Weekly Notes: As regular season comes to an end, Pawtucket powers into postseason

This week's minor league notes:

• Before getting into the system news, some important site information. After receiving a great deal of input the SoxProspects.com forum has moved to ProBoards. Visit at http://forum.soxprospects.com. As the Red Sox prepare for what should be an eventful offseason, sign up now and join the conversation.
• While the first week in September traditionally marks the roster expansion and, with it, a bevy of roster moves, the Red Sox fall from contention coupled with Pawtucket's postseason appearance has delayed the annual migration up I-95. Some exceptions: Daniel Bard was recalled on Saturday, and Chris Carpenter (pictured) followed on Sunday. Clayton Mortensen was recalled for the sixth time on the year, and Rich Hill was activated from the disabled list. Ivan DeJesus, acquired from the Dodgers in last week's mega-deal, was the only position player to get the call.
• Carpenter was fantastic for the PawSox after his return from a shoulder injury, with a 1.15 ERA and 17 strikeouts in 15.1 innings pitched.
• Pawtucket's regular season ended on Monday, but the season continues on, as the PawSox earned the wild card spot in the International League. They currently hold a 2-0 lead in the semi-finals over the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees.
• After struggling to an 0 for 12 introduction to Triple-A, Bryce Brentz has been the leading offensive force getting Pawtucket off to its series lead. The outfielder, a 2010 supplemental first round pick, is 3 for 7 with a double, home run and four RBI in the two games. 
• Chris Hernandez earned the start in Game Two of the series, pitching well and earning a no decision. SoxProspects.com Senior Editor Matt Huegel profiles the left-hander's outing in today's article.
• For those of you who haven't seen the amazing catch by Jason Repko this past Sunday, it is a can't-miss. Check it out here.
• Jim Donaldson of the Providence Journal talks to Pawtucket manager Arnie Beyeler about maintaining consistency at Triple-A, a level known for its turnover, while guiding the PawSox to the playoffs.
• Portland, Salem, Greenville and Lowell all closed out their seasons this week, and their year-end rosters have been posted.
• With the regular season over, it is time to vote in the SoxProspects.com Year End Polls. Along with our traditional categories, we've introduced a couple new ones this year. Every vote counts, and polls are open until Sunday night, so make your voice heard.
•  Some season-end milestones:
• Keury De La Cruz joined the 20/20 club, finishing with exactly 20 home runs and stolen bases. 
• William Cuevas ended the season with the lowest ERA in Lowell Spinners history. His 1.40 mark eclipsed the previous record of 1.50, set by Kyle Weiland back in 2008. 
• Garin Cecchini stole two bases in the season finale, giving him an organization-leading 51 to finish the year.
• Travis Shaw finished second in all of minor league baseball with 44 doubles.
• The Portland Sea Dogs announced their 2012 Award Winners:  Brentz and Hernandez were recognized as MVP and Pitcher of the Year, respectively; Jeremy Kehrt is the Tenth Player Award winner; and Matt Spring won the Citizen of the Year.
• Several players in the Red Sox organization began their autumn activities this past weekend - on the football field.
• 18th round draft pick Shaq Green-Thompson was the nickel back for Washington, making three solo tackles for the alma mater of Nick Hagadone and Corey Dillon. Huskies coaches are impressed, according to Mason Kelley of ESPN.com.
• Brandon Magee is a 23rd round pick who signed with the Red Sox but also returned for his senior year at Arizona State, where he is the starting linebacker. Magee returned an interception for a touchdown for his part in the Sun Devils 63-3 shellacking of Northern Arizona.
• Wide Receiver Khiry Cooper was taken in the 25th round out of the University of Nebraska, but enrolled at Tulsa to earn his Masters Degree while exercising his final year of eligbility. Cooper saw significant playing time, but did not appear on the stat sheet. An outfielder when he's on the diamond, Cooper was taken in the 5th round in 2008 by the Angels.
• Austin Davis was taken in the 31st round, but chose to sign with the St. Louis Rams. Davis beat veteran Kellen Clemens as the second-string quarterback on the Rams depth chart behind Sam Bradford.
• SoxProspects.com Senior Columnist Jon Meoli discusses the second half resurgence of Sean Coyle. Challenged with an aggressive placement in High A, the 20-year-old struggled to start the year but rebounded to post a  .297/.355/.451 line after the all-star break.
• The Portland Sea Dogs hosted their annual Field of Dreams celebration on Sunday. Contributing photographer Kelly O'Connor posted some excellent shots of the event in the forum. Relief pitcher and fan favorite Michael Olmsted (pictured) had little trouble looking the part.
• Former Red Sox farmhand Oscar Tejeda was designated for assignment by the Pirates on Monday. 

Photo credit: Chris Carpenter and Michael Olmstead by Kelly O'Connor

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