at the plate, each going 2 for 3 with a walk, while Sanchez was 2 for 4.

Player of the Night: Jose Iglesias, who had 3 hits, including a walk-off single, in a dramatic Portland win in extra innings.
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August 22, 2010 at 10:32 AM

DSL Red Sox win season finale


8/22 Cup of Coffee: The DSL Red Sox closed their season out with a shutout win over the Mets, while Salem collected the only other win on the farm Saturday.

Pawtuket was only able to play half of a scheduled double-header, losing the first game against Syracuse 5-4 (WAS) in 7 innings. Fabio Castro gave up 5 runs on 10 hits in 5.0 innings of work, and Hideki Okajima tossed a scoreless inning on a rehab assignment. Lars Anderson was 3 for 4 with an RBI, while Josh Reddick, Mark Wagner, and Bubba Bell had 2 hits each. Bell drove in a pair in the loss.

Stephen Fife gave up 5 runs in 5.0 innings as Portland fell 5-2 to Trenton (NYY). Luis Exposito and Chih-Hsien Chiang had 2 hits apiece, while Ryan Khoury had 2 hits and a solo home run. Eammon Portice, Ryne Miller, Jason Rice combined for 4.0 innings of scoreless relief, with 4.0 strikeouts in 2.0 innings.

Pete Hissey and Dan Butler drove in 3 runs apiece in Salem's 6-2 win over Frederick (BAL). Mark Holliman went 6.0 innings, allowing 2 runs, 1 earned on 4 hits. Zach Hammes and Pat Ryan cobbled together 3.0 frames of shutout ball in relief, while Oscar Tejeda added 2 hits in the win.

Greenville mustered up only 3 hits in a 4-0 loss to Charleston (NYY). Drake Britton picked up his second loss of the season, surrendering 3 runs in 4.0 innings. Tom Ebert struck out 3 in 4.0 shutout innings of relief, and Chris Court allowed a run in the ninth. Jeremy Hazelbaker, Michael Almanzar, and Christian Vazquez had the only hits for the Drive.

Lowell's bullpen woes continued Saturday in a 7-3 loss to Hudson Valley (TAM). Tyler Wilson gave the Spinners 5.0 innings of shutout ball before Stephen Fox allowed 2 runs in 1.1 innings and Mike Hacker blew up for 5 runs in 2.0 innings. Jose Garcia was 3 for 4 with a double and a run scored, and Bryce Brentz was 2 for 3 with 2 RBI.

Keury De La Cruz had a home run and 4 RBI as the GCL Red Sox lost 11-8 to the Twins. Yieper Castillo threw 2.0 scoreless innings, and Sergio Gomez allowed 4 runs in 1.1 innings to take the loss. Mike Gleason allowed 7 runs, 2 earned in 2.1 innings, and Justin Erasmus tossed 2.1 scorless frames. Maykol Sanchez was 3 for 3 with a pair of doubles, while Jose Vinicio and Luke Yoder had 2 hits apiece in the loss.

David Sopilka drove in the game's only run as the DSL Sox beat the Mets 1-0 in their season finale. Luis Diaz struck out 4 in 5.0 shutout innings, and William Cuevas allowed 2 hits in 4.0 scorless relief innings.

Player of the Night: Luis Diaz, who had 4 strikeouts and allowed just 3 hits in 5.0 innings of work as the DSL Sox closed their season out with a 37-35 record.
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August 21, 2010 at 5:30 AM

Bogaerts brothers lead battering of Indians


8/21 Cup of Coffee: While Pawtucket and Salem dropped extra inning affairs, the Spinners pulled out another win and the GCL Sox put on a hitting display on their way to a blow out victory.

Pawtucket couldn't pull it out in extras as they fell to the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (PHI) 7-6. Rich Hill took the mound and went 4.0 innings, allowing 5 runs on 4 hits and 6 walks. Chad Paronto followed Hill with 2.0 scoreless innings of relief, allowing 3 hits and 2 walks. Tommy Hottovy picked up his first blown save of the year for allowing the tying run to score during his 0.2 innings on no hits and 4 walks. Dustin Richardson looked sharp in his 2.1 innings of relief, striking out three. Fernando Cabrera picked up his fifth loss of the year as he allowed an unearned run in his lone inning of work. The PawSox drew first blood by plating two runs in the second on RBI ground outs by Jeremy Hermida and Kevin Cash. The very next inning Pawtucket expanded their lead to 5-0 by receiving an RBI double from Bubba Bell and an RBI single from Aaron Bates. A Niuman Romero RBI single in the fourth gave the PawSox a 6-4 lead, one that they would relinquish before losing the game in the tenth. Bell was 3 for 5 to lead the Pawtucket offense.

Thunder scared away the Sea Dogs as Portland was dropped by Trenton (NYY) 4-2. Jeremy Kehrt fell to 2-10 on the year as he went the first 6.0 innings for the Sea Dogs, allowing 3 runs on 8 hits and a walk. Mitch Herold turned in 2.0 innings of relief, allowing a run on 2 hits. Daniel Turpen tossed a scoreless ninth inning, striking out 2. Portland did not score until the fifth when Chih-Hsien Chiang laced an RBI single to bring the Sea Dogs within two. Jorge Padron's RBI single in the eighth cut the Thunder lead in half, but it was too little too late as the Sea Dogs couldn't muster a comeback. Chiang, Padron and Ray Chang each had 2 hits to lead the Portland offense.

Salem could not close out the Frederick Keys (BAL), succumbing 6-4 in 10 innings. Brock Huntzinger went 6.0 innings in his start, allowing 3 runs on 9 hits and a walk while striking out 5. Seth Garrison turned in 1.2 innings of relief, allowing 1 run on 4 hits and a walk. Kyle Fernandes took the loss by allowing 2 runs (1 earned) on 3 hits and a walk during his 2.1 innings of work. The Red Sox got off to a quick start, scoring a run on a Will Middlebrooks RBI single in the first to take a 1-0 lead. Salem did not score again until the seventh, when a costly throwing error and a Ryan Dent RBI single plated two to tie the game 3-3. The teams traded runs in the eighth with the Red Sox receiving theirs courtesy of Alex Hassan's RBI single. Trenton scored two in the top of the tenth and held off an attempted rally by Salem to hold on for the victory. Middlebrooks was 3 for 5 to lead the Red Sox offense.

Greenville used a late inning run to slip past the Lexington Legends (HOU) 4-3. Manuel Rivera was solid in his 6.0 inning start, allowing 2 runs on 6 hits, walking none and striking out 6. Jeremiah Bayer picked up the win by hurling 2.0 innings, allowing 1 run on 2 hits. Dennis Neuman picked up his 13th save for a 1-2-3 ninth. Down 2-0 in the fifth, the Drive tied the game on a Christian Vazquez RBI double and a Shannon Wilkerson sacrifice fly. Reynaldo Rodriguez's RBI double in the sixth gave Greenville a 3-2 lead. After Lexington tied the game in the seventh, the Drive wrestled back the lead in the eighth on a Wilfred Pichardo RBI single that served to be the game winning hit. Pichardo and Michael Almanzar both had 2 hits to lead the Greenville offense.

Lowell broke open a close game in the late innings to brush away the Hudson Valley Renegades (TB) 5-2. Madison Younginer was impressive in his 4.0 inning start, allowing just 1 run on 1 hit and 3 walks while striking out a career high 8 batters. Chez Angeloni relieved Younginer with 2.0 innings, allowing 1 run on 4 hits and a walk. Tyler Lockwood picked up his first professional win with his 3.0 scoreless innings of relief in which he allowed just 2 hits. Lowell took an early 2-0 lead in the second as Bryce Brentz hit a towering RBI triple off the center field wall and David Renfroe laced an RBI single. With the game tied in the eighth, Lowell pushed three across, aided by a dropped routine catch by the Hudson Valley center fielder, hard hit RBI doubles by Kolbrin Vitek and Brandon Jacobs and another RBI single by Renfroe to open up a 5-2 lead. Jacobs and Renfroe each had 2 hits to lead the Spinners offense. After a cold first two months, Renfroe is now hitting .316 in 11 games during August.

Pitching failed the GCL Red Sox as they were beaten back by the GCL Twins 9-1. Jacob Dahlstrand made his professional debut by going 1.0 innings, allowing 2 runs on 3 hits and a walk to pick up the loss. Position players Moko Moanaroa and Roberto Ramos each saw action on the mound as the Red Sox utilized six pitchers with five of them going less than 2.0 innings. The lone run of the contest for the Red Sox came home on a Henry Ramos RBI single.

In a lopsided contest, the DSL Red Sox stomped the DSL Indians 16-0. Five Red Sox pitchers combined on the four hit shutout with Nefi Ogando going 5.0 innings, allowing just 2 hit and walks while striking out 7 to pick up the win. The Bogaerts proved to be a dynamic duo as Xander was 1 for 5 with 2 runs scored, a grand slam and 5 RBI. Jair was 2 for 4 a run scored, a grand slam and 4 RBI. Juan Ugas and Roberto Duncan each had two RBI to help the Bogaerts make this game a blow out in favor of the Red Sox.

Player of the Night: Xander Bogaerts who was 1 for 5 with 2 runs scored, a grand slam and 5 RBI in the 16-0 victory for the DSL Red Sox.
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at 2:31 AM

Pedroia to DL, Navarro called up to Boston


As first reported by the Providence Journal, the Red Sox have placed Dustin Pedroia on the 15-day disabled list after he experienced soreness in his injured foot and have recalled infielder Yamaico Navarro from Triple-A Pawtucket.

Navarro, 22, was originally signed by Boston in September of 2005 as an international free agent. The first position player who has risen to the majors from beginning in the Dominican Summer League since General Manager Theo Epstein took control of the club, Navarro has performed admirably at every level along the minor league ladder.

In 2010, Navarro has split time between Double-A Portland and Triple-A Pawtucket, hitting .275/.356/.437 with 11 home runs and 61 RBI. He immediately saw action in last night's Red Sox game, collecting his first major league hit after entering the contest for Marco Scutaro in the fifth inning.
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August 20, 2010 at 6:59 AM

Spinners drop 11-inning heartbreaker


8/20 Cup of Coffee: Lowell stormed back from a 7-0 deficit only to see another late lead slip away, but it'll take a lot more than that to dampen the buzz surrounding Anthony Rizzo, who went yard twice in Portland's win Thursday.

Pawtucket couldn't muster much offense in a 5-2 loss to Lehigh Valley (PHI). Adam Mills surrendered 4 runs on 7 hits in 6.0 innings, and Santo Luis allowed a run and struck out 3 in 2.0 frames of relief. Fernando Cabrera tossed a scoreless ninth, and Jack Hannahan hit a solo home run in the eighth.

In some good old day baseball in Portland, the Sea Dogs came back from a 6-0 deficit to beat Altoona (PIT) 9-8. Anthony Rizzo hit a solo shot in the sixth and a grand slam in a six-run seventh, while Luis Exposito and Ryan Lavarnway added solo home runs in the comeback. Kyle Weiland was burned for 6 runs in 4.0 innings, but Ryne Lawson pitched well in 3.0 scoreless innings of relief. Ryne Reynoso made it interesting, allowing 2 runs in the eighth before holding on for the save. Nate Spears also hit a two-run home run in the win.

Mother nature refuses to cooperate with Salem, washing out today's scheduled double-header.

Greenville jumped out to an early 2-0 lead, but the bullpen gave it back late in a 5-2 loss to Lexington (HOU). Jeremy Hazelbaker and Sean Kileen drove in runs in the top of the first and Ryan Pressly held the lead, striking out 6 in 6.0 scoreless innings. Armando Zerpa gave up 4 runs in the seventh to take the loss and Jordan Flasher allowed 1 in the eighth. Michael Almanzar had 2 hits, and Wilfred Pichardo walked 3 times in the loss.

Lowell powered back from a 7-0 first inning deficit to take a two-run lead, but dropped an 10-9 heartbreaker to Vermont (WAS) in 11 innings. Keith Couch didn't make it past the first, but Tyler Lavigne struck out 7 in 5.0 innings of one-hit, shutout ball to allow the Spinners to mount a comeback. Kolbrin Vitek and Miles Head led the charge, with Vitek driving in a pair and Head pushing 3 across. After Lowell took a 9-7 lead, Garret Rau allowed 2 runs in 4.0 innings to send it to extras, and Wilson Matos took the loss in the eleventh. Brandon Jacobs, Josue Peley, and Chia-Chu Chen drove in a run in the loss.

Juan Rodriguez picked up his fourth win of the season, striking out 6 in 5.1 innings in the GCL Red Sox' 9-6 win over the Orioles. Rodriguez surrendered 3 runs on 9 hits, and Luis Bastardo held the O's scoreless until the ninth, where he allowed 3 runs and made way for Matt Phillips, who retired the final two batters for the save. Heiker Meneses, Trygg Danforth, and Jordan Sallis drove in 2 runs apiece, while Willie Holmes and Henry Ramos had 2 hits and an RBI for the winners.

In DSL action, the Red Sox fell to the Astros 6-1. Javier Gutierrez had 3 hits while Dreily Guererro and Jesus Loya collected 2 apiece. Mario Alcantara allowed 5 runs, 4 earned in 2.1 innings, and Kiler Gil delivered 4.2 innings of shutout relief. Ricardo Betancourt allowed an unearned run in the eighth, and Xander Bogaerts drove in the Sox' only run of the morning.

Player of the Night: Anthony Rizzo continued his torrid second half Thursday, going 3 for 4 with two dingers and 5 RBI. He's driven in 15 runs and hit 5 home runs in his last 10 games, and has 18 in 90 Double-A games this season.
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August 19, 2010 at 6:44 PM

Saltalamacchia to DL, Brown recalled from Pawtucket


The Red Sox have placed catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia on the 15-day disabled list with a lower leg infection and recalled catcher Dusty Brown from Triple-A Pawtucket.

Saltalamacchia, acquired on July 31st from Texas, was 2 for 6 with 2 doubles since joining Boston, serving as the backup to Victor Martinez. Brown returns to Boston after spending 6 games with the team earlier this season in which he went 2 for 11. This season in 64 games with Triple-A Pawtucket he has hit .219/.309/.391 with 7 home runs and 28 RBI.
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at 6:27 PM

Update on Ibarra signing


While it was commonly believed the Cuban catcher Adalberto Ibarra would be signed to a major league contract and placed on the team's 40-man roster, Alex Speier of WEEI.com reports that Ibarra initially failed a physical and his contract was renegotiated.

The Red Sox and Ibarra had agreed upon a 5 year deal worth $3 million that could have escalated to around $4.3 million in incentives. Once Ibarra failed his physical, for what sources say the team deemed a "minor issue", the two sides renegotiated the deal and came to an agreement on a minor league deal worth between $700,000-$800,000. The bonus given to Ibarra is in line with what a supplemental first round selection would receive in the amateur draft.

Ibarra, 23, is thought to have great power potential from behind the plate to go along with solid defensive skills and a plus throwing arm. He has only played catcher regularly since last year and was a highly sought after international signing, as the Red Sox beat out many other clubs for his services. In just 7 games split between the Rookie Gulf Coast League and High-A Salem, Ibarra has collected 4 hits in 21 at-bats.
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