Chat at 1:00 pm ET

I will be doing a chat at 1:00 pm ET on ESPN.com today.  Please join in!
Link: http://espn.go.com/sportsnation/boston/chat/_/id/36283

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Boston announces 2011 minor league coaching staffs

The Red Sox have announced their 2011 minor league coaching staffs. While there are many familiar faces in the organization, some new faces have joined the ranks. Here is an entire listing of the staffs for this upcoming season. Special thanks to Adam (amfox1) for the descriptions of each coach.

Pawtucket (Triple-A, International League)

Manager: Arnie Beyeler - moves to Pawtucket after managing the last four years at Double-A Portland.
Pitching coach: Rich Sauveur - returns for his fourth consecutive year with the team
Hitting coach: TBD
Athletic trainer: Jon Jochim - returns for his second consecutive year with the team

Portland (Double-A, Eastern League)

Manager: Kevin Boles - moves to Portland after managing last season at Single-A Salem and serving in the same capacity with Single-A Greenville from 2008-09.
Pitching coach: Bob Kipper - returns for his fourth year (second consecutive) with the team
Hitting coach: Dave Joppie - returns for his fourth consecutive year with the team
Athletic trainer: Paul Buchheit - returns for his second consecutive year with the team

Salem (Single-A, Carolina League)

Manager: Bruce Crabbe - moves to Salem after managing last season at Lowell.
Pitching coach: Kevin Walker - moves to Salem after serving as Greenville’s pitching coach in 2010 and Lowell's pitching coach in 2009.
Hitting coach: Alex Ochoa - joins Salem after serving last season as Special Assistant in the Red Sox Baseball Operations department.
Athletic trainer: Brandon Henry - returns for his second consecutive year with the team

Greenville (Single-A, South Atlantic League)

Manager: Billy McMillon - returns for his fourth consecutive year with the team (second as manager)
Pitching coach: Dick Such - moves to Greenville after serving as Salem’s pitching coach from 2009-10.
Hitting coach: Luis Lopez - returns for his second consecutive year with the team
Athletic trainer: David Herrera - returns for his second consecutive year with the team

Lowell (Short-A, New York-Penn League)

Manager: Carlos Febles - makes his managerial debut with the Spinners, where he served as a coach in 2007. He was Salem’s hitting coach from 2009-10 and held the same role for Single-A Lancaster in 2008.
Pitching coach: Paul Abbott - makes his affiliated coaching debut. He spent parts of 11 seasons in the Major Leagues with the Twins (1990-92), Indians (1993), Mariners (1998-2002), Royals (2003), Devil Rays (2004) and Phillies (2004).
Hitting coach: TBA
Athletic trainer: Elizondo Mauricio - returns for his second consecutive year with the team

Gulf Coast (Rookie, Gulf Coast League)

Manager: George Lombard - makes his managerial debut in 2011 after spending the 2010 campaign as hitting coach for Lowell.
Coach: Dave Tomlin - will serve as a coach after managing the GCL Red Sox over the past five seasons.
Pitching coach: Walter Miranda - returns for his third consecutive year with the team
Hitting coach: U.L. Washington - returns for his sixth consecutive year with the team

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Boston signs flurry of pitchers to minor league deals

The Red Sox have been busy trying to find potential solutions for their bullpen, as evidenced by the signing of five pitchers to minor league deals.

Left-hander Rich Hill rejoins the organization after having a stellar first season in Boston. In 19 games with Triple-A Pawtucket in 2010, Hill was 3-1 with a 3.74 ERA with 55 strikeouts in 53.0 innings. He made a late season cameo in Boston, hurling 4.0 scoreless innings.

Andrew Miller, originally acquired earlier in the offseason from the Florida Marlins for Dustin Richardson, will also attempt to secure a spot as a left-hander in the Boston bullpen. The 25-year-old was originally drafted sixth overall by the Detroit Tigers in the 2006 amateur draft. He has struggled with control during his brief career, as evidenced by his 8.54 ERA and 26 walks in 32.2 innings pitched for the Marlins last season. Miller has compiled a 7-16 record, mostly as a starter, with a 3.96 ERA in 52 appearances in the minors.

The team also signed the intriguing Ryan Harvey, who looks to resurrect his career as a pitcher after spending his entire career as an outfielder. Originally selected sixth overall in the 2003 amateur draft by the Chicago Cubs, Harvey put up a .244/.297/.452 line with 117 home runs in 642 minor league games. He has always been regarded as an athletic outfielder with a strong arm, as shown by his 12 assists in 2010 as a right fielder for the Double-A Tulsa Drillers (COL).

Boston also signed left-hander Randy Williams who appeared in 52 games the past two seasons for the Chicago White Sox. Williams, in eleven minor league seasons, has posted a 33-20 record with a 3.94 ERA and a greater than 2:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio.

Another member of the White Sox organization coming to Boston is Clevelan Santeliz, a 24-year-old right-hander from Venezuela. In five seasons in the White Sox organization, Santeliz was 12-26 with a 4.46 ERA in 174 games (29 starts) with spotty control.

Hill, Miller, Williams and Santeliz have all received invites to Spring Training as non-roster invitees.

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Red Sox agree to terms with Lenny DiNardo

According to Rob Bradford of WEEI.com, the Red Sox have agreed to terms with pitcher Lenny DiNardo. Pending a phyical, the 31-year-old will be inked to a minor league, split contract.

After being taken by the Mets in the 2001 draft, the Red Sox selected DiNardo in the 2003 Rule 5 draft. From 2004-2006, DiNardo was 1-3 with a 5.56 ERA in 43 appearances (7 starts) in a Red Sox uniform. In 81.1 innings, the left hander allowed 108 hits and 37 walks while striking out 53 batters. DiNardo then went to Oakland, where he pitched under current Red Sox pitching coach Cut Young. DiNardo last pitched in the majors with Kansas City in 2009, while spending the 2010 season in the Athletics organization. He made 10 appearances (9 starts) with Triple-A Sacramento last season, pitching to a 2-5 record with a 3.40 ERA.

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Report: Boston signs Matt Albers

According to NESN's Peter Gammons, the Red Sox have signed right-handed reliever Matt Albers.

Albers, 27, was non-tendered by the Baltimore Orioles after posting a 4.52 ERA over 62 appearances out of the bullpen last season. Originally drafted by the Houston Astros in 2001, he was traded to Baltimore as part of the package for Miguel Tejada prior to the 2008 season. During his career, Albers has a 15-25 record with a 5.11 ERA. Despite his pedestrian strikeout and walk totals, Albers is adept at producing ground balls, placing sixth in the American League in 2010 with a 1.33:1 groundball to flyball ratio.

Albers figures to compete for a bullpen spot during Spring Training and could remain under team control for the next few seasons due to his limited service time.

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Turpen and Cabral selected in Rule 5 draft

The Red Sox have lost two pitching prospects in this years Rule 5 Draft. Left-hander Cesar Cabral was selected by the Tampa Bay Rays with the 14th selection in the first round and right-hander Daniel Turpen was selected by the New York Yankees with the fourth pick in the second round of the Major League phase of the draft.

Cabral, 21, was originally signed as an international free agent in the summer of 2005. After initially being used as a starter in 2006 through most of 2009, Cabral was used exclusively out of the bullpen in 2010. Splitting time between Low-A Greenville and High-A Salem, he posted a 4-0 record with a 3.63 ERA and 9 saves in 45 relief appearances. Cabral's has worked to improve his control, having a career best K:BB ratio this season.

Turpen, 24, was originally acquired at the trade deadline this past season from the San Francisco Giants in exchange for RHP Ramon Ramirez. In 12 games for Double-A Portland, Turpen compiled a 4.91 ERA with 3 saves while striking out nearly a batter an inning. In 10 games for Peoria during the Arizona Fall League, he posted a 5.40 ERA in 10 outings, picking up one save.

In order for Cabral and Turpen to stick with their respective teams they must now remain on the 25-man roster for the entire 2011 season or be on the active major league roster for 90 days before any disabled list trips. If they fulfill the second requirement, they would have to be active for an additional 23 games in the following season in order to have their Rule 5 status lifted.

The players can be traded, waived, or offered back to the original team at any time. Boston did not select any players during the draft.

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Rule 5 Draft: Vulnerable Sox prospects

For a look at which prospects may be selected from the Red Sox in the upcoming Rule 5 Draft, check out our latest column on ESPNBoston:

Rule 5 Draft: Vulnerable Sox prospects

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Report: Kelly, Rizzo, Fuentes traded to San Diego for Gonzalez

According to multiple sources, the Red Sox have acquired first baseman Adrian Gonzalez from the San Diego Padres for RHP Casey Kelly, first baseman Anthony Rizzo and outfielder Reymond Fuentes and a player to be named later. The deal is contingent upon Gonzalez passing a physical and signing a contract extension.

Gonzalez, 28, has long been coveted by the Red Sox. A slick defender with tremendous power, Gonzalez has averaged 30 home runs and 100 RBI the past four seasons. In 2010, he hit .298/.393/.511 with 31 home runs and 101 RBI at spacious Petco Park.

SoxProspects.com #1 prospect Kelly was originally drafted in the first round of the 2008 amateur draft. Originally splitting time between shortstop and the mound, Kelly dedicated himself to pitching full time in 2010 and posted a 5.31 ERA in 21 starts for Double-A Portland. The 20-year-old Kelly had dazzled on the mound in his first two seasons in the Boston system, leading him to his top prospect standing.

Rizzo, ranked #3 on SoxProspects.com, was originally drafted in the sixth round of the 2007 draft. The 21-year-old left-hander overcame cancer in 2008 to have a break out season in 2010 as a member of the High-A Salem Red Sox and the Double-A Portland Sea Dogs, hitting 25 home runs and driving in 100 runs.

Fuentes, ranked #16 on SoxProspects.com, was originally selected in the first round of the 2009 draft. The 19-year-old speedster has a solid full season debut with Low-A Greenville in 2010, hitting .270/.328/.377 with 5 home runs, 41 RBI and 42 stolen bases.

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Bergmann joins Boston on minor league deal

The Red Sox today announced that they have signed RHP Jason Bergmann.

The 29-year-old Bergmann had previously spent his entire career with the Montreal/Washington organization. He made his major league debut in 2005 for the Nationals, going 2-0 with a 2.75 ERA in 15 appearances (1 start). Bergmann struggled after that, bouncing between the majors and the minors despite being a major part of the Nationals rotation in 2007-2008 and making 56 relief appearances in 2009. Last season with Triple-A Syracuse, he posted a 2.84 ERA in 43 appearances out of the bullpen, striking out greater than a batter an inning.

Bergmann figures to spend significant time at Triple-A Pawtucket and serve as bullpen depth for Boston this upcoming season.

The team also formally announced the signings of Brandon Duckworth and Drew Sutton as well as the re-signings of Nate Spears and Santo Luis.

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Red Sox sign Duckworth to minor league deal

According to Matt Eddy of Baseball America, the Red Sox have signed RHP Brandon Duckworth to a minor league deal.

Duckworth, 34, was last in the major leagues in 2008 as a member of the Kansas City Royals, going 3-3 with a 4.50 ERA in 7 starts. His most notable experience was as a member of the Philadelphia Phillies rotation from 2001-2003, compiling a 15-18 record. Traded to the Houston Astros after the 2003 season, Duckworth struggled in his short stints in the majors as well as in the minors in his two seasons with the Astros organization. The well traveled right-hander put together a bounce back season in Triple-A Indianapolis after being signed as a free agent by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2006. Last season as a member of Triple-A Lehigh Valley in the Phillies organization, Duckworth was 5-4 with a 3.32 ERA in 25 games (16 starts) striking out almost a batter an inning.

Duckworth figures to be a depth signing that will be ticketed for Pawtucket next season.

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Red Sox claim Jordan Parraz from Royals

WEEI.com's Alex Speier has reported that the Red Sox claimed outfielder Jordan Parraz off waivers from Kansas City. Houston's third round pick in the 2004 draft, Parraz has spent the last two seasons in the Royal's organization, batting .266 with an OPS of .760 and 11 home runs in 123 games for Triple-A Omaha. The 26-year-old has posted a .289 batting average and an .814 OPS in 634 minor league games. With the addition of Parraz, Boston's 40-man roster is now full.

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Boston offers arbitration to three

The Red Sox have officially offered arbitration to catcher Victor Martinez, third baseman Adrian Beltre and infielder Felipe Lopez. Boston declined to offer arbitration to long time backstop Jason Varitek and infielders Bill Hall and Mike Lowell.

Offering Martinez, Beltre and Lopez arbitration ensures that the Red Sox can collect draft picks if the players decide to play elsewhere next season. Boston could potentially receive a team's first round pick as well as a supplemental first round selection for both Beltre and Martinez. Lopez, who was classified as a Type B free agent, would only garner a supplemental selection later in the draft. All players offered arbitration have until November 30 to accept or decline the offer.

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Sox sign minor league utility man Sutton

The Red Sox have reportedly signed switch-hitting infielder Drew Sutton, 27, who was made a free agent after recently being removed from the Indians 40-man roster. Sutton appeared in 13 major league games last season, 2 with Cincinnati and 11 with Cleveland, going a combined 10 for 39 (.256) with 2 home runs, and lining up defensively at shortstop (8 games), second base (5 games), and third base (1 game). He also posted a .273/.379/.766 line with 5 home runs and 42 RBI in 113 games with the Indians and Reds AAA affiliates in 2010. Sutton, a 15th round pick by the Astros in 2004, made his major league debut with Cincinnati in 2009.

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Scottsdale defeats Javelinas to win AFL title

11/21 Cup of Coffee: In the championship game of the 2010 Arizona Fall League, it was a pair of Washington Nationals prospects who led the Scottsdale Scorpions to a 3-2 victory over the Peoria Javelinas on Saturday.

Peoria opened the scoring in the top of the second inning. Ryan Lavarnway led off the inning with a walk, and he came around to score on an errant throw from Charlie Culberson (SF), who was trying to turn a double play. The Scorpions would answer with two runs of their own in the bottom half of that inning, however. Jordan Pacheco (COL) knocked in a run with a sacrifice fly and highly-touted prospect Bryce Harper (WAS) scored another with a single to give the Scorpions a 2-1 lead. In the top of the fourth, Peoria would tie the game on another Culberson error, allowing Dustin Ackley (SEA) to score from second. With the score tied at 2 in the bottom of the fourth, Scottsdale scored the final and decisive run of the game on an RBI double from Steve Lombardozzi (WAS). Jason Rice would come on for Peoria in the bottom of the fifth. Although he walked two batters, he induced a double play to get out of the inning unscathed.

Lavarnway was 0-for-3 with a walk and a run scored. Jose Iglesias played short and was 0-for-4. Rice pitched a hitless fifth inning but did allow two walks.

Here is how Red Sox prospects fared in the AFL this fall:
Juan Carlos Linares: 68 AB, .397/.423/.662, 3 HR, 14 RBI
Jose Iglesias: 67 AB, .269/.294/.282, 0 HR, 8 RBI
Ryan Lavarnway: 82 AB, .268/.380/.415, 3 HR, 12 RBI

Casey Kelly: 16 IP, 1-0, 6.75 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, 11 SO, 4 BB
Seth Garrison: 13.0 IP, 0-1, 6.23 ERA, 2.23 WHIP, 15 SO, 11 BB
Eammon Portice: 12.1 IP, 3-1, 6.57 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 8 SO, 6 BB
Jason Rice: 11.2 IP, 0-0, 3.86 ERA, 1.71 WHIP, 13 SO, 3 BB
Daniel Turpen: 11.2 IP, 5.40 ERA, 1.80 WHIP, 10 SO, 6 BB

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Sox add Pimentel, Exposito and Tejeda to 40-man roster

In advance of the December 9th Rule 5 draft, the Red Sox have added pitcher Stolmy Pimentel, catcher Luis Exposito and infielder Oscar Tejeda to their 40-man roster. The moves protect the players from being selected by another franchise during the upcoming draft.

Pimentel, 20, is currently ranked the #8th overall prospect according to SoxProspects.com. The Dominican right-hander went 9-11 with a 4.06 ERA while striking out 102 batters in 128.2 innings for High-A Salem this past season.

Exposito, 23, hit .260/.339/.416 with 11 home runs in 2010 as a member of the Double-A Portland Sea Dogs. He has solid tools but needs to refine his plate discipline and defensive skills in order to have a shot at starting at the big league level.

Tejeda, 20, was signed as an international free agent in 2006 and has impressed scouts with his natural tools and ability. Playing at High-A Salem in 2010, Tejeda hit .307 with 11 home runs and 17 stolen bases, making the move from shortstop to second base.

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Who will Sox protect?

For a look at who the Red Sox may add to the 40-man roster prior to tomorrow's deadline, check out our latest column on ESPNBoston: Who will Sox protect?

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In championship preview, Javelinas nip Scorpions

11/19 Cup of Coffee: In a preview of Saturday's Arizona Fall League championship, the Peoria Javelinas showed they can win with solid pitching.

In a seven inning contest, the Javelinas nipped the Eastern Division champion Scottsdale Scorpions 1-0.

In a game that only saw seven total hits, the Javelinas posted the only run of the contest in the bottom of the third inning. Nate Tenbrink (SEA) started off the inning with a lead-off double and advanced to third on a fly out by Brandon Barnes (HOU). A costly fielding error by Scorpions second baseman Steve Lombardozzi (WSH) allowed Tenbrink to score the decisive run. Scottsdale had multiple chances, including a runner on second and third with no outs in the third, but failed to capitalize by going 0 for 7 with runners in scoring position. Peoria pitchers allowed just three hits, but yielded five walks during the shutout.

Ryan Lavarnway was 0 for 3 with 2 strikeouts as the Javelinas catcher. Shortstop Jose Iglesias was 1 for 3 on the afternoon. Seth Garrison had a shaky fifth inning, allowing a hit and two walks but ended up unscathed. Daniel Turpen picked up his first save of the fall, pitching a scoreless ninth inning.

The Javelinas will host the Scorpions today at 2:35 EST in the last regular season game of the fall.

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Phoenix goes up early, Javelinas fall short

11/18 Cup of Coffee: The Phoenix Desert Dogs scored 7 run in the first three innings, and won 10-4 despite giving up 11 hits to the Javelinas.

Phoenix opened the scoring with a run in the bottom of the second on an RBI double by Matt Wallach (LAD). The next inning the Desert Dogs took a commanding lead by plating 6 runs. After four straight singles to begin the frame, Brandon Laird (NYY) hit an RBI double. Following a ground out which scored the 4th run of the inning, starter Maikel Cleto (SEA) was replaced by Travis Turek (CLE). Turek was unable to stop the bleeding though, giving up a 2-run homer to the first batter he faced, Jose Pirela (NYY). The Javelinas answered in the fourth on a Koby Clemens (HOU) double then a home run by Eric Thames (TOR) to score 2 runs. After each team tacked on a run in the sixth, Pheonix added two more in the eighth, led by an RBI double by Stephen Parker (OAK). The Javelinas briefly mounted a comeback in the ninth, opening with a double by Jason Kipnis (CLE) then a single by Matt Lawson (SEA), but were only able to score 1 run.

No Boston players appeared in the game.

The Javelinas take on the Scottsdale Scorpions at home today at 2:35 EST.

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Javelinas use fifteen runs to pound Saguaros into submission

11/17 Cup of Coffee: In a short seven inning contest, the Peoria Javelinas flexed their muscle against their inner-city rivals the Saguaros.

An eight run sixth inning vaulted the Javelinas to a 15-2 victory over the Peoria Saguaros on Tuesday.

The Saguaros struck first, plating two runs in the bottom of the first on a pair of RBI singles squeezed around an error by Javelinas third baseman Cord Phelps (CLE). The two runs were the only runs the Saguaros would score in the contest as they were held to just five hits. Phelps helped atone for his error in the top of the third, swatting a solo home run to put the Javelinas on the board. In the fourth, the Javelinas took the lead for good, scoring three times on an RBI single by Mike McDade (TOR), RBI double by Jason Kipnis (CLE) and sacrifice fly by Brandon Barnes (HOU). Adam Loewen (TOR) tacked on a two run home run in the fifth to give the Javelinas a comfortable 6-2 lead. In the sixth, the Saguaros quickly recorded two outs, but then allowed six consecutive hits (four for extra bases) which brought home eight runs. Dustin Ackley (SEA) began the barrage with an RBI double, followed by a Ryan Lavarnway RBI single, Loewen solo home run, McDade double, Kipnis single, and finally a Barnes three-run home run. In the seventh, Lavarnway added a sacrifice fly to bring home the fifteenth and final run for the Javelinas.

Lavarnway was the only Boston player who appeared in the game, going 1 for 4 with 2 RBI and a run scored.

The Javelinas will travel to Phoenix to take on the Desert Dogs today at 2:35 EST.

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Rafters score two in the first, never look back

11/15 Cup of Coffee: The Surprise Rafters scored 2 runs in the first inning and cruised to a 2-1 victory behind excellent pitching performances.

Seth Garrison opened the game by giving up a double to the first batter, Adron Chambers (STL). After walking the next two batters to load the bases, Garrison was able to limit the damage, but still gave up 2 runs in the inning on a wild pitch and a sacrifice fly. Daniel Turpen relieved Garrison and kept the game within reach for the Javelinas by pitching 2.0 scoreless innings. Another Red Sox reliever, Jason Rice, followed Turpen with 2.0 scoreless innings of his own. However, despite the Peoria bullpen blanking Surprise through the rest of the game, the offense was unable to score any runs until the ninth inning. Cord Phelps (CLE) hit a solo shot to lead off the last frame, and Jose Iglesias followed with a single. However, a double play hit into by Dustin Ackley (SEA) and a Ryan Lavarnway ground out would end the game with the Javelinas still trailing by a run.

Deuces were wild for Garrison, as he went 2.0 innings, giving up 2 earned runs on 2 hits and 2 walks, to go along with 2 strikeouts. Turpen followed Garrison with 2.0 scoreless innings, while scattering 3 hits. Rice picked up where Turpen left off with another 2.0 scoreless innings, while striking out 4. Iglesias finished the game 1 for 4. Lavarnway was also 1 for 4 in the game with a strikeout, while allowing the Rafters to steal 2 bases, both in the first inning. Juan Carlos Linares played center, and was 0 for 3.

The Javelinas travel to play their cross-town rivals, the Saguaros, today at 2:35 EST.

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Boston claims reliever Taylor Buchholz off waivers from Toronto

According to Alex Speier of WEEI.com, the Red Sox, remaining busy in the hunt for potential bullpen arms for next season, have claimed right-hander Taylor Buchholz off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays.

Buchholz, 29, was originally drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the sixth round of the 2000 amateur draft. He was traded by Philadelphia in 2003 to the Houston Astros in exchange for closer Billy Wagner. He made his major league debut in 2006, going 6-10 with a 5.89 ERA in 22 games (19 starts) for the Astros. After being traded to the Colorado Rockies before the 2007 season, Buchholz moved to the bullpen where he found his calling, evidenced by his 2.17 era in 63 games relief appearances for the team in 2008.

He missed all of the 2009 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery and returned to the majors on July 24, 2010, lasting just two appearances before heading back to the disabled list with back stiffness. Toronto claimed Buchholz off waivers on September 9th and used him in seven games of relief. Buchholz will hope to regain the form that saw him named the Astros #1 prospect by Baseball America prior to the 2004 season. Buchholz looks to be a prime candidate for a role in the Boston bullpen for the 2011 season.

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Javelinas rally for win over Mesa

11/14 Cup of Coffee: A seventh inning explosion led to five runs for the Peoria Javelinas on Saturday, as they dispatched of the Mesa Solar Sox 8-7.

Eammon Portice got the start for the Javelinas and pitched two scoreless innings before yielding a pair of runs in the third. He uncorked a wild pitch that plated a run, and allowed an RBI single to John Tolisano (TOR). Portice gave way to Matt Nevarez (HOU) in the fourth inning, who allowed 4 more runs while retiring just two batters. Nevarez allowed 4 hits, including back-to-back-to-back doubles before being replaced by Travis Turek (CLE), who got the final out of the inning. In the bottom of the fourth, Jason Kipnis (CLE) picked up his second RBI of the game with a double, cutting the Solar Sox lead to 6-2. After scoring a run in the sixth, the Javelinas got things going in the seventh with a leadoff single by Jose Iglesias, who then came around to score on a Ryan Lavarnway double. Kipnis knocked in the game-tying run on a double for his 3rd RBI. A fielder's choice and an error allowed Peoria to pick up another two runs to go ahead 8-6. After the Javelinas allowed a run in the top of the eighth, David Carpenter (HOU) came on to shut the door for the save.

Portice pitched 3.0 innings for the Javelinas and allowed 2 runs on 2 hits, but struggled with his control, walking 4 batters. Iglesias was 2-for-4 with a run scored and a walk. Lavarnway went 1-for-5 with an RBI double.

The Javelinas will have Sunday off and return to action on Monday for a game against the Surprise Rafters at 3:30 EST.

Player of the Night: Jose Iglesias, who went 2-for-4 and whose leadoff single sparked a five-run inning to lead the Javelinas to a victory.

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First inning propels Javelinas to win

11/13 Cup of Coffee: A nine-run first inning gave the Javelinas more than enough cushion on Friday as they defeated Surprise 10-3.

Juan Carlos Linares singled twice in the first inning alone, as the Javelinas plated nine runs in the bottom of the first inning. Doubles from Dustin Ackley (SEA), Roberto Perez (CLE), Matt Lawson (SEA), Jason Kipnis (CLE), and Adam Loewen (TOR) all scored runs for Peoria. Brooks Brown (DET) started the game for the Rafters, but could only retire two batters before giving way to Brendan Wise (DET), who needed six more batters before he could record the final out of the inning. After Surprise scored a run in the top of the second, Loewen doubled home another run for the Javelinas. They maintained their 10-1 lead all the way until the top of the eighth, when an Eric Hosmer (KC) double and a Hunter Morris (MIL) groundout gave the Rafters two more runs.

Juan Carlos Linares was the only player in the Red Sox organization to see action last night. He went 2-for-5 with an RBI.

The Javelinas will be back in action on Saturday with a 3:35 start against Mesa.

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Boston acquires Andrew Miller from Marlins for Richardson

The Red Sox have announced that they have acquired left-hander Andrew Miller from the Florida Marlins in exchange for pitcher Dustin Richardson.

Miller, 25, was originally drafted 6th overall by the Detroit Tigers in the 2006 amateur draft. He made his major league debut in August of the same year, pitching a scoreless inning of relief against the New York Yankees. After an up-and-down 2007 season, Miller was one of six players traded to the Marlins in exchange for Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis. He has since struggled with his control, evidenced by his 26 walks in 32.2 major league innings this past season. In parts of five seasons in the majors, he is 15-26 with a 5.84 ERA in 79 games (54 starts).

Richardson, 25, was originally drafted by the Red Sox in the fifth round of the 2006 amateur draft. After making his major league debut with Boston in 2009, Richardson appeared in 26 games of relief for the Red Sox this season, compiling a 4.15 ERA in 26 appearances. In parts of five minor league seasons, the left-hander has gone 25-21 with a 3.95 ERA in 142 outings.

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Javelinas use hot bats to cut down Saguaros

11/12 Cup of Coffee: In a rematch of Tuesday's game, the Peoria Javelinas chopped down the Peoria Saguaros thanks to timely hitting and solid work from the bullpen.

A four run fourth inning helped vault the Javelinas past the Saguaros 9-4 on Thursday.

After the Saguaros scored in the bottom half of the first, the Javelinas received a solo home run from John Tolisano (TOR) in the top of the third to knot the score at 1. A wild pitch in the bottom half of the inning gave the Saguaros the lead back, but it would not last for long. A four run top of the fourth inning for the Javelinas started with three of the first four batters reaching base due to a walk. An RBI single by Cord Phelps (CLE) and an RBI ground out by Jose Iglesias brought home the first two runs, and consecutive wild pitches by Saguaros pitcher Charles Leesman (CWS) allowed the final two runs to score. The Saguaros responded in the bottom half of the inning with a run of their own, thanks to an Iglesias throwing error. Two more wild pitches by Leesman and a Juan Carlos Linares RBI double allowed the Javelinas to tack on two more in the top of the fifth, giving them a 7-3 advantage. The teams traded runs in the sixth and the Javelinas added an insurance run in the top of the ninth on a Tolisano sacrifice fly to secure the 9-4 victory.

Iglesias was 0 for 6 with an RBI, stolen base and an error. Linares ended the day 3 for 5 with a double, two runs scored and an RBI. Catcher Ryan Lavarnway was 0 for 3 with 2 walks. Daniel Turpen pitched a scoreless seventh inning, allowing just one hit.

The Javelinas will host the Surprise Rafters today at 3:35 EST.

Player of the Night: Juan Carlos Linares, who was 3 for 5 with a double, two runs scored and an RBI in Peoria's 9-4 victory.

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Peoria scores early, withstands late charge

11/11 Cup of Coffee: Peoria scored eight unanswered runs in the first seven innings before withstanding a late charge by Surprise to squeak out an 8-5 victory.

The Javelinas scored 3 runs before the Rafters even had an at-bat on a 2-run homer by Adam Loewen (TOR) and a solo shot by Ryan Lavarnway. Lavarnway scored another run in the fourth inning after singling and being driven in on a Jason Kipnis (CLE) single. The Javelinas plated 2 runs total in the inning, and tacked on another 3 in the seventh. The big hit in that inning was a 2-RBI double by Cord Phelps (CLE). Marc Rzepczynski (TOR) lowered his Fall ERA to 0.69 after tossing 6.0 scoreless innings while striking out 8 and giving up only 2 hits. However, the Peoria bullpen was roughed up, giving up a run in the seventh and eighth before running into major trouble in the ninth. Chen Lee (CLE) came on for Peoria to start the bottom of the last frame, but after walking the first two batters, he was replaced by Jason Rice. After getting two quick outs, Rice gave up a single that drove in a run, and an error by shortstop Matt Lawson (SEA) allowed the Rafters to score two more runs. With the Javelinas' lead down to just 3 runs, Rice was able to induce a ground ball to the second baseman for the final out of the game.

Lavarnway was 2 for 4 in the game, with a home run and 2 runs scored. Rice allowed 2 hits over his 1.0 inning while giving up 1 unearned runs.

The Javelinas next travel across town to play the Saguaros today at 3:35 EST.

Player of the Night: Ryan Lavarnway, who was 2 for 4 with a home run.

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Mitch Dening hones skills in new ABL

Please check out our latest ESPN column, covering Mitch Dening's turn in the newly-formed Australian Baseball League, fall & winter league notes, and off-season player movement.

ESPNBoston - Mitch Dening hones skills in new ABL

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In battle of Peoria, Javelinas squelched by Saguaros

11/10 Cup of Coffee: In a battle of Peoria, the Javelinas bullpen proved to be the weakest link, sinking them in the later innings.

Despite holding a lead for a good portion of the game, the Javelinas allowed three in the ninth to fall to the Peoria Saguaros 6-4.

Scoring commenced in the bottom of the second inning when the Javelinas brought home three on a solo home run by Juan Carlos Linares, an RBI triple by Koby Clemens (HOU) and an RBI single by John Tolisano (TOR). The Saguaros began to chip away in the top of the fourth, Ben Revere (MIN) led off the inning with a walk, stole second base and came around to score on Leslie Anderson's (TB) RBI single. Anderson advanced to third on a throwing error by Javelinas catcher Roberto Perez (CLE) and eventually scored when Perez allowed a passed ball. The Saguaros tied the game the very next inning as former Red Sox farmhand Kris Negron (CIN) laced an RBI single. The contest remained knotted until the bottom of the eighth, when the Javelinas took a 4-3 lead thanks to an RBI single by Eric Thames (TOR).

Unfortunately for the Javelinas, the Saguaros came roaring back in the top of the ninth, putting together a huge two out rally. With a runner on first and two outs, Javelinas pitcher Tom Wilhelmsen (SEA) committed a throwing error on a errant pickoff attempt. Revere, who was at the plate during the throwing error, dribbled a ball to Javelinas shortstop Jose Iglesias with what looked to be the final out of the contest. Iglesias' throw to first was off the mark and the error allowed the tying run to score. The Saguaros tacked on two more runs on a wild pitch and an RBI single by Anderson. The Javelinas didn't make much noise in the ninth, leaving a runner at second base.

Iglesias was 0 for 4 with a strike out. Linares brought his fall average to .407 with his 2 for 4 showing that included a solo home run, an RBI and a run scored.

The Javelinas will travel to Surprise to take on the Rafters today at 3:35 EST.

Player of the Night: Juan Carlos Linares, who was 2 for 4 with a solo home run in Peoria's 6-4 defeat.

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Javelinas scorch Scorpions in a shootout

11/9 Cup of Coffee: Eammon Portice got the win for Peoria in a 16-8 shootout over the Pheonix Scorpions.

Phoenix opened the scoring with a run in the top of the third, but Peoria answered right back with 3 runs of their own in the bottom half. Jason Kipnis (CLE) opened the inning with a triple, followed by a Nate Tenbrink (SEA) RBI double, with Jose Iglesias grabbing an RBI on a sacrifice fly. Ryan Lavarnway drove in a run on a single for the last RBI in the third. The Javelinas followed that inning with another 3 runs in the fourth, including another triple by Kipnis and a 2-run homer by Tenbrink. Pheonix cut the deficit to 2, with 3 runs in the sixth. However, Peoria opened the game back up by hanging a crooked 9 on Pheonix in the bottom of the inning. Dustin Ackley (SEA), Lavarnway, and Brandon Barnes (HOU) each hit a home run in the inning. The Scorpions did not go away quietly though, scoring 3 runs off of Seth Garrison the next inning.

Iglesias finished the game 3 for 5 with a run scored, a double, and a walk. Lavarnway was 3 for 6 with a home run. He also allowed a passed ball in the game and a steal. Eammon Portice started the game, getting the win after going 3.0 innings while giving up a run on a hit and 2 walks to go along with a strikeout. Garrison had a rough outing, only lasting 0.1 innings, giving up 3 runs on 3 hits and 2 walks. Daniel Tupen pitched a scoreless ninth inning, allowing 1 walk while striking out a batter.

The Javelinas next face their cross-town Peoria rivals today at 9:35 EST.

Player of the Night: Ryan Lavarnway, who was 3 for 6 including a home run.

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Pawtucket manager Lovullo joins Farrell in Toronto

According to Alex Speier of WEEI.com, Triple-A Pawtucket manager Torey Lovullo will join former Red Sox pitching coach John Farrell in Toronto as the team's first base coach. Lovullo leaves the Boston organization after just one season as manager of Pawtucket, where he went 66-78 as multiple players made the leap from Triple-A to the majors.

Lovullo, 45, has been considered a potential managerial candidate for years, being a finalist to lead the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2006, Pittsburgh Pirates in 2007 and Cleveland Indians before last season. Lovullo and Farrell crossed paths often in the Cleveland system, as Lovullo managed across all levels for eight seasons with Farrell being Director of Player Development for four of them.

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Walk-off homer gives West the Rising Stars victory

11/7 Cup of Coffee: Leslie Anderson (TB) hit a solo home run in the bottom of the ninth, breaking a 2-2 tie and giving the West a 3-2 walk-off win in the AFL Rising Stars game on Saturday.

The East opened the scoring in the top of the first, with an RBI groundout by Brandon Laird (NYY). An error in the bottom of the second allowed the West to tie the game at 1. The very next half-inning, Austin Romine (NYY) singled home a run to give the East the lead back. In the bottom half of the inning, however, the West answered back as a passed ball allowed a run to score. The game was tied at 2, and it would remain that way all the way up until the bottom of the ninth, when Anderson led off the inning with a home run to right.

The Red Sox had two players in the Rising Stars game, both of whom cracked the starting lineup. Ryan Lavaranway was behind the plate for the first five innings, and collected a hit in his two at bats. After singling in the second, Lavarnway grounded out to third. Meanwhile, Jose Iglesias got the start at shortstop for the West team but was retired in both of his trips to the plate.

After an off day on Sunday, the Javelinas will be back in action on Monday against Surprise.

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Linares leads Javelinas to victory

11/6 Cup of Coffee: The Javelinas jumped out to an early lead and never looked back on Friday, as they took down the Peoria Saguaros 13-5.

Leading 1-0 in the bottom of the second, the Javelinas offense exploded off of Saguaros starting pitcher Erik Davis (SD). Dustin Ackley (SEA) knocked in two with a double and Koby Clemens (HOU) scored Ackley with a single. After another double, Juan Carlos Linares came up with a pair of runners on and hit a triple to center, scoring two. Linares came to the plate again in the next inning with the Javelinas already leading it 8-0, and smacked an RBI double to left. The Javelinas led 12-1 in the seventh when Linares came up with a man on third. He grounded out to short, but in doing so picked up his 4th RBI of the game. Leading 13-1 in the top of the ninth inning, the Javelinas called on Jason Rice for the final three outs. He struggled, however, and after a pair of singles and an error, Henry Wrigley (TB) came to the plate with the bases loaded and drilled a grand slam to left center. Rice was removed after just two-thirds of an inning. Alan Farina (TOR) came on for the final out.

Juan Carlos Linares was 2 for 5 with a double and a triple and 4 RBI. Jason Rice went 0.2 innings, allowing 4 runs (3 earned), 3 hits, a walk and a strikeout.

The Arizona Fall League Rising Stars game is on Saturday at 9:00 EST with Jose Iglesias and Ryan Lavarnway getting a chance to showcase their skills. The Javelinas, meanwhile, will return to action on Monday against Phoenix.

Player of the Night: Juan Carlos Linares, whose 4 RBI led the Javelinas to a big win over the Saguaros.

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Solar Sox exact revenge, outshine Javelinas

11/5 Cup of Coffee: A day after Peoria hammered the Solar Sox, Mesa got revenge despite being outhit.

Unable to duplicate their previous day's success, the Peoria Javelinas fell to the Mesa Solar Sox 7-4.

The Solar Sox, looking to avenge their rough loss on Wednesday, quickly put up three runs in the bottom of the first on a Matt Rizzotti (PHI) sacrifice fly, an Andrew Lambo (PIT) RBI ground out and a Jordy Mercer (PIT) RBI double. The Javelinas got one back in the top of the second, as Koby Clemens (HOU) roped an RBI double. After Mesa put up another run in the bottom of the third, the Javelinas plated two in the fourth on Eric Thames (TOR) two run home run, bringing the Javelinas within one at 4-3. In the seventh, Peoria tied the game in the top half of the inning as Cord Phelps (CLE) smashed a solo shot to left. Unfortunately, the Solar Sox put the game away in the bottom half of the inning, scoring three times on an RBI triple by Jeremy Moore (LAA) and an RBI single by Rizzotti.

Jose Iglesias was 0 for 4 before being pinch hit for in the ninth. Juan Carlos Linares continued to swing a hot bat, going 2 for 5 with a double. Ryan Lavarnway was behind the plate and went 1 for 4 with a walk and a run scored.

The Javelinas will travel to Surprise to take on the Rafters today at 3:35 EST.

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Red Sox acquire Dlugach from Tigers

The Red Sox have acquired Brent Dlugach from the Detroit Tigers for a player to be named later or cash considerations.

The 27-year-old infielder spent all of last season with Toledo, Detroit's Triple-A affiliate. He posted a .258/.303/.360 slash line for the Mud Hens with 6 home runs and 41 RBI. He was, however, third in the International League with 149 strikeouts. Originally drafted in the sixth round by Detroit in 2004, Dlugach has a career line of .267/.312/.383.

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Peoria pounds Solar Sox

11/4 Cup of Coffee: Peoria got out to an early lead against the Solar Sox and never looked back, thrashing Mesa 11-2.

The Javelinas got out to a quick start in the game, scoring 3 runs in the first inning on RBI singles by Adam Loewen (TOR) and Nate Tenbrink (SEA). After adding a run in the fourth inning, Peoria opened it up in the sixth scoring 6 runs to increase their lead to 10-0. Dustin Ackley (SEA) opened the inning with a double, followed by three singles, including one by Ryan Lavarnway. Adam Abraham (CLE) had the big hit in the inning, a 2-RBI triple, on which Lavarnway scored a run. Peoria received a near-flawless pitching performance from Marc Rzepczynski (TOR), who went 6.0 scoreless innings giving up 3 hits while striking out 3, to improve his record to 2-0. Peoria added another run in the seventh. Mesa briefly made waves in the eighth, but ended up falling well-short, scoring their only 2 runs of the game.

Lavarnway caught in the game, going 1 for 4 with a walk and a strikeout. Mesa did not attempt any steals in the game against the backstop.

The Javelinas travel to play Mesa again today at 3:35 EST.

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Key home runs lift Peoria over Scorpions

11/3 Cup of Coffee: With a lot of attention focused on the national elections, Peoria used a pair of key home runs to pull off a late victory.

Peoria battered 14 hits and two key home runs to scare away the Scottsdale Scorpions 7-4.

The Javelinas jumped out to a quick 1-0 lead in the top of the first as Jason Kipnis (CLE) lofted a one out solo home run. In the third, Jose Iglesias and Cord Phelps (CLE) added RBI singles to give Peoria a 4-0 advantage. Scottsdale started to claw back in the fourth, adding two runs on a costly throwing error by Iglesias. Charles Blackmon's (COL) sacrifice fly in the sixth brought the Scorpions to within one at 4-3. Kipinis' RBI single and Dustin Ackley's (SEA) two run home run in the top of the seventh gave Peoria a 7-3 lead, one they would not relinquish. Former Boston draftee Brandon Belt (SF) added a solo home run for Scottsdale in the bottom of the eighth, accounting for the final Scorpions run.

Iglesias ended his day 1 for 3 with his RBI single before leaving the game in the bottom of the sixth for a defensive replacement. Juan Carlos Linares was 1 for 4 with a single as the Javelinas right fielder. Daniel Turpen added 1.2 innings of flawless relief, striking out 2. Seth Garrison also added 2.0 innings of relief, allowing 1 run on 2 hits.

The Javelinas will play host to the Mesa Solar Sox today at 3:35 EST.

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Lavarnway, Iglesias named to Rising Stars game

In a showcase of some of the best minor league talent in the game, two top Red Sox prospects will display their ability in the Arizona Fall League's Rising Stars Game, which will take place Saturday at 9 PM EST.

Jose Iglesias, 20, has dazzled with his defensive ability, but has also been solid at the plate in his two years with the Boston system. This fall, as a member of the Peoria Javelinas, Iglesias is hitting .294/.324/.297 in 9 games. In a 2010 season shortened by injury, Iglesias hit .285/.315/.357 in 57 games with Double-A Portland.

Joining Iglesias will be his Portland and Peoria teammate Ryan Lavarnway. In a breakout season this year split between High-A Salem and Double-A Portland, Lavarnway hit .288/.393/.489 with 22 home runs and 102 RBI. The 23-year-old backstop has hit .267/.414/.378 with 1 home run in 12 games for the Peoria Javelinas this fall. His impressive season earned him 2010 Red Sox Minor Leauge Offensive Player of the Year honors.

The Rising Stars contest will be shown on MLB Network and has proven to be a preview of the next wave of MLB stars, as Mike Leake, Buster Posey, Stephen Strasburg, Starlin Castro, Ryan Braun, Troy Tulowitzki and Phil Hughes have all participate in the past two years.

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Boston hires Curt Young as pitching coach

The Boston Red Sox have formally announced the hiring of Curt Young as their next pitching coach.

The 50-year-old young replaces John Farrell, who was recently named manager of the Toronto Blue Jays. Young, who began his coaching career in 2000 as pitching coach for Double-A Midland in the Athletics system, has a stellar reputation for building great relationships with pitchers and having a knack for knowing how to exploit opposing hitters weaknesses. Serving as the pitching coach for Oakland from 2004-2010, his pitcher's have produced the lowest ERA in the American League (4.03), lowest batting average against (.257) as well as the fewest home runs allowed (1,062). In 2010, the Athletics pitching staff shined, leading the American League in hits allowed and earned runs while posting a Major League best 3.47 ERA.

Young pitched parts of 11 major league seasons with Oakland (1983-91, 93), Kansas City (1992), and the Yankees (1992). For his career, the left-handed Young went 69-53 with a 4.31 ERA in 251 appearances.

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Portice pitches Peoria to victory

11/2 Cup of Coffee: Eammon Portice made his first start of the Fall season, earning the win in a 7-4 game.

Scottsdale struck first with a run in the top half of the opening frame against starter Portice, but Peoria answered right back with a run on a solo shot by Dustin Ackley (SEA) in the bottom of the inning. After Portice held the Scorpions at bay in the second, the Javelinas increased their lead to 5-1 in the bottom of the inning on RBI doubles by Michael McDade (TOR) and Koby Clemens (HOU), and an RBI single by Ackely. Juan Carlos Linares scored a run in the inning after reaching on a hit by pitch. Scottsdale got 2 runs back in the fourth on a double by Derek Norris (WAS), but Peoria responded with a run of their own in the bottom of the inning. Jason Rice came on in the fifth inning and promptly gave up another run on two singles and a ground out, but allowed only that run through 2.0 innings of work. Peoria padded on an insurance run with a solo shot by Brandon Barnes (HOU) in the eighth.

Portice earned the win in the game, going 3.0 innings while only allowing 2 hits, an earned run, and striking out 3. Rice went 2.0 innings giving up 1 earned run on 4 hits and a strikeout, earning his 4th hold of the Fall season. Linares finished his day 2 for 3, raising his season average to .417, in addition to scoring a run and stealing a base. Ryan Lavarnway was 0 for 3, but scored a run while walking twice in the game. He also committed his 3rd error of the season behind the plate, but threw out the only runner who attempted a steal for Scottsdale on the day.

The Javelinas return to action Tuesday against the Scottsdale Scorpions at 9:35 EST.

Player of the Night: Eammon Portice, who improved his record to 2-1 by going 3.0 innings while only allowing 2 hits, an earned run, and striking out 3.

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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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