2008 IL Preview- Durham Bulls

Much has been made about the talent pool of the Tampa Bay Rays. Their Triple A affiliate in Durham is entering the 2008 season as the defending IL South Division Champions. All signs point to another successful campaign for the Bulls as they will start the season with one of the most highly touted prospects in all of baseball on their roster, third baseman Evan Longoria.

Here is a Bulls preview courtesy of the Durham Herald Sun.

Durham Bulls- 2007 record 80-63 (1st in IL South)

2007 Batting Leaders (Minimum 150 Plate Appearances)
BA: Jason Pridie .318
HR: Justin Ruggiano 20
RBI: Justin Ruggiano 73

2007 Pitching Leaders (Minimum 50 IP)
Wins: Mitch Talboy 13
ERA: Seth McClung 1.99
Saves: Chad Orvella 20

Kielty to Start Seson in Pawtucket

The ProJo's Sean McAdam has the story this morning that outfielder Bobby Kielty will start the season with the PawSox.

That's good news for fans as another Major Leaguer will, at least for a short time, be playing for Pawtucket. It's also good news that Kielty chose not to opt for free agency for not making the big league club. Once Boston decides on the fate of Coco Crisp, Kielty will have a shot at the fourth outfielder spot, which was the Sox' plan when they re-signed him.

Kielty realizes that he probably would have been, at best, a fourth outfielder for any other club in the big leagues. So why not make a trip to Pawtucket with a chance at making the Boston squad and celebrating another championship? Smart move.

Around the International League, March 29, 2008

Here are some news and notes form around the International League as teams wrap up their spring campaigns...

The Twins' Fransisco Liriano will need more time to recover from his season-plus long injury as he will begin 2008 in the minors.

The Louisville Bats break camp on a positive note. The Bisons...not so much.

As he has throughout the spring, Chad Jennings form the Scranton Times-Tribune has plenty to talk about from Yankees camp.

2008 IL Preview- Rochester Red Wings

In 2007 the Rochester Red Wings finished second in the International League's North Division.

Here's a look at the 2008 edition of the Red Wings courtesy of Jim Manderlaro of the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle...

2008 Rochester Red Wings Preview

Rochester Red Wings- 2007 Record: 77-67 (2nd in IL North)
Manager: Stan Cliburn

2007 Batting Leaders (Minimum 150 Plate Appearances)
BA: Jose Morales .311
HR: Garrett Jones 13
RBI: Garrett Jones 70

2007 Pitching Leaders (Minimum 50 Innings)
Wins: Julio DePaula 12
ERA: Kevin Slowey 1.89
Saves : Bobby Korecky 35

Colon to Start PawSox Opener

Bartolo Colon had a solid outing last night in the Sox' 3-1 exhibition loss to the Dodgers. His future with the big club, however, is still in doubt.

In the meantime, he has been slated to pitch the PawSox season opener next Thursday at McCoy. It'll be interesting to see how Colon handles this assignment. Will he put in the extra effort to earn a call-up? Should be interesting to watch.

(Photo courtesy redsox.com)

2008 IL Preview- Scranton W/B Yankees

The rivalry between the Red Sox and Yankees extends to the Triple A level as well. After spending many years in Columbus, OH, the Yankee farm club packed-up shop and moved to Moosic, PA for the 2007 season. The Scranton W/B Yankees gave their fans much to cheer about, finishing on top of the IL's North Division.

What's in store for the Yankees Triple A team for 2008? Find out as we speak to Chad Jennings, beat writer for the Scranton Times-Tribune...




Scranton W/B Yankees - 2007 Record: 84-59 (1st in IL North)
Manager: Dave Miley

2007 Batting Leaders (Minimum 150 Plate Appearances):
BA: Shelley Duncan: .295
HR: Shelley Duncan: 25
RBI: Shelley Duncan: 79

2007 Pitching Leaders (Minimum 50 IP)
Wins: Matt DeSalvo: 9
ERA: Edwar Ramirez: 0.90
Saves: Jim Brower: 21

Around the International League, March 28, 2008

Some links to news and notes from around the IL...

In Syracuse, Inside the Chiefs looks at the final roster cuts made by the Blue Jays and its impact on the Syracuse roster. They also have a wrap on the Chief's exhibition loss to the Iron Pigs.

Speaking of the Iron Pigs, the rookie IL entry has news of the expansion of their radio network.
The Lehigh Valley Morning Call has a report on the final day of Phillies camp.

In Louisville, the Bats have the details of their 10-4 exhibition win over the Norfolk Tides.

The Buffalo News has the story of defending IL batting champ Ben Francisco being sent back to the Triple A club from the Indians. More Bisons news from their blog, The Dish.

I really think I'm going to enjoy the work of Chad Jennings at the Scranton Times Tribune. He continues to have the Yankees covered from every base.

What You Can Expect From PawSox Blog

We are officially one week away from the opening of the 2008 PawSox season. Being the new kid on the PawSox beat I want to be clear as to what you can expect from this site going forward.

We strive to be just another resource that offers information on the team. If you're looking for quick-witted commentary and gossip about off-the-field activity, you're probably not going to find it here. Our goal is to talk baseball. Specifically PawSox baseball and the International League.

On the other hand we also want to provide material which may be a little out of the ordinary when it comes to independent blog coverage of the team. Expect to listen to podcasts and view video packages from time to time. We will also incorporate photos within our posts.

How are we going to accomplish this? I plan to attend as many home games as possible and cover the team as any other beat reporter. I hope to offer insight into some of the behind-the-scenes goings on within the PawSox organization. I will, from time to time, provide commentary that may or may not be critical. My aim is to be fair.

When the team is on the road I'll do my best to link to game stories and notes from other media outlets and teams across the International League.

I'm taking on this project as a labor of the love of baseball and my passion for reporting. I'm not being paid to do this so there will be times when I won't be able to attend a game. I do have other priorities. I do, however, pledge to do my best to provide coverage of the PawSox that I hope you find informative and enlightening.

It's baseball season! Let's go PawSox!

Around the International League, March 26, 2008

Here are some news from the other clubs around the International League...

In Buffalo its time to promote the promotions... The Indians also send a pair or players down to the minors...Meaning for PawSox pitcher Craig Breslow has made the Cleveland roster.

Over in Lehigh Valley, PA, the new kids of the block get set for their first home game...against the parent Phillies.

In Charlotte, more news about the legal wranglings around the Knight's new ballbark.

And in Scranton, the Times-Tribune's Chad Jennings has the latest Yankees news straight from Tampa.

Moss Sent to PawSox

I guess I'll get my wish after all...

Following today's 5-1 loss to the A's in Tokyo, the Red Sox announced that Brandon Moss has been optioned to the PawSox to begin the 2008 season.

Moss had a homer and two RBI's in the Sox' opener yesterday but was 0 for 3 with three strikeouts today.

Plans are to work out Moss at both first base and the outfield when he takes the field at McCoy.

Moss Takes Advantage of Last Minute Start

I was really looking forward to the opportunity to talk with Brandon Moss about his experience in Japan when he returns to the PawSox next week. But that may have to wait.

A late fill-in for J.D. Drew, Moss made the most of his playing time, putting the Sox ahead in the sixth and belting the tying homer in the ninth in Boston's 6-5 opening day win.

Will Moss' good fortune translate to a spot in Boston if the club decides not to purchase the contract of Bobby Kietly and trades Coco Crisp?

Colon, Two Others Sent to Minor League Camp

Just before leaving for Japan the Red Sox made more roster moves, sending RHP Bartolo Colon and infielders Keith Ginter and Joe Thurston to minor league camp.

Colon, a non-roster invitee, was hoping to catch on as the team's fifth starter. Instead he had an uneventful spring and if he stays with the club will likely start the season in Pawtucket.

Both Ginter and Thurston showed instances of promise this spring, but neither was expected to make the big league club coming out of camp.

More Sox Roster Moves

The Red Sox sent four more players down to the PawSox today. Among them was RHP Craig Hanson.

Hanson had an up and down spring with the big club, ending on a positive note by pitching 1 1/3 innings of scoreless relief in today's game against the Yankees. The Sox are still looking for Hanson to contribute in the future.

Also sent to the PawSox today were catcher George Kottaras, RHP Lincoln Holdzkom and 1B/OF Chris Carter.

Thursday Notes

The Sox made a couple of roster moves yesterday, optioning RHP Davern Hansack and OF Jonathan Van Every to the PawSox and reassigning RHP Lee Gronkiewicz, LHP Michael Tejera and LHP Jon Switzer to minor league camp.

Red Sox.com has a nice piece on outfielder Chris Carter. Carter, who can also play first base and DH, was sent to Boston from the Washington Nationals to complete last year's trade of Wily Mo Pena. Carter has had a solid spring to date, belting four homers and hitting .357. He should be a pleasure to watch in Pawtucket.

Speaking of the local nine, the first spring game for the Pawsox takes place today when they host the Rochester Red Wings in Fort Myers. Good times.

Doug Mirabelli is Not Walking Through That Door

The Red Sox have announced that it has released back-up catcher Doug Mirabelli.

Right now it looks like Kevin Cash may be the most likely replacement as the Sox back-up. He did play for the big club last year and proved to be very effective in handling Tim Wakefield's knuckleball.

This move makes the competition between Dusty Brown and George Kottaras in Pawtucket something that will be fun to watch.

More Names for Minor League Camp

The Red Sox made more roster moves today, assigning a number of players to minor league camp.

The biggest name on the list is right handed reliever Dan Kolb. The one-time Brewer closer could not re-discover his groove and was sent down.

Also designated to join the minor leaguers are third baseman Keith Ginter and second baseman Joe Thurston, although both will remain with the big club until the team leaves for Japan next week.

A Good Problem to Have

Minor League Baseball. com has a look today at the current status of the Red Sox farm system. One part of the article caught my attention.

It looks like the Sox are really impressed with PawSox catchers Dusty Brown and George Kottaras. Farm Director Mike Hazen says both players used the offseason to work on flaws in their game...and both reported to camp noticeably improved. Hazen says both will begin the season in Pawtucket and share playing time.

This is good news that the organization appears to be looking at either Brown or Kottaras as a potential successor to Jason Varitek.

Who knows...if these two battle for the starting job in Pawtucket and one of them makes better than expected strides, might we see one of them up with the big club if Doug Mirabelli continues to regress? It will be fun to watch.

Organization News and Notes

A quick couple of links for your Friday;

The International League has come up with its latest report from Spring Training. Nothing new than what you've already read about the PawSox over the last week or so.

From the parent club, many PawSox players were resigned to new contracts yesterday.

Masterson Making Strides

Here is a piece from Red Sox.com on the progress of pitching prospect Justin Masterson.

There is also other news from down on the farm.

Hot Sox Prospects

Minor League Baseball is taking a look at all 30 Major League clubs and assessing their farm system heading into the 2008 system.

Today they look at the stars of tomorrow for the Red Sox. Some of these guys we hope to profile if they make it to Pawtucket this year.

PawSox Spring Training Schedule Announced

Like the big league club, the PawSox have a full slate of pre-season games slated to begin on March 14th. Here's the schedule:

Friday, March 14th vs. Rochester Red Wings (Fort Myers)
Saturday, March 15th at Rochester Red Wings (Lee County)
Sunday, March 16th vs. Louisville Bats (Fort Myers)
Monday, March 17th vs. Indianapolis Indians (Fort Myers)
Wednesday, March 19th vs. Rochester Red Wings (Fort Myers)
Thursday, March 20th at Indianapolis Indians (Bradenton)
Friday, March 21st vs. Louisville Bats (Fort Myers)
Saturday, March 22nd at Rochester Red Wings (Lee County)
Monday, March 24th vs. Rochester Red Wings (Fort Myers)
Tuesday, March 25th at Rochester Red Wings (Lee County)
Wednesday, March 26th at Norfolk Tides (Sarasota)
Thursday, March 27th vs. Rochester Red Wings (Fort Myers)
Saturday, March 29th at Rochester Red Wings (Lee County)

I would love to hear from those of you who will be going to some of these games. Get in touch with me. We'll chat!

Welcome to the PawSox Blog

Hey there, welcome to the PawSox Blog! It's great to be here!

What we plan to do with this blog is provide as much content as possible about the Triple AAA affiliate of the Boston Red Sox! We hope to have interviews with players, behind-the-scenes material, and a lot more! Some information will be fresh, other news will be culled from numerous resources.

We hope to provide insight into as many of the PawSox' 144 game schedule as possible. We're not here to be the best, just another voice in the coverage of the team. If you have any suggestions, let us know.

Come with us for the ride!