Kelly goes five in Javelinas loss

10/31 Cup of Coffee: Casey Kelly made his final start of the AFL season on Saturday, but the Javelinas were upended by the Surprise Rafters 8-7.

Peoria scored two in the top of the first inning to take the early lead. Juan Carlos Linares stayed red-hot with a double and Ryan Lavarnway walked. A bases loaded walk to Adam Loewen (TOR) and an RBI groundout by Michael McDade (TOR) pushed the runs across. After a 1-2-3 first inning for Kelly, he gave up three straight hits in the second, with two runs coming around to score on a Zack Cox (STL) single. Surprise scored two more in the third on a two-run home run by Joey Butler (TEX). After the home run to Butler with one out in the third, Kelly did not allow another hit and finished his outing after five innings. With Surprise leading 4-3 in the top of the sixth, Peoria scratched home a run to tie it on a Jay Austin (HOU) RBI single. But Surprise answered back with one of their own in the bottom half of the sixth. With Travis Turek (CLE) pitching for Peoria, Surprise scored three more in the seventh after Turek loaded the bases with nobody out. Down four in the top of the ninth, Linares and Lavarnway led off with a pair of singles, and Loewen knocked in Linares with one of his own. Lavarnway scored on a groundout, and the bases ended up loaded with the Javelinas down two. They scored one on a sacrifice fly, but Austin flew out softly to left to end the game.

Kelly went 5.0 innings yielding 4 runs (3 earned) and 5 hits, while walking one and striking out 3.

Linares was 2-5 with 2 runs scored and a double. Lavarnway had a 1-4 day at the plate, scoring a run and drawing a walk.

After an day off on Sunday, Peoria returns to action on Monday against Scottsdale in a game scheduled for a 3:35 EST first pitch.

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Javelinas win big against Desert Dogs

10/29 Cup of Coffee: Peoria put up a few crooked numbers in the middle innings on Friday to take down the Desert Dogs 11-4.

A first inning run on a sacrifice fly by Dustin Ackley (SEA) gave the Javelinas an early lead. The Desert Dogs asnwered with three runs of their own in the bottom of the second, two coming on a double from Michael Taylor (OAK). Brandon Barnes (HOU) tied the game for Peoria in the top of the fourth with a 2-run home run, and then followed that up with a 3-RBI triple in the fifth inning. Five runs would come across in the inning for the Javelinas, and they led 8-3. Barnes came up again with runners in scoring position in the sixth inning, knocking in two with a single to left. After Ryan Curry (FLA) hit a solo home run for the Desert Dogs in the bottom of the seventh, Daniel Turpen came on to pitch the eighth inning for Peroia. The big right hander has struggled in the AFL this fall, but retired all three batters he faced on strikes.

Turpen pitched one scoreless inning with three strikeouts.

Peoria will play again on Saturday with a 3:35 game against Surprise.

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Linares leads power display as Javelinas take third in a row

10/29 Cup of Coffee: A trio of home runs and solid starting pitching helped propel the Javelinas to their third win in a row.

Despite a late charge from the Solar Sox, Peoria dropped Mesa 6-4, thanks to a power display by three Javelinas.

Peoria jumped on the board first, receiving a Nate Tenbrink (SEA) RBI single in the top of the third. Mesa retaliated in the bottom half of the inning, knotting the game on a Jordany Valdespin (NYM) RBI ground out. Peoria opened up the contest in the sixth, plating four runs on a two run home run by Juan Carlos Linares and back-to-back solo shots from Koby Clemens (HOU) and Matt Lawson (SEA). The Javelinas extended their lead to 6-1 on a wild pitch in the top of the eighth. Seth Garrison came on for Peoria to close out the game in the ninth but ran into trouble, allowing 3 runs (2 earned) on 4 hits and a walk while only recording 2 outs. Tom Wilhelmsen (SEA) relieved Garrison and recorded the final out of the game. Blue Jays prospect Marc Rzepczynski went 6.0 innings, allowing 1 run on 6 hits and 3 walks while punching out 4 for the victory.

Linares ended his day 1 for 5 with a home run, 2 RBI and a run scored. Ryan Lavarnway was 2 for 4 with a walk and a run scored. Jason Rice pitched a scoreless eighth inning, allowing 2 hits and striking out a pair.

Peoria will travel to Phoenix to take on the Desert Dogs today at 3:35 EST.

Player of the Night: Juan Carlos Linares, who smacked a key two run home run in the sixth inning to help Peoria in a 6-4 victory.

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Javelinas hold off late rally by Desert Dogs

10/28 Cup of Coffee: Peoria jumped out to an early lead and was able to withstand a late rally by Pheonix to pull out the 5-4 victory.

The Javelinas started the scoring off with a run in the second on an RBI double by Michael McDade (TOR). Adam Loewen's (TOR) three-run homer in the fifth increased the lead to 4-0. After starter Kyle Greenwalt (HOU) gave Peoria 4.0 strong innings, Eammon Portice came in and pitched a scoreless bottom of the fifth in relief. Both teams tacked on a run in the sixth, then in the seventh Ivan De Jesus Jr. (LAD) singled in 2 runs to cut Peoria's lead to 5-3. Brandon Laird trimmed the lead again with a solo shot in the eighth, but that was as close as Pheonix would come in the game as Josh Lueke (SEA) shut them down in the ninth to earn his first save of the Fall season.

Portice pitched a scoreless fifth inning, allowing 1 hit and striking out a batter.

The Javelinas next face the Mesa Solar Sox today at 3:35 EST.

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Pawtucket's other outfielder

In this week's column, we talk with Pawtucket outfielder Bubba Bell about improvements he made in 2010 and his early impressions of playing winter ball in Venezuela. We also have some notes on fall and winter league action and the few minor league transactions that have occurred this off-season. We'll be doing a similar off-season notes style column twice a month during the off-season.

ESPNBoston - Pawtucket's other outfielder

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Linares helps Javelinas sting Scorpions

10/27 Cup of Coffee: In a true team effort, the Javelinas overcame four errors on their way to victory.

Solid pitching and timely hitting helped Peoria down the Scottsdale Scorpions 7-4.

Juan Carlos Linares started the game off right for the Javelinas, smacking a two run home run in the top of the first to give Peoria a 2-0 lead. In the third, Ryan Lavarnway's RBI single extended the Javelinas advantage to 3-0. Scottsdale finally broke through in the sixth, as Michael Burgess (WAS) hit a one-out triple and scored on a wild pitch. Peoria put the game away in the eighth, plating four runs with two outs, as Koby Clemens (HOU) laced an RBI single, Nate Tenbrink (SEA) cracked a two run home run and Brandon Barnes (HOU) came home on a bases loaded walk. Bryan Price (CLE) came in for the bottom of the eighth and once again had a shaky outing, allowing 3 runs (1 earned) on a hit and a walk while also committing a costly throwing error. Matt Daly (TOR) came on for the ninth and closed out the game for Peoria moving them back over .500 at 6-5.

Lavarnway was 1 for 5 with an RBI behind the plate. Linares was 1 for 4 with a home run and 2 RBI. Daniel Turpen pitched a scoreless fourth inning, allowing 1 hit and striking out 1.

Peoria hosts the Phoenix Desert Dogs today at 3:35 EST.

Player of the Night: Juan Carlos Linares, who smacked a key two run home run in the first inning to help Peoria in a 7-4 victory.

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Kelly struggles, Javelinas' offense battles back

10/26 Cup of Coffee: On a night where Casey Kelly did not have his best stuff, the Javelinas' offense battled back Monday to finish the game tied at 9-9 after 11 innings.

After Surprise plated two runs in the bottom of the first, Peoria answered right back with seven runs of their own in the second. Ryan Lavarnway and Juan Carlos Linares both had RBI singles in the inning. Kelly got a quick out in the second inning, but then proceeded to give up back-to-back singles followed by a three-run homer to former Red Sox prospect Engel Beltre (TEX). Kelly hit the next batter, allowed a base on balls, a double, and a single, but he was able to battle through and get the third out despite giving up 6 runs in the inning. Seth Garrison came on in the third and pitched 2.0 scoreless innings while striking out 3.

With Surprise still ahead by a run going into the seventh, Linares walked to open the inning. After a single and another walk, Jose Iglesias came up with a big RBI single to bring home Linares and tie the game at eight. Dustin Ackley (SEA) walked with the bases still loaded to bring home another run in the inning, putting the Javelinas up 9-8. Jason Rice got the hold, pitching a scoreless bottom of the seventh, while striking out 2. However, Surprise was able to plate a run in the bottom of the ninth to tie it at 9 on a double by Zach Cox (STL) and RBI single by Francisco Martinez (DET). Neither team was able to do much with the bats through two extra frames, resulting in a tie game.

Iglesias was 2 for 6, with an RBI, run scored, and his third stolen base of the Fall season. Lavarnway finished the game 2 for 7 with a double, RBI, and 3 strikeouts. Linares was 1 for 3 with a walk and an RBI. Kelly threw 2.0 innings, while giving up 8 earned runs on 2 strikeouts and a walk. Garrison gave up 1 hit over 2.0 scoreless innings, while striking out 3 batters and walking 1. Rice pitched a scoreless seventh, giving up no hits and striking out 2 batters.

Engel Beltre finished the game 4 for 6 with a homer, double, and 2 stolen bases.

The Javelinas return to action Tuesday night against the Scottsdale Scorpions with the game scheduled for 9:35 EST.

Player of the Night: Jose Iglesias, who was 2 for 6, with a game-tying RBI, a run scored, and a stolen base.

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Javelinas plate five in sixth, down Saguaros

10/24 Cup of Coffee: After falling behind early to their cross-town foes, the Javelinas came back in the middle innings on Saturday to defeat the Saguaros 7-2.

Jose Ruiz (TB) opened the scoring for the Saguaros in the top of the first with an RBI single. It remained that way until the top of the fifth, when the Saguaros drove home another on a Leslie Anderson (TB) sacrifice fly, making it 2-0. But the Javelinas fired back in the bottom half of the inning, tying it up at 2 on a Jason Kipnis (CLE) 2-run homer. After a scoreless top of the sixth, the Javelinas opened the flood gates with five runs in their half. Ryan Lavarnway started the inning with a walk, and back-to-back homers from Eric Thames (TOR) and Koby Clemens (HOU) gave the Javelinas a 5-2 lead. Later in the inning, Matt Lawson (SEA) scored two with a single to left, giving the Javelinas plenty of breathing room for the win.

Lavarnway was 1 for 2 with a pair of walks in the game. Jose Iglesias played shortstop but went 0 for 4 with 2 strikeouts. Juan Carlos Linares was 0 for 2 before being replaced by Thames in the sixth.

The Javelinas have Sunday off, and return to action on Monday against Surprise, with the game scheduled for 3:35 EST.

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Scorpions bats come up big in drubbing of Javelinas

10/23 Cup of Coffee: On a night where just one Red Sox prospect saw the field Friday, Scottsdale took it to Peoria, winning 12-4.

Trailing 1-0 in the top of the fourth, Peoria scored four runs to take the lead. They would not score again however, and the Scorpions responded with 11 unanswered runs. Five of them came in the bottom of the fifth, when Daniel Turpen came on in relief of Marc Rzepczynski (TOR). Scottsdale's inning included a bases-clearing, 3 RBI double by Marc Krauss (ARI) and a single by Charlie Culberson (SF) to score Krauss. All five runs scored in the inning were charged to Turpen, who was eventually saddled with the loss. After the Scorpions plated two more runs in the sixth, Krauss came up to bat in the eighth, again with the bases loaded. Not satisfied with his double in the fifth, Krauss deposited a Matt Daly (TOR) pitch over the right field wall for a grand slam, finishing with 7 RBI on the night.

The Javelinas return to action Saturday afternoon against the Peoria Saguaros, with the game scheduled for 3:35 EST.

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Javelinas falter in ninth, fall to Desert Dogs

10/22 Cup of Coffee: On a quiet day for Boston prospects, a Yankees prospect made headlines for his big day at the plate.

Despite holding a 3-2 lead going into the ninth, the Peoria Javelinas fell to the Phoenix Desert Dogs 4-3.

After a Brandon Laird (NYY) RBI double gave Phoenix an early 1-0 lead, Peoria responded in the third with two runs on an RBI single by Adeiny Hechavarria (TOR) and a throwing error by the Phoenix second baseman. Eric Thames (TOR) roped an RBI single in the fourth to give the Javelinas a 3-1 lead. Laird's RBI ground out in the 5th brought the Desert Dogs to within one, but the game remained that way into the ninth. Chen Lee (CLE) came on to try and close out the game for Peoria but once again Laird proved to be a thorn in the Javelinas side. A two out, two run home run from Laird proved to be the game winner, leaving him 2 for 5 with all 4 Phoenix RBI's on the day.

Ryan Lavarnway was 1 for 4 behind the plate and Jose Iglesias entered the game as pinch hitter in the 5th and went 1 for 2.

Peoria travels to Scottsdale to take on the Scorpions and top prospect Bryce Harper (WAS) tonight at 9:35 EST.

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Javelinas bats tame Desert Dogs

10/21 Cup of Coffee: Despite falling into an early hole on Wednesday, two Boston pitchers helped hold a late lead for the Javelinas.

Overcoming a 4-0 deficit, the Peoria Javelinas bats woke up in the later innings to quell the Phoenix Desert Dogs 9-5.

Reliever Eammon Portice picked up the win for his 1.1 scoreless innings of relief, during which he allowed just one hit and struck out a batter. Jason Rice picked up his second hold of the early season for his solid seventh inning, during which he allowed one hit.

Down 4-0 after four, Peoria tied the game on a costly throwing error by the Phoenix shortstop and three consecutive RBI singles by Matt Lawson (SEA), Jay Austin (HOU) and Cord Phelps (CLE). An Adam Abraham (CLE) RBI single in the sixth gave the Javelinas a lead they would not relinquish. Michael McDade's (TOR) three run home run in the eighth gave Peoria even more breathing room and an Adam Loewen (TOR) RBI single in the ninth capped the scoring on the day for Javelinas. Peoria rapped 15 hits as every member of the lineup recorded at least one hit.

Phoenix will travel to Peoria today as the Javelinas look to sweep the home-and-home series at 3:35 EST.

Player of the Night: Eammon Portice, who recorded the win for his 1.1 innings of scoreless relief, allowing just one hit while fanning a batter.

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Kelly solid but Javelinas stumble late

10/20 Cup of Coffee: Boston's top prospect took the mound yesterday in search of his second win of the fall season.

Despite battling back to tie the game in the middle innings, the Peoria Javelinas fell to the Mesa Solar Sox 6-5 on Tuesday.

Javelinas starter Casey Kelly was impressive in his second straight outing, hurling 5.0 innings, allowing 1 run on 3 hits and 2 walks while striking out 3. Former Sox farmhand Bryan Price (CLE) followed Kelly and was hit hard, allowing 3 runs on 4 hits and 2 walks in just 0.2 innings.

Down 1-0 in the bottom of the second, Peoria received an RBI double from Jason Kipnis (CLE) to even the score. A costly fielding error in the fifth inning allowed the Javelinas to take a 2-1 lead. The Solar Sox responded in the sixth with three runs to take a 4-2 advantage. Peoria battled back in the bottom half of the sixth, scoring twice on an RBI single by Nate Tenbrink (SEA) and a bases loaded walk to Jay Austin (HOU), tying the score 4-4. Mesa pulled ahead in the top of the 8th on a Kai Gronauer (NYM) RBI triple and added another in the ninth on a Josh Vitters (CHC) RBI single. Hoping to rally for the second day in a row, Peoria opened the bottom half of the ninth with a triple by Cord Phelps (CLE). Phelps eventually scored on one of two wild pitches in the inning but the Javelinas left a runner in scoring position to end the game.

Ryan Lavarnway caught Kelly and was 0 for 3 with 2 walks. Jose Iglesias was once again at short and went 1 for 2 with 2 stolen bases and a caught stealing before being pulled in the fifth inning.

The Javelinas will travel to Phoenix to take on the Desert Dogs today at 3:35 EST.

Player of the Night: Casey Kelly, who allowed just one run on 3 hits and 2 walks while striking out 3 in 5.0 innings for Peoria.

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Iglesias plays hero in extra inning win for Peoria

10/19 Cup of Coffee: Two of Boston's top prospects led the way in an extra inning thriller that broke the Javelinas way on Monday.

Looking to move above .500 for the first time this season, the Peoria Javelinas received some clutch hitting to defeat the Mesa Solar Sox 4-2 in 10 innings.

Peoria struck first in the third, as Ryan Lavarnway lofted a sacrifice fly to bring home J.B. Shuck (HOU). The Javelinas led 1-0 until the sixth when the Solar Sox plated two off of reliever Daniel Turpen, receiving sacrifice flies from Josh Harrison (PIT) and Jeremy Moore (LAA). Turpen struggled once again as he allowed multiple runs for the second straight outing. Peoria went to the ninth inning down one, but their comeback efforts were aided by a costly fielding error and an RBI ground out by Matt Lawson (SEA). The Javelinas held the Solar Sox in the bottom half of the ninth to send the game to extra innings, where they capitalized quickly. Lavarnway led off the top of the tenth with a single and Eric Thames (TOR) was then hit by a pitch to give Peoria runners at first and second with no outs. A double play moved Lavarnway to third with two outs and Jose Iglesias became the hero, smashing an RBI single to give the Javelinas a 3-2 lead. A wild pitch later in the inning brought home the final run for Peoria.

Lavarnway ended his day 1 for 4 with an RBI. Iglesias was 1 for 5 with the game winning RBI single. Turpen allowed 2 runs on 2 hits while punching out 1 as he was credited with a blown save in his lone inning of work.

The Javelinas will face off against the Solar Sox once again this afternoon at 3:35 EST, this time as the home team.

Player of the Night: Jose Iglesias, who went 1 for 5 with a game winning RBI single in Peoria's 4-2 victory.

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Five run inning leads Scottsdale over Javelinas

10/17 Cup of Coffee: The Peoria Javelinas had a lead late, but a Red Sox farm-hand got knocked around on the mound as Scottsdale prevailed 6-4 on Saturday.

Scottsdale got on the board early off an RBI single by Derek Norris (WAS) in the top of the first. Peoria answered right back though, plating one in their half of the inning on a Jason Kipnis (CLE) double. In the top of the fourth, former big league pitcher-turned outfielder Adam Loewen (TOR) smacked a solo home run to right to give the Javelinas a 2-1 lead. In the top of the seventh, Peoria called on Eammon Portice, who was not greeted warmly by Scottsdale hitters. After retiring the first two batters of the innings, Portice hit the next two Scorpions he faced. Brandon Belt (SF) knocked in a run with a single, followed by a Norris RBI double. After Marc Krauss (ARI) scored Belt with another single, Jordan Pacheco (COL) plated a pair of runners with a final single to give Scottsdale a 6-2 lead. The Javelinas battled back with two in the bottom of the seventh on a single by Koby Clemens (HOU).

Red Sox prospects were quiet in yesterday's game. Jose Iglesias came into the game in the sixth, going hitless in his two at bats. Ryan Lavarnway was behind the plate last night, and he was also hitless in two at bats, but did earn two walks. Eammon Portice pitched the seventh inning, but gave up 5 runs on 4 hits, while hitting a pair of batters.

The Javelinas have the day off on Sunday, but will return to action on Monday against Mesa at 3:35 EST.

Player of the Night: Ryan Lavarnway was the only Red Sox player to reach base last night, going 0-2 with 2 walks.

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Linares, Iglesias break out, Javelinas win big

10/16 Cup of Coffee: A combined 6 hits from Jose Iglesias and Juan Carlos Linares helped the Peoria Javelinas to a 13-5 victory over their cross-town rival, the Peoria Saguaros.

After playing to a 4-4 tie on Thursday, the two teams reconvened on Friday, this time with the Javelinas as the home team. Ben Revere (MIN) led the game off with a triple and scored on an RBI groundout by Jason Mitchell (CWS) to give the Saguaros an early 1-0 lead. But the Javelinas fired back in the bottom of the first. After back-to-back singles by Jack Shuck (HOU) and Iglesias, Linares smacked an RBI double to left, tying the game at 1. The Saguaros scored again in the second inning off an RBI single by Revere. Seth Garrison came on in the third for the Javelinas and pitched two shutout innings, striking out four. The Saguaros held on to a the 2-1 lead until the Javelinas exploded for five runs in the bottom of the 5th. After two walks and a single to start the inning, Iglesias came up and banged a single to left, scoring Jay Austin (HOU). Linares followed by grounding into a double play, but the ground ball scored Matt Lawson (SEA). The Javelinas scored 3 more runs in the inning, including two on a triple by Jason Kipnis (CLE). After a two-run 6th inning for the Saguaros, the Javelinas called on Jason Rice to pitch the 7th, who responded by retiring all three batters he faced. The Javelinas then put together another five-run inning in their half of the 7th. Iglesias led off with a single, then scored on a Linares double. Kipnis also hit a three-run homer in the inning.

Iglesias went 3 for 5 with a run scored and an RBI while Linares was also 3 for 5 with a pair of doubles to go along with his 2 RBI and 2 runs scored.

The Javelinas return to action this afternoon against Surprise, with first pitch scheduled for 3:35 EST.

Player of the Night: Juan Carlos Linares- 3 for 5, 2 runs, 2 doubles, 2 RBI

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Lavarnway's bat leads Peoria in extra inning tussle

10/15 Cup of Coffee: The 2010 Red Sox minor league offensive player of the year stepped up at the plate in a big way, but the two teams from Peoria would end an extra inning affair all knotted up.

Looking to move above .500, the Peoria Javelinas couldn't hold on to an early lead and ended up playing to a 4-4 tie with the Peoria Saguaros.

The Saguaros struck first in the bottom half of the first inning on Chris Parmelee's (HOU) RBI single. Koby Clemens (HOU) laced an RBI single in the top of the second to tie the game at 1-1. In the top of the third, a Jack Shuck (HOU) walk and a Jose Iglesias single set up Ryan Lavarnway, who smacked a three run home run over the left field fence to give the Javelinas a 4-1 lead. Daniel Turpen came on in the sixth and was roughed up in his lone inning of work, allowing 2 runs on 2 hits and 3 walks. Former Red Sox hurler Bryan Price (CLE) came on in the seventh and escaped trouble by stranding the tying run on third. Price wasn't as lucky in the eighth, as two errors by Lavarnway and Jay Austin (HOU) allowed the Saguaros to score the tying run. The game remained tied and went into extras, where Lavarnway was almost the hero yet again in the top of the eleventh. With a runner on first, Lavarnway smashed a double that looked like a game winner, but Saguaros left fielder Dave Sappelt (CIN) threw the runner out at home.

Lavarnway ended his day 2 for 4 with a double, a home run, a run scored and 3 RBI. Iglesias was 1 for 4 with a walk. Turpen allowed 2 runs on 2 hits and 3 walks while punching out 1 as he was credited with a hold.

The Javelinas will face off against the Saguaros once again this afternoon at 3:35 EST, this time as the home team.

Player of the Night: Ryan Lavarnway, who went 2 for 4 with a double, home run, and 3 RBI in a 4-4 tie for the Javelinas.

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Linares, Kelly put Javelinas into the win column

10/14 Cup of Coffee: Boston's top prospect made his Fall debut on the mound, while a Red Sox outfielder once again had a great day at the plate to help Peoria pick up its first victory.

A day after falling to the same team, the Peoria Javelinas exacted revenge on the Surprise Rafters in a 7-4 win. Starter Casey Kelly went 4.0 innings, allowing 2 unearned runs on 3 hits while striking out 3 and walking none to pick up the win. Juan Carlos Linares stayed hot at the plate with a 3 for 5 day that included 2 runs scored.

The Javelinas pounced out to an early 3-0 lead in the first, receiving a bases loaded walk then an RBI single by Jay Austin (HOU). After the Surprise got one back in the bottom half of the first, Peoria added two more in the second on an RBI double by Dustin Ackley (SEA) and an RBI single by Eric Thames (TOR). The Rafters once again scored a run in the bottom half of the inning as a fielding error by Kelly eventually led to a run. Salvador Perez's (KC) RBI single in the bottom of the sixth brought the Rafters within two at 5-3. Peoria opened up their lead further by scoring singular runs in the seventh and eighth on a costly fielding error and an RBI double by Roberto Perez (CLE). Even though Surprise attempted to rally in the eighth, the Javelinas held on for the victory as Matt Nevarez (HOU) picked up the save with a scoreless ninth inning.

Peoria will be the away team in their home park as they take on the other squad from Peoria, the Saguaros, today at 3:35 EST.

Player of the Night: Casey Kelly, who went 4.0 innings, allowing 2 unearned runs while striking out 3 and walking none to pick up the victory for Peoria.

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What Red Sox minor leaguers are up to

In our latest ESPNBoston column, we bring you a report reviewing the Red Sox entry in the Fall Instructional League, while also previewing which Red Sox prospects will be participating in the Dominican Instructional League, the Arizona Fall League, the Dominican Winter League, the Venezuelan Winter League, the Colombian League, and the Sydney Major League in Australia.

Mike Andrews: What Red Sox minor leaguers are up to

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Peoria can't scale the Rafters in loss

10/13 Cup of Coffee: The Cup of Coffee returns as the Arizona Fall League began play yesterday. The Peoria Javelinas began their season on the wrong end of an offensive struggle despite a solid performance at the plate from a prospect still in his first year in the United States.

The Javelinas struggled on the mound and fell victim to the Surprise Rafters 8-6. Peoria wasted no time in getting on the board, scoring in the bottom of the first on a Dustin Ackley (SEA) solo home run. The Rafters struck back in the second, plating three runs on a Francisco Martinez (DET) RBI triple and a wild pitch. Surprise added two more in the third to take a 5-1 lead. Jose Iglesias started off the bottom of the sixth by reaching on an error and would eventually come home to score on Ryan Lavarnway's fielder's choice. Michael McDade (TOR) added an RBI double to cut the Rafters lead to 5-3. In the seventh, Surprise brought home two more on RBI singles by Jose Felix (TOR) and Eric Farris (MIL). Peoria responded in the bottom half of the inning with an RBI triple by Jack Shuck (HOU) and a sacrifice fly by Iglesias. Seth Garrison came on to pitch the eighth inning for the Javelinas and allowed a Ben Guez (DET) solo home run during his inning of work. Koby Clemens' (HOU) RBI ground out in the bottom half of the inning accounted for the last Peoria run.

Iglesias was 1 for 4 with an RBI and a run scored playing shortstop for the Javelinas. Lavarnway ended the day 1 for 3 with an RBI, a walk and a run scored behind the plate. Juan Carlos Linares roamed center field and was 2 for 4 with a double and a run scored. Jason Rice tossed 1.1 scoreless innings of relief, allowing 2 hits and striking out a pair.

Peoria takes on Surprise once again today at 3:35 EST.

Player of the Night: Juan Carlos Linares, who was 2 for 4 with a double and a run scored in Peoria's 8-6 loss.

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Cash, Brown and Manuel removed from 40-man roster

The Red Sox made their first roster moves of the off-season yesterday by removing Kevin Cash, Dusty Brown and Robert Manuel from the 40-man roster. Unless re-signed, all three players will become free agents five days after the completion of the World Series.

Cash, 32, was acquired from the Houston Astros in July after injuries left Victor Martinez and Jason Varitek unable to play. The light-hitting backstop was also a member of the Red Sox from 2007-2008 and has received praise for his defensive ability behind the plate. In 29 games this season with Boston, Cash hit .133/.224/.150 with a lone RBI.

Brown, 28, was one of the longest tenured members of the Red Sox organization, as he was drafted by the team back in 2000. He made a seven-game cameo for Boston this season, going 3 for 12 with 2 RBI. During his time with Triple-A Pawtucket in 2010, Brown hit .218/.304/.387 with 7 home runs and 29 RBI.

Manuel, 29, was claimed off waivers from the Seattle Mariners in November of 2009 and put together an impressive season with Triple-A Pawtucket. In 45 games, Manuel posted a 1.68 ERA with 13 saves, striking out 48 in 64.1 innings. His impressive performance earned him a promotion to Boston on August 31st. In 10 games in the majors, Manuel compiled a 4.26 ERA with 7 walks in 12.2 innings.

The moves leave the Red Sox 40-man roster at 37, with four players on the 60-day disabled list, each of whom will need to be added back to the 40-man roster this off-season.

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The Book: Xander Bogaerts

SS Xander Bogaerts
Date: October 1 and 2, 2010
Team: Fall Instructional League

Frame: Standing 6’3’’ and weighing 175 pounds, Bogaerts has an athletic and lean body, and he should be able to pack on some more muscle as he physically matures over the next few seasons. Wiry with strong hands, he’s able to generate bat speed with his wrists and create torque through his hips to drive the head of the bat through the strike zone to the point of contact. Thinner through his lower body, Bogaerts has some good room to fill out his legs and develop a strong core to give himself a solid foundation to enhance his raw baseball skills, while adding more explosiveness to his actions. He is a natural shortstop that shows fluid reactions with his body, though his frame and his potential to fill out lend clues that he will eventually slide over to third base, especially if he packs on more pounds in his lower body and loses some range. While young and on the leaner side at this point in his development, Bogaerts appears to have a strong body type, and should be able to bring an element of power to his game while maintaining enough athleticism to remain on the left side of the infield.

Power/Approach: Despite being lean, Bogaerts can generate good batting-practice power for his age, and shows flashes of that power in game action. Already with some loft in his swing path, he has a nice follow through after making contact and drives the ball with backspin when he squares it up. As Bogaerts strides forward, he has an early understanding of how to keep his hands back and not over commit his weight, which allows him to remain balanced, stay back on the ball, and keep his hands in a good position to generate power. This is a good sign that he will be able to hit breaking balls as his pitch recognition comes up to speed. With physical maturation and continued honing of his technique, he can progress into a player with average or better power at the plate. Bogaerts also displays the ability to go with pitches on the outside corner and resist the urge to pull every pitch. His strike zone judgment is in the raw stages, though, and he’ll sometimes chase elevated fastballs, but that is something that should improve with continued experience as a professional.

Take: Finishing up his first season in the Red Sox organization, spending the year in the Dominican Summer League, Bogaerts is on track for arrival state-side in 2011. Much of his short-term development should focus on building his approach at the plate and slowing the game down defensively. He can tend to rush plays in the field, and can be a bit choppy with his footwork. With a slightly above-average arm, the ball comes out of his hand well, but his arm action looks on the shorter side and he may have trouble making the long throws from the hole to nab runners at higher levels. Bogaerts should stick at the position in the near future and continue to develop his defensive skills, though a move to third base after he fills out seems likely. Offensively, he has a high ceiling and shows the potential to be a run-producing bat. While raw in expected areas for a player of his age, like pitch recognition and strike zone judgment, he also shows positive traits in other areas that players his age tend to need more work on. His swing mechanics and separation with his hands lend clues that he can become a power threat in the batter’s box and pile up extra-base hits as he grows into his frame. Very much a projection-type player right now without much experience at the professional level and one with a long way to go developmentally, Bogaerts shows a nice foundation of tools and the beginnings of polish in key areas. There will be plenty of adjustments going forward in the United States, especially learning to hit secondary pitches and becoming more of a patient hitter, but he has the potential to be a rising hitter in the lower ranks of the Red Sox system next season.

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The Book: Sean Coyle

2B Sean Coyle
Date: October 1 and 2, 2010
Team: Fall Instructional League

Swing: Hitting from a crouched, spread-out stance, Coyle starts with his hands lower on his body before bringing them up into his load upon the pitch’s approach to home plate. Keeping himself balanced with a shorter stride, he quickly drives his hands down through the strike zone and whips a short stroke towards the point of contact, generating exceptional bat speed in the process that enables him to drive the ball hard when he squares it up. By keeping himself balanced and having very little head movement, he allows himself to see pitches well and stay back longer on what is being offered to him. Coyle is able to lead well with his hands to spray line drives to the opposite field and rely on his natural reactions to pull pitches, especially into the left-center gap where he shows a sweet spot of power. He will have to work to keep his hands on top of the baseball consistently to prevent himself from getting under balls elevated in the zone and hitting lazy flies or pops on pitches in that area. With a shorter swing, it remains to be seen how much plate coverage Coyle will be able to produce on balls on the outside corner and whether this will be an area that pitchers may be able to take advantage of against him.

Defense: Coyle shows solid footwork at second base and flashes a strong arm that allows him to get good velocity on his throws, even when he is off-balance. Displaying quick reactions and good instincts, he gets good reads off the bat, and has above-average range on balls to his right. Coyle looks like a natural defensively at second base and like a player that can round into an excellent defender as he continues his development. He is very smooth and fluid with his transfers. The ball gets out of his glove quickly, and he has a nice release when turning double plays around the bag. With more experience, Coyle should improve upon his footwork when turning plays at second base and learn how to protect himself from the oncoming runner, which will allow him to complete the play without getting tangled up as runners slide into him. Given his strong arm, it shouldn’t be a problem for him to throw with his weight moving in either direction or when he has to take a step back to continue the play.

Take: The first thing that sticks out about Coyle is how big and well-filled out his lower body is. With very strong and muscular legs, he has an excellent base and one that should enable him to produce some power despite his smaller stature. His quick, compact swing lends projection to him being able to produce a lot of contact as his approach matures in the professional ranks and evolve into a hitter that will hit for a higher average while displaying good bat control and the ability to drive balls into the gaps. While Coyle already shows strong signs of staying back on the ball and not over-committing himself to pitches, he will have to develop a better feel for what he can and can’t handle against top pitching, especially if he starts in full-season baseball in 2011. Coyle should not have a problem catching up to higher velocity fastballs, especially ones on the inside third of the plate, but will have to lay off ones elevated and away. He also will need to make adjustments to cover the outside corner with his swing and learn how to pick up more polished secondary pitches. By consistently keeping his hands on top of the baseball and working to keep them back on off-speed pitches, he should produce a lot of line drives as his career gets going and he will begin to track as a potential top-of-the-order hitter down the line. At 18 years of age and brand new to the system, Coyle has quite a bit of development ahead of him, especially in honing his approach as a professional, but there is a very nice overall package of tools to work with and he stood out at the Instructional League as a player to take notice of.

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Seeking a middle-of-order bat

When are the Red Sox going to finally develop a young middle-of-the-order bat?

Hands down, that’s the most frequent question I get asked from fans who want to talk about Boston’s minor league system. Please check out my most recent column on ESPNBoston exploring the possible answers to that question.

ESPNBoston - Seeking a middle-of-order bat

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PawSox owner Ben Mondor passes away at 85

Pawtucket Red Sox owner Ben Mondor passed away peacefully in his home in Warwick Neck, R.I. on Sunday night at the age of 85.

Mondor, a local Rhode Island businessman, purchased the Pawtucket franchise in 1977 when it was nearly bankrupt. Along with longtime president Mike Tamburro, Mondor transformed the PawSox into one of the model organizations in all of minor league baseball, reinvigorating McCoy Stadium as well in the process.

"He was an incredible and charitable man who was first and foremost devoted to his wife Madeleine, along with his PawSox family and the entire community at large," the organization said in a statement.

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