Ellsbury called up, will make debut tonight

The Boston Red Sox have purchased the contract of SoxProspects.com #2 prospect, Pawtucket OF Jacoby Ellsbury, who will make his major league debut tonight against the Texas Rangers. Ellsbury, wearing #46, will start in center field and bat ninth. After an early season promotion from Portland, the 23-year-old lefty-hitting Ellsbury has hit .277/.352/.354 (.707 OPS) with 8 doubles, 4 triples and has stolen 21 bases (1 CS) with Pawtucket. Regular CF Coco Crisp is still ailing from a finger injury suffered while diving for a ball during this past week's series against Seattle, prompting the Sox to make this move. In a corresponding move, the Sox have placed RHP Joel Pineiro on the DL with a sore ankle.

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Sox sign draftee Povich

The Red Sox have signed RHP Chad Povich (rd. 42 #1263) out of Dixie State College (UT) according to a report out of southern Utah. Dixie State SID Jeff Cluff is cited as its source.

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Masterson throws 7 scoreless innings in Jethawk win

6/30 Cup of Coffee: Friday's games saw Norfolk shutout Pawtucket 7-0. David Pauley (4-3) went 6 2/3 innings allowing 6 runs on 6 hits and 3 BB. He had 4 Ks. Barry Hertzler went 2 1/3 innings giving up 1 run on 3 hits and a BB. He had 1 K. The team had only 3 hits. David Murphy and Brandon Moss each went 1 for 4. Bobby Scales went 1 for 3.

Portland edged Connecticut 5-4. Charlie Zink (8-2) went 6 innings giving up 4 runs on 10 hits and 6 BB. He had 4 Ks. Andrew Dobies threw 2 scoreless, hitless innings. He gave up a BB while fanning 3. Mike James pitched a scoreless 9th allowing 1 hit and a BB. He had 3 Ks. Jeff Corsaletti went 1 for 3 with 2 runs scored and a RBI. Jed Lowrie went 1 for 4 with a run scored and a RBI. Jay Johnson went 2 for 4 with a RBI.

Lancaster blanked High Desert 10-0. Justin Masterson (7-5) threw 7 scoreless innings. He allowed 3 hits and did not walk a batter. He had 2 Ks. Blake Maxwell pitched the final 2 innings. He allowed 1 hit while fanning 2. Bubba Bell continued to be a RBI machine with 6 of them. He went 3 for 6 with a home run. Aaron Bates went 2 for 4 and scored a run. Mark Wagner went 2 for 3 with a home run and 2 runs scored. Mickey Hall went 2 for 5 with 2 runs scored and 2 RBI.

West Virginia hammered Greenville 19-6. It was the Drive's most lopsided loss in over 2 years. Felix Doubront (2-5) went 4 innings allowing 6 runs on 6 hits and a BB. He had 4 Ks. Kyle Fernandes threw 3 innings giving up 4 runs on 5 hits. He had 5 Ks. Bryce Cox pitched 1 1/3 innings allowing 8 runs on 5 hits and 2 BB. He had 2 Ks. Josh Papelbon went 2/3 of an inning giving up 1 run on 3 hits. He had 1 K. Lars Anderson went 2 for 5 and scored a run. Matt Sheely went 1 for 3 with a run scored and a RBI. Chih-Hsein Chiang went 1 for 2 with a run scored.

Vermont doubled Lowell 8-4. Miguel Socolovich (0-1) went 3 2/3 innings giving up 7 runs on 7 hits and 2 BB. He had 2 Ks. Ryne Lawson went 3 1/3 innings allowing 1 run on 2 hits and 2 BB. Eric Beattie threw a perfect inning with 1 K. Jorge Jimenez went 2 for 4 with a run scored and a RBI. Pedro Vasquez went 1 for 4 with a run scored and a RBI. Mike Jones went 1 for 3 with a RBI. Yamaico Navarro went 1 for 4 with a home run.

In the Gulf Coast League, the Reds edged the Red Sox 5-4. Arbert Jimenez went 3 innings giving up 3 runs on 6 hits. He had 3 Ks. Scott Blue (0-1) took the loss. He went 2 innings giving up 2 runs on 2 hits and 3 BB. Armando Zerpa threw 2 scoreless, hitless innings. He did not give up a BB and had 3 Ks. Carlos Gonzalez pitched 2 scoreless innings. He allowed 2 hits while fanning 2. The team had only 3 hits in the game. Chih-Hsiang Huang had 2 of them gong 2 for 4. He scored 1 run.

Player of the Night: Justin Masterson who pitched 7 scoreless inning allowing just 3 hits. He did not walk a hitter and had 2 Ks.

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Brantley New sparkles in relief as Lowell win 3-1

6/29 Cup of Coffee: On Thursday, Pawtucket defeated Norfolk 11-5. Devern Hansack (4-6) went 5 innings giving up 5 runs on 11 hits and a BB. He had 5 Ks. Edgar Martinez threw 2 scoreless, hitless innings. He gave up a BB and had 1 K. Craig Breslow threw an inning giving up 1 BB. Travis Hughes pitched the 9th allowing 1 hit. Jacoby Ellsbury went 3 for 5 with 2 runs scored and a RBI. He also stole 2 bases making 21 for his time in AAA. David Murphy went 3 for 4 and scored 2 runs. Brandon Moss went 3 for 4 to raise his BA back over .300. He scored a run and drove in 2 others. Chad Spann went 2 for 4 with a home run, 2 runs scored and 2 RBI.

Connecticut got by Portland 5-3. Daniel Haigwood (2-4) went 4 innings allowing 4 runs on 4 hits and 5 BB. He had 2 Ks. Hunter Jones threw 3 innings giving up 1 run on 3 hits and 2 BB. He had 2 Ks. Lincoln Holdzkom threw a scoreless inning giving up 2 hits. Mike James pitched a scoreless inning. He gave up a BB and had 1 K. Jed Lowrie went 2 for 4 with a home run and is now hitting .302. Jay Johnson went 2 for 5 with a RBI. Dusty Brown went 3 for 4. Iggy Suarez went 2 for 4 with a RBI.

Lancaster defeated High Desert 7-4. Matt Goodson (3-4) went 6 innings giving up 2 runs on 7 hits and 3 BB. He had 4 Ks. TJ Large went 2 innings allowing 1 run on 3 hits. He fanned 3. Chad Rhoades went 1 inning giving up 1 run on 1 hit and 2 BB. Bubba Bell went 2 for 5 and scored a run. Ryan Khoury went 2 for 5 with a home run, 2 runs scored and 3 RBI. Brad Correll went 2 for 5 with a run scored and a RBI. Mark Wagner went 3 for 5 and scored a run. He is now hitting .313.

Greenville edged Lexington 6-5. Daniel Bard went 1 1/3 innings allowing 3 runs on 3 hits and 5 BB. Ryan Phillips went 4 1/3 innings giving up 2 runs on 3 hits and 2 BB. He had 5 Ks. Richie Lentz threw 1 2/3 frames. He did not allow a run on 1 hit and 2 BB. He had 2 Ks. Josh Papelbon (4-4) pitched the final 1 2/3 innings to earn the win. He was perfect over that time with 3 Ks. Argenis Diaz went 3 for 5 with 2 RBI. Jon Still went 3 for 4 with a home run. Josh Reddick went 3 for 5 with a RBI. Kris Negron went 2 for 3 with 2 runs scored.

Despite having only 4 hits in the game, Lowell defeated Vermont 3-1. Jimmy James went 4 innings allowing 1 run on 3 hits and a BB. He had 1 K. Brantley New (2-0) pitched 3 scoreless innings giving up 1 hit while fanning 1. Willy Mota threw a scoreless, hitless inning with 2 Ks. Felix Ventura pitched an inning giving up 1 hit. He had 3 Ks. Ryan Kalish went 1 for 3 and scored a run. Jorge Jiminez went 1 for 3 with a RBI.

Player of the Night: Brantley New who pitched 3 scoreless innings of relief allowing just 1 hit.

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Bell hits 21st homer and drives in 5 in Jethawk win

6/28 Cup of Coffee: Action on Wednesday saw Pawtucket fall to Norfolk 6-3. Abe Alvarez (4-7) started and took the loss. He went 6 innings allowing 5 runs on 8 hits and 3 BB. He had 1 K. Craig Hansen went 2 innings giving up 1 run on 3 hits. He had 2 Ks. Bryan Corey pitched a perfect ninth inning with 1 K. Jeff Bailey went 2 for 3 and scored a run. Michael Tucker went 1 for 3 with a home run and 3 RBI.

Portland took both games of their doubleheader against Connecticut. They won the first contest 4-2 despite having only 1 hit. They were aided by the opposition committing 3 errors and giving up 3 BB. Tommy Hottovy started and went 5 2/3 innings. He allowed 2 runs on 5 hits and 4 BB. He recorded 2 Ks. Lincoln Holdzkom (4-1) blew the save but picked up the win. He went 1 1/3 innings and was not charged with a run. He gave up 2 hits and a BB. Jay Johnson went 1 for 2 with a home run and 2 RBI. The Sea Dogs took the second game 7-2. Chris Smith (3-4) earned the win going 5 innings. He gave up 1 run on 6 hits and 3 BB. He had 3 Ks. Kyle Jackson threw the final 2 innings allowing 1 run on 1 hit and a BB. He had 3 Ks. Andrew Pinckney went 2 for 3 with 3 RBI. Bryan Pritz went 2 for 3 with a RBI. Iggy Suarez went 2 for 2 with a run scored and a RBI.

Lancaster pounded out 20 hits enroute to a 18-15 win over Bakersfield. Mike Rozier started and went 2 2/3 innings giving up 11 runs on 9 hits and 4 BB. He had 4 Ks. Jason Blackey (1-0) got the win going 2 2/3 innings allowing 4 runs on 4 hits and a BB. He had 1 K. Jose Vaquedano went 1 2/3 scoreless innings giving up 2 hits while fanning 1. Ismael Casillas threw 2 scoreless innings allowing 2 hits. He had 3 Ks. Bubba Bell went 4 for 4 with a home run, 3 runs scored and 5 RBI. Christian Lara went 3 for 4 with 3 runs scored and 3 RBI. Luis Soto went 2 for 5 with a home run, 3 runs scored and 2 RBI. Scott White went 2 for 6 with 2 runs scored and 2 RBI.

Greenville blasted out 19 hits on route to a 19-8 win over Lexington. Chris Jones went 3 innings giving up 8 runs, 4 of which were earned on 8 hits. Jorge Rodriguez threw 3 scoreless innings on 1 hit and a BB. He had 2 Ks. Cody McAllister also threw 3 scoreless innings giving up 1 hit and 2 BB. He had 2 Ks. Reid Engel went 4 for 6 with 2 runs scored. Lars Anderson went 2 for 3 with 3 runs scored and a RBI. Jon Still went 2 for 3 with 2 runs scored and 2 RBI. Josh Reddick went 2 for 4 with a run scored and 4 RBI. Mike Chambers went 3 for 6 with 2 runs scored and a RBI. Kris Negron went 3 for 4 with 3 runs scored and 1 RBI.

The Lowell game against Tri-City was postponed.

The Gulf Coast Red Sox defeated the Twins 7-5. Jose Alvarez went 2 innings. He did not allow a run on 2 hits. He had 2 Ks. Tony Bajoczky threw 4 1/3 innings giving up 2 runs on 6 hits and a BB. He had 4 Ks. Argenis Paulino went 1/3 of an inning. He was charged with 3 runs on 2 BB. Alberto Gil went 2 1/3 innings. He allowed 1 hit while striking out 1. Oscar Tejeda went 1 for 4 with a home run, 3 runs scored and 2 RBI. Mitch Dening went 3 for 4 with a run scored and a RBI. Luis Sumoza went 2 for 4 and scored a run.

Player of the Night: Bubba Bell who was a perfect 4 for 4 with his 21st home run, 3 runs scored and 5 RBI

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Drive take both ends of doubleheader

6/27 Cup of Coffee: On Tuesday, Norfolk defeated Pawtucket 7-3. Mike Burns (0-5) went 5 innings giving up 2 runs on 6 hits to take the loss. Barry Hertzler went 1 2/3 innings allowing 5 runs on 7 hits. Craig Breslow pitched 2 scoreless innings. He allowed 1 hit and a BB while striking out 5. Travis Hughes retired the only batter he faced. Brandon Moss went 2 for 4 and scored a run. Michael Tucker went 1 for 3 with a home run and 2 RBI. Chad Spann went 1 for 3 with a RBI.

Connecticut blanked Portland 7-0. Michael Bowden (3-3) took the loss giving up 6 runs on 11 hits and a BB. He had 2 Ks. Andrew Dobies went 3 innings allowing 1 run on 1 hit and a BB. He had 2 Ks. Mike James went an inning giving up 3 hits but no runs. He had a K. Jeff Natale went 1 for 3. Jay Johnson went 1 for 3.

Lancaster defeated Bakersfield 5-3. John Barnes (2-2) went 6 innings giving up 3 runs on 4 hits and 6 BB. He had 5 Ks. Kevin Guyette threw 2 scoreless, hitless innings. He gave up a BB and had 3 Ks. Chad Rhoades pitched 1 perfect inning with 1 K. Tony Granadillo went 1 for 3 with a home run. Zach Daeges went 2 for 3 with 2 runs scored and a RBI. Aaron Bates went 2 for 3 with a home run and 2 RBI. Scott White went 2 for 4 with a RBI. Mickey Hall went 2 for 4.

Greenville took both games of a doubleheader against Lexington by identical 3-2 scores. Travis Beazley (6-6) pitched a complete game giving up 2 runs on 5 hits. He did not walk a batter and had 8 Ks. Josh Reddick went 2 for 3 with a home run. Matt Sheely went 2 for 2 with a run scored and a RBI. In the other game, the Drive took 1 extra inning to take the win. Dustin Richardson went 5 innings allowing 2 runs on 4 hits and 2 BB. He had 3 Ks. Bryce Cox threw 2 perfect innings of relief. He had 2 Ks. Josh Papelbon (3-4) threw a scoreless, hitless 8th inning to earn the win. He gave up 2 BB. Argenis Diaz went 2 for 2 and scored a run. Reid Engel went 2 for 3. Kris Negron went 2 for 3 with 2 RBI.

Tri-City defeated Lowell 10-6. Joseph Guerra (0-1) went 3 1/3 innings allowing 6 runs on 12 hits and 2 BB. He had 2 Ks. Jordan Craft threw 3 1/3 innings giving up 3 runs on 2 hits and 3 BB. He had 3 Ks. Adam Blackley pitched 1 1/3 innings allowing 1 run on 2 hits and a BB. He had 3 Ks. Ryan Kalish went 2 for 5 and scored a run. Pedro Vasquez went 2 for 5 with a run scored. Carlos Fernandez went 4 for 5 and scored twice. Jorge Jimenez went 4 for 4 with a run scored and 3 RBI.

In Gulf Coast League action the Red Sox outslugged the Pirates 15-9. They had 18 hits in the contest. Emilis Guerrero pitched 4 scoreless innings. He allowed 1 hit and 2 BB while striking out 6. Will Latimer (1-0) went 2 innings allowing 1 run on 2 hits and 2 BB. Dan Buller went 1 2/3 innings giving up 6 runs on 6 hits and a BB. Mauricio Mendez threw 1 1/3 innings giving up 2 runs on 3 hits. He had 2 Ks. Engel Beltre went 2 for 6 with a run scored and a RBI. Chi-Hsuan Lin went 3 for 6 with 2 runs scored. Oscar Tejeda went 2 for 4 with 2 runs scored and 2 RBI. Darren Blocker went 2 for 4 with 3 runs scored and 3 RBI. Mitch Dening went 2 for 4 with a home run and 3 RBI. Luis Sumoza went 2 for 5 with a run scored and 4 RBI. Will Vasquez went 3 for 3 with a run scored and 2 RBI.

Player of the Night: Travis Beazley who pitched a complete game win for the Drive giving up 2 runs on 5 hits over 7 innings. He did not walk a batter while recording 8 Ks.

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Gabbard up, Murphy down

After last night's loss to Seattle, the Red Sox optioned OF David Murphy back to Pawtucket and called up LHP Kason Gabbard to start tonight against Felix Hernandez. Murphy, called up before the weekend series with the Padres, appeared in three games going 1/2, hitting a triple and scoring a run Saturday night. Gabbard's only '07 start for the Sox came filling in for Josh Beckett May 20 against Atlanta. He earned the win, holding the Braves to two ER on six hits over five innings, striking out seven and walking one.

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Bell homers twice and drives in 6 in Jethawk win

6/26 Cup of Coffee: Yesterday's action saw Louisville defeat Pawtucket 12-7. Jon Lester (1-4) started and lasted 4 1/3 innings. He gave up 8 runs on 9 hits and 4 BB. He had 4 Ks. Bryan Corey went 1 2/3 innings allowing 2 runs on 2 hits and 2 BB. He had 2 Ks. Craig Hansen threw an inning giving up 2 runs on 3 hits and 2 BB. He had 3 Ks. His ERA is now 6.15. Travis Hughes pitched a perfect 9th. Jacoby Ellsbury went 2 for 5 with a RBI. Brandon Moss went 1 for 5 with a home run and 2 RBI. Bobby Scales went 4 for 4 with 2 runs scored and a RBI. Alex Prieto went 2 for 4 with 2 runs scored.

Portland edged New Hampshire 5-4. Clay Buchholz (6-2) went 6 1/3 innings allowing 1 run on 4 hits and a BB. He had 11 Ks. Hunter Jones went 1 2/3 innings giving up 1 run on 1 hit. He had 1 K. Mike James pitched the final inning giving up 2 runs on 2 hits. He had 2 Ks. Jeff Corsaletti went 4 for 5 with 2 runs scored. Jed Lowrie went 3 for 5 with a run scored and a RBI. Jeff Natale went 2 for 2 with 2 RBI. Cory Keylor went 2 for 4 with a home run and 2 runs scored. John Otness went 2 for 5 with a RBI.

Lancaster got by Bakersfield 9-7. Kris Johnson (4-3) went 7 innings allowing 1 run on 7 hits and a BB. He had 5 Ks. Jose Vaquedano went 1/3 of an inning allowing 5 runs on 3 hits and a BB. TJ Large pitched the final 1 2/3 innings giving up 1 run on 1 hit and 2 BB. He had 2 Ks. Bubba Bell went 3 for 5 with 2 home runs and 6 RBI. Zach Daeges went 2 for 4 and scored a run. Scott White went 2 for 4 with a run scored.

The Greenville game against Lexington was postponed.

Lowell edged Tri-City 9-8. Caleb Clay went 4 innings giving up 3 runs on 6 hits and 2 BB. He had 3 Ks. Adam Mills (1-0) got the win going 3 innings. He gave up 2 runs on 4 hits. He had 3 Ks. Eric Beattie went 2/3 of an inning allowing 3 runs on 1 hit and 3 BB. Felix Ventura went the final 1 1/3 innings. He did not give up a run on 3 hits. He had 2 Ks. Mike Jones went 2 for 5 with a home run and 2 runs scored. Carlos Fernandez went 3 for 5 with 2 runs scored and 2 RBI. Yamaico Navarro went 2 for 5 and scored a run. Jorge Jimenez went 2 for 4 with a run scored and 4 RBI.

In Gulf Coast action, the Orioles defeated the Red Sox 8-4. Pedro Perez went 5 innings allowing 1 run on 7 hits and a BB. He had 3 Ks. Armando Zerpa went 2/3 of an inning allowing 2 runs on 2 hits and 2 BB. He had 1 K. Carlos Gonzalez threw 2 1/3 perfect innings. He had 2 Ks. Victor Galue pitched the 9th giving up 5 runs on 4 hits. He had 1 K. Engel Beltre went 2 for 5 with a run scored. Oscar Tejeda went 2 for 4 with a RBI. Darren Blocker went 1 for 3 with a home run, 2 runs scored and 2 RBI. Mitch Dening went 2 for 4.

Player of the Night: Bubba Bell whose 3 hits included 2 home runs and 6 RBI

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Pitcher of the Week, June 17-23: Masterson

The JetHawks swept this week's SoxProspects.com awards as RHP Justin Masterson was voted Pitcher of the Week for June 17-23. In his June 17 start against Bakersfield (Rangers) Masterson threw seven innings of four hit baseball, allowing one ER while striking out seven, walking none and earning the win. Masterson was a 2006 second round pick out of San Diego State and spent 14 games last season with Lowell (3-1, 0.85 ERA 31.2 IP, 33K/2BB). On the season with Lancaster Masterson is 6-5 with a 4.85 ERA in 81.2 IP (44 ER, 95 H, 49K/22BB), in June he is 4-1 with a 3.26 ERA in five starts (30 IP, 27 H, 11 ER, 16K/2BB).

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Player of the Week, June 17-23: Correll

Acquired from the independent Kansas City T-Bones just a week prior, Lancaster OF Brad Correll had a week for the ages going .500/.533/1.857 (2.390 OPS) with 6 HR and 12 RBI and ran away with the voting for SoxProspects.com Player of the Week honors for June 16-23. His four HR on June 23 tied the California League record set by Lancaster's Aaron Bates earlier this year (he also batted in eight runs that night). The 26-year-old Correll was drafted by Cincinnati in the 29th round of the '02 draft and has six years of pro-ball experience with eleven different teams, mostly in the low minors.

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Q&A with Jason McLeod

Red Sox Director of Amateur Scouting Jason McLeod was kind enough to take some time out of his extraordinarily busy schedule to answers some questions from SoxProspects.com. With signing season underway and raising a newborn, Jason is a very busy man this month. Special thanks for taking the time to answer some questions. Also, keep in mind that Jason could only answer in a limited fashion on some players who are still in negotiations to sign with the team.

SP: You played high school and junior college baseball in southern California , played two years in the Astros farm system, and did some coaching and front office work in the Padres system. How has this evolution helped you in your current role as the Director of Amateur Scouting for the Red Sox?
JM: It’s helped in that I’ve had exposure to many different aspects of the professional game. I’ve had a chance to taste the lower levels of minor league baseball so I can relate to what a parents and kids are going through when mulling a decision to go away from home as an 18 year old. Coming from California, you have the opportunity to see very good ballplayers in an environment that is conducive to playing 12 months out of the year - so you get more looks on kids, which brings added experience. I am grateful for the 10 years I spent with the Padres in a variety of roles as it really let me mature and understand the nuances of professional baseball, both from a development and scouting standpoint. I’ve taken a lot of what I learned there and applied it to how I go about my business to this day.

SP: What is a typical day like in your position? How does it differentiate between the off-season and draft time?
JM: Well, during the draft scouting season it’s fast paced with a lot of travel, report writing, phone calls, and travel arrangements to make. Being the only sport that has their draft during the season (not only the MLB season, but college and some high school seasons as well), it makes for a lot of logistical challenges. Scheduling is an incredibly important part of the job and you’d be amazed at how much time you spend looking for flights, hotels, and weather information! The off season (Oct – Jan) allows you to slow down and recharge somewhat. There are still administrative items to take care of and certain scouting coverages, but with the pace of the Draft season, it certainly feels good to slow it down some.

SP: When you’re out in the field scouting, what particular attributes do you look for in a player beyond the obvious?
JM: With the obvious being tools and raw physical ability, you look for how a player can apply those tools/ability between the lines once the game starts, and ask yourself questions like - how it easy does it come for him? Can he use the ability he has?

SP: Going in to the 2007 draft, did you have a general strategy set forth in regards to the types of players you wanted to draft? Did the team have any inclination of going high school v. college? Pitcher v. position player?
JM: Sorry for the standard answer, but when you select at 55/62 as your first picks, you are simply looking to take the best players and choose those you feel can have the most impact on your organization. That was our strategy with all the players we selected this year.

SP: 2007 Red Sox draftee Nick Hagadone looks like he has a mean fastball. What else particularly impressed you about Hagadone? If signed, do you see him working out of the bullpen or as a starter initially?
JM: Nick is a big strong athletic kid who would flash two plus pitches at any given time. We will most likely start him in the rotation when he goes out.

SP: Ryan Dent looks like he has tremendous upside. Have there been any indications of what position he might play if signed?
JM: We’re drafting Ryan as a shortstop and he’ll have the opportunity to play there when he goes out. He’s certainly athletic enough to play other positions as well.

SP: How does Hunter Morris’s raw power and tools compare to a player such as Aaron Bates?
JM: Different circumstances being that Hunter is 18 and Aaron is 22. Hunter is a left handed power bat while Aaron is right handed. We like both and wouldn’t mind seeing them hitting back to back in a ML lineup some time in the near future.

SP: Chris Province ’s stats were necessarily dominant at SE Louisiana , but he appears to have a nice fastball and a good pitcher’s build. What else about Province caught your eye enough to make him a fourth round selection?
JM: We had good reports on him from our area scout, Danny Watkins, as well as from our regional cross-checker (Mark Wasinger) and pitching cross-checker (Darryl Milne). Add to that the fact he can power his fastball downhill in the low to mid 90’s with hard sink and we felt it was a good selection where we took him.

SP: Will Middlebrooks seems to have limitless potential. If he signs, will it be a tough decision to use him in the field rather than as a pitcher?
JM: Will is a gifted athlete who could have a career either way in professional baseball.

SP: 8th round pick Adam Mills absolutely dominated the competition in college, but his “stuff” apparently isn’t as overpowering as many other pitchers. What attributes allowed Mills to dominate college hitters, and do you think those attributes carry over well to the professional ranks?
JM: Adam pounds the lower half of the strike zone and stays out of the middle of the plate. He can mix pitches and land strikes on a consistent basis. He’s coming off an incredible collegiate season and will be tested at the professional level. We like the fact he can throw strikes with multiple pitches and work at the knees consistently.

SP: From some scouting reports, Yasmani Grandal was the highest-regarded player selected by the Red Sox in the 2007 draft. What are Grandal’s best assets, and what makes him such a highly regarded player?
JM: Yasmani is a solid defensive player with very good makeup. He struggled a little with the bat this spring and is probably why he was available at that point in the draft where we took him.

SP: We’ve heard varying reports that the money slotted for Roger Clemens earlier this season could be re-invested in inking the “tough signs” such as Grandal, Middlebrooks, Grimm, Cowan, Green, Bailey, and Tepesch. Is there truth to this? Is there anything you can share on the signing negotiations with these players?
JM: I wouldn’t believe what you read about “varying reports”. As far as we’re concerned, we have until August 15th to sign any of the players we drafted and we’ll give consideration to them. Most of these kids have great opportunities to play collegiate ball and I would guess some will decide to go that route.

SP: In terms of general strategy, with the elimination of DFEs, are the selections in the late rounds now more about finding “sleepers” or about filling positional needs at the lower level affiliates? Following up on that, if two late round players are selected at the same position, do situations develop where he team is likely to only sign one or the other, creating an incentive for the player to sign as soon as possible?
JM: There are certainly times you select a guy or two later in the draft because you need to fill out spots at Lowell or the GCL. For the most part, we’re looking for players at all areas of the draft we feel have a chance to become prospects.

SP: If even some of top selections do indeed sign, the GCL team will seemingly be loaded with talent from the draft and the international players – so much so that it could get tough for all of those players to get regular playing time. Approximately 20 teams have two rookie level affiliates - have there ever been any discussions about the Red Sox adding a second Rookie level team any time in the near future?
JM: Not to my knowledge - but it would be a nice problem to have if we had too much talent down there!

SP: How has the new “universal signing deadline” changed the team’s ability to sign players? Will you get to take a vacation after August 15, or will you hop right into scouting for the 2008 draft?
JM: We’ve already began preparing for the 2008 Draft with the summer collegiate leagues under way and certain high school showcase events taking place. I’m not sure the August 15th deadline will change signings all that much, other than it gives both the player and the club a hard date in which an agreement must be made. If a kid wants to play professionally and take the great opportunity being afforded him, then he’ll sign. I like that it (Aug 15th date) does eliminate the player who doesn’t enroll in the fall, strings it out in the spring, threatens independent ball, etc. At least now there will be some resolution come Aug 15h. He’s either signed or he’s back in next years Draft (assuming he’s a college junior or attending a junior college).

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Capellan leads Lowell to win over Vermont

6/25 Cup of Coffee: On Sunday, Louisville defeated Pawtucket 5-3. David Pauley (4-2) went 4 1/3 innings giving up 5 runs on 4 hits and 2 BB. He had 3 Ks. Edgar Martinez went 2 1/3 scoreless innings. He allowed 1 hit and a BB. He had 1 K. Craig Breslow threw 1 1/3 scoreless innings. He gave up 2 hits and had 1 K. Bobby Scales went 2 for 5 and scored a run. Jeff Bailey went 2 for 4 with a run scored and a RBI.

Portland got by New Hampshire 8-3. Charlie Zink (7-2) threw 6 innings allowing 2 runs on 5 hits and 3 BB. Kyle Jackson pitched the final 3 innings giving up 1 run on 2 hits and 2 BB. He had 3 Ks. Jeff Natale went 1 for 3 with a home run, 2 runs scored and 2 RBI. Andrew Pinckney went 2 for 5 with a home run and 2 runs scored. Cory Keylor went 2 for 5 and scored a run. John Otness and Iggy Suarez each went 2 for 4 with a RBI.

Lancaster downed Bakersfield 14-4. Justin Masterson (6-5) started and got the win. He went 7 innings allowing 2 runs on 3 hits. He did not walk a batter while recording 4 Ks. Kevin Guyette threw 1 scoreless inning. He gave up 1 hit while fanning 2. Chad Rhoades pitched the 9th and gave up 2 runs on 3 hits. He had 2 Ks. Ryan Khoury went 3 for 5 with a home run, 2 runs scored and 4 RBI. Tony Granadillo went 4 for 6 with a run scored and a RBI. Sal Paniagua went 2 for 4 with a run scored. Christian Lara went 2 for 4 with 2 runs scored and 3 RBI. Brad Correll went 1 for 5 with a home run, 2 runs scored and 2 RBI.

Hickory doubled Greenville 8-4. Felix Doubront (2-4) started and took the loss. He went 1/3 of an inning allowing 6 runs on 4 hits and 3 BB. Brian Steinocher threw 3 2/3 frames giving up 1 run on 4 hits and a BB. He had 2 Ks. Kyle Fernandes went 3 innings allowing 1 run on 2 hits. He had 2 Ks. Ryan Phillips pitched a perfect 9th inning. Argenis Diaz went 2 for 5. Reid Engel went 2 for 4. Josh Reddick went 2 for 4 with a run scored. Jason Place went 2 for 4 with 2 runs scored. Paul Smyth went 2 for 4 with a home run and 4 RBI.

Lowell doubled Vermont 4-2. Jose Capellan (1-0) went 5 innings to earn the win. He did not allow a run on 2 hits. He did not walk a hitter and had 9Ks. Willy Mota went 1 2/3 innings giving up 2 runs on 2 hits and 3 BB. He had 1 K. Adam Blackley went 1 1/3 scoreless innings. He allowed 2 hits and had 3 Ks. Felix Ventura pitched a perfect 9th inning. Carlos Fernandez went 2 for 4 with a run scored and 2 RBI. Jorge Jiminez went 2 for 3 with a home run and 2 RBI.

In the Gulf Coast League, the Red Sox box score was unavailable.

Player of the Night: Jose Capellan who threw 5 scoreless innings giving up 2 hit. He did not walk a batter and had 9 Ks.

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Brad Correll ties Cal League record by smashing 4 homers

6/24 Cup of Coffee: On Saturday, Pawtucket defeated Louisville 4-1 behind the strong pitching performance of Devern Hansack. He started and went 8 innings giving up 1 run. He retired the first 21 batters he faced before giving up 3 hits. He did not walk a hitter while striking out 7. Travis Hughes pitched the 9th. He allowed 1 hit and a BB. Jeff Bailey went 2 for 4 with a run scored. Michael Tucker went 2 for 4. Joe McEwing went 1 for 3 with a home run and 2 runs scored.

New Hampshire edged Portland 6-5. Daniel Haigwood gave up 3 runs on 4 hits and 4 BB in 5 1/3 innings of work. He had 5 Ks. Barry Hertzler threw 2 innings giving up 2 runs on 3 hits. He had 3 Ks. Andrew Dobies (3-2) was charged with the loss allowing 1 run on 2 hits. Jay Johnson went 3 for 3 with a RBI. Eric Crozier went 3 for 3 with 2 home runs and 3 RBI. Dusty Brown went 2 for 4 and scored a run.

Lancaster blasted High Desert 16-4. Matt Goodson (2-4) went 6 innings to earn the win. He allowed 2 runs on 3 hits and a BB. He had 3 Ks. Blake Maxwell went 1 2/3 innings giving up 2 runs on 3 hits and a BB. Ismael Casillas threw 1 1/3 scoreless innings. He gave up 1 hit while fanning 3. Bubba Bell went 2 for 5 with 2 runs scored. Tony Granadillo went 2 for 4 with a run scored and 2 RBI. Aaron Bates went 2 for 5 with a home run and 2 runs scored. Brad Correll tied the recently set California League record for most homers in a game with 4 home runs in 5 plate appearances. He had 8 RBI. Luis Soto went 3 for 5 with a run scored.

Greenville defeated Hickory 7-2. Daniel Bard (2-1) went 5 innings and did not allow a run or walk a hitter. He allowed 2 hits. Bryce Cox threw 2 scoreless innings giving up 1 hit and a BB. He had 1 K. Cody McAllister went 2 innings giving up 2 runs on 2 hits. He had 3 Ks. Argenis Diaz went 2 for 4 with a home run and 2 runs scored. Lars Anderson went 2 for 5 with 2 runs scored and 2 RBI. Jon Still went 1 for 3 with 2 RBI.

Vermont defeated Lowell 9-3. Miguel Socolovich went 4 innings giving up 2 runs on 1 hit and 4 BB. He had 3 Ks. Ryne Lawson (1-1) went 3 1/3 innings giving up 4 runs on 3 hits and 2 BB. He had 1 K. Eric Beattie threw 1 2/3 innings allowing 3 runs on 2 hits and 3 BB. Yamaico Navarro went 1 for 2 and scored a run. Ty Weeden went 1 for 3 with a RBI. Jorge Jiminez went 1 for 3 with a run scored and a RBI.

Player of the Night: Brad Correll who had 4 home runs with 8 RBI tying Aaron Bates California League record for most homers in a game. His 8 RBI established a team franchise record as well. Honorable mention goes to the fine pitching performances of Devern Hansack and Daniel Bard.

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Hagadone, Sox reach verbal agreement

The Providence Journal is reporting that the Red Sox have reached a verbal agreement with top pick Nick Hagadone from the University of Washington. Hagadone received a signing bonus of $571, 500. Boston selected Hagadone with the 55th overall pick, in the supplemental 1st round of the 2007 draft. The lefty closer went 6-1 with 11 saves and a 2.77 ERA in 25 games for Washington this past collegiate season. Look for Hagadone to be assigned to Lowell when the signing becomes official.

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Portland knocks out 21 hits in 17-2 win over N.H.

6/23 Cup of Coffee: Friday's action saw Louisville blank Pawtucket 7-0. Abe Alvarez (4-6) went 5 innings allowing 5 runs on 9 hits and 2 BB. He had 8 Ks. Mike Burns threw 2 innings giving up 1 run on 3 hits and 2 BB. He had 2 Ks. Travis Hughes went 1 inning allowing 1 run on 1 hit. Jacoby Ellsbury and Brandon Moss were each 1 for 3.

Portland blasted New Hampshire 17-2. Tommy Hottovy (2-7) picked up the win. He went 5 innings giving up 2 runs on 8 hits and 2 BB. He had 3 Ks. Lincoln Holdzkom threw 2 scoreless hitless innings. He had 2 Ks. Mike James pitched a scoreless inning. He gave up 2 BB. Andrew Dobies threw a perfect 9th with 2 Ks. Jeff Corsaletti went 4 for 6 with 2 runs scored and 3 RBI. Jed Lowrie went 4 for 6 with a home run, 3 runs scored and 3 RBI. Andrew Pinckney went 2 for 6 with a RBI. Jay Johnson went 2 for 5 with a run scored and 2 RBI. Cory Keylor went 3 for 6 with a run scored and 2 RBI. Eric Crozier went 3 for 4 with a home run, 4 runs scored and 3 RBI.

High Desert outscored Lancaster 10-8. Mike Rozier went 5 innings allowing 5 runs on 6 hits and 2 BB. He had 6 Ks. Jose Vaquedano went 2 innings giving up 2 runs on 2 hits and a BB. He had 1 K. Jason Blackey threw an inning. He allowed 1 run on 1 hit and a BB. TJ Large (2-1) was charged with a blown save and the loss. He went 1 inning and allowed 2 runs on 2 hits and a BB. Ryan Khoury went 2 for 4 with 2 runs scored and a RBI. Zach Daeges went 2 for 5 with a run scored and a RBI. Scott White went 1 for 4 with a home run and 4 RBI. Mark Wagner went 2 for 5 with a run scored.

Hickory defeated Greenville 8-5. Chris Jones (5-5) went 4 innings allowing 6 runs on 9 hits. He had 2 Ks. Richie Lentz went 2 innings giving up 1 run on 3 hits. He had 2 Ks. Ryan Phillips threw a perfect inning with 1 K. Josh Papelbon went 1 inning allowing 1 run on 1 hit and a BB. He had 1 K. Lars Anderson went 2 for 3 with a run scored and a RBI. Josh Reddick went 1 for 2 with a home run. Jon Still went 1 for 4 with a run scored and a RBI.

Lowell edged Vermont 5-4. Jimmy James went 5 innings. He did not allow a run on 2 hits. He did not walk a hitter while striking out 8. Brantley New (1-0) blew the save but picked up the win. He went 3 innings giving up 4 runs on 3 hits and 2 BB. He had 3 Ks. Felix Ventura pitched a perfect 9th and recorded 1 K. Mike Jones went 2 for 3 with q run scored and a RBI. Yamaico Navarro went 2 for 4 with 2 RBI.

In Gulf Coast action the Twins blanked the Red Sox 4-0. Argenis Paulino went 4 innings. He did not allow a run on 2 hits and a BB. He had 1 K. Tony Bajoczky (0-1) took the loss giving up 2 runs on 3 hits in 2 innings of work. He had 1 K. Dan Buller threw 2 scoreless innings allowing 3 hits and a BB. He had 1 K. Scott Blue gave up 2 runs on 2 hits and 2 BB in 1 inning of work. He had 1 K. Luis Sumoza and Chih-Hsiang Huang each went 1 for 3.

Player of the Night: Jimmy James who threw 5 scoreless innings allowing just 2 hits and 0 BB. He had 8Ks

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Murphy called up

The Red Sox officially placed RHP Curt Schilling on the DL today, retroactive to June 19, and called up Pawtucket OF David Murphy to fill his roster spot. The move is expected to be short-lived, however, as the Boston Globe's Gordon Edes is reporting the the Sox will promote Pawtucket LHP Kason Gabbard to make Tuesday's start against Seattle, returning Murphy to Pawtucket. Murphy spend 20 games with the Sox as a late season call up in 2006, hitting .227/.346/.409 (.755 OPS) with one HR and one double in 22 ABs.

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Sox sign supplemental first rounder Dent

The Red Sox have signed supplemental first round pick SS Ryan Dent (#62) according to a Southern California newspaper report. Dent is an athlete known for his speed and base running and projects as a leadoff hitter. He had been an UCLA signee.

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Bell's 4 hits lead Lancaster

6/22 Cup of Coffee: Yesterday saw Pawtucket defeat Indianapolis 9-4. Kason Gabbard (7-2) went 6 innings to earn the win. He gave up 2 runs on 5 hits and 2 BB. He had 6 Ks. Craig Hansen threw 1 inning allowing 2 runs on 3 hits and a BB. Bryan Corey went 2/3 of an inning. He gave up 1 hit. Craig Breslow pitched the final 1 1/3 frames. He did not allow a run or a hit but had 1 BB. He struck out 3. Jacoby Ellsbury went 2 for 5 with 2 runs scored and 2 RBI. Joe McEwing went 2 for 4 with a run scored and a RBI. Bobby Scales went 2 for 3 with 2 runs scored and a RBI. Ed Rogers went 2 for 4 with a run scored and a RBI.

Connecticut edged Portland 6-5. Michael Bowden started and went 5 1/3 innings giving up 2 runs on 3 hits and 3 BB. He had 1 K. Kyle Jackson (3-3) blew the save and was charged with the loss. He gave up 4 runs on 3 hits and a BB in 1 1/3 innings. He had 1 K. Beau Vaughan threw a scoreless final 1 1/3 innings. He allowed 1 hit and had 3 Ks. Jeff Corsaletti went 2 for 5 and scored a run. Cory Keylor went 2 for 3 with a run scored. Bryan Pritz went 2 for 5. Jeff Natale went 1 for 2 with 2 RBI.

Lancaster outslugged High Desert 15-9. John Barnes went 4 innings allowing 6 runs on 7 hits and 4 BB. He had 6 Ks. Kevin Guyette (5-2) was credited with the win. He went 2 scoreless innings allowing 1 hit while fanning 2. Hunter Jones threw a perfect inning striking out the side. Ismael Casillas also threw a perfect inning and had 3 Ks. Chad Rhoades pitched the 9th allowing 3 runs on 4 hits and a BB. He had 1 K. Bubba Bell went 4 for 6 with a home run, 2 runs scored and 2 RBI. Zach Daeges went 3 for 5 with a home run, 2 runs scored and 3 RBI. Mark Wagner went 2 for 4 and scored 3 runs. Scott White went 3 for 4 with a run scored and 4 RBI. Luis Soto went 1 for 4 with a home run, 2 runs scored and 2 RBI. Christian Lara went 2 for 3 with a run scored and a RBI.

Greenville blasted Hickory 12-3. Travis Beazley (5-6) went 6 innings giving up 3 runs on 4 hits and a BB. He had 3 Ks. Bryce Cox threw 1 perfect inning. Jorge Rodriguez pitched 2 scoreless innings. He gave up 2 hits and had 1 K. Argenis Diaz went 2 for 6 with 2 RBI. Lars Anderson went 2 for 5 with 2 runs scored. Jon Still went 2 for 4 with a home run, 4 runs scored and 3 RBI. Manny Arambarris went 3 for 5 with a home run, 2 runs scored and 3 RBI. Josh Reddick went 3 for 5 with 2 runs scored and a RBI.

Lowell defeated Oneonta 13-8. Joseph Guerra went 3 innings giving up 5 runs on 6 hits and a BB. He had 2 Ks. Jordan Craft (1-0) went 3 innings allowing 1 run on 3 hits. He had 4 Ks. Adam Blackley went 2 innings allowing 2 runs on 4 hits and a BB. He had 3 Ks. Eric Beattie pitched a perfect 9th with 1 K. Ryan Kalish went 2 for 4 with 2 runs scored and 2 RBI. David Marks went 3 for 4 with 3 runs scored and a RBI. Carlos Fernandez went 2 for 4 with a run scored. Yamaico Navarro went 2 for 5 with a run scored and 3 RBI. Ty Weeden went 2 for 3 with a home run, 2 runs scored and 2 RBI.

In the Gulf Coast League, the Red Sox edged the Pirates 4-3. Emilis Guerrero threw 4 scoreless innings. He allowed 2 hits while fanning 4. Will Latimer went 1 1/3 innings allowing 1 run on 1 hit and 2 BB. He had 1 K. Alberto Gil (1-0) picked up the win going 1 2/3 innings. He gave up 1 run on 2 hits. He had 3 Ks. Victor Galue threw 2 hitless innings but gave up a run on 3 BB. He had 1 K. Mitch Dening went 2 for 4 with a run scored. Will Vazquez went 1 for 4 with a home run.

Player of the Night: Bubba Bell, recent MVP of the California League's All Star game, had 4 hits including a home run to go along with 2 runs scored and 2 RBI.

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