Papi Magic On The Farm?

In his time in Boston, David Ortiz has become known as the best clutch hitter in baseball with several walk-off hits to his credit. While 2007 has been a down year for Mr. Ortiz while he struggles along with some injuries that will require off-season surgery and plenty of rest, the kids of the future were channeling some Papi Power Saturday. In the first game between the Red Sox short-season affiliate Lowell of the New York-Penn Leauge and the Hudson Valley Renegades, the score was tied at 1-1 heading into the bottom of the ninth. Luis Segovia led off by being hit by a pitch, he was followed by Carlos Fernandez-Oliva, who laid down a sacrifice bunt moving Segovia to second. After a pop out Jorge Jimenez hit a line drive over the head of Hudson Valley right fielder Angel Fermin to drive in the game-winning run as Lowell clipped Hudson Valley in a 2-1. Not to be outdone by their younger comrades the Portland Sea Dogs would have there own magic in the second game of the double-header. Jay Johnson would have the big hit in this game as Portland rallied back twice against the Harrisburg Senators. Trailing 12-9 going to the bottom of the ninth, Portland got a lead off single from Andrew Pinckney and was followed by a walk to Iggy Suarez. Zach Borowiak sacrificed them over as Portland was playing for a tie and possibly extra innings at the very least. Jeff Natale followed the sacrifice by getting walked. Following a pitching change Portland's Jay Johnson hit a bases clearing, game winning double. In other games today Boston beat Baltimore 6-2 behind a stellar performance by Josh Beckett who became the majors first 15-game winner. Greenville lost 10-1 while Pawtucket won. Lancaster is still playing, but plated five in the first inning.

Future On Display

Beggining tomorrow and lasting throughout most of the remainder of the season, the future of the Boston Red Sox will be on display at Fenway Park. Portland and Lowell will both play games at Fenway on Saturday while the Sox are playing in Baltimore. Portland will play the Harrisburg Senators (Washington) while Lowell plays the Hudson Valley Renegades (Tampa Bay). The Lowell game is at 12:05 followed by Portland. In just a couple weeks a handful of top prospects could find themeselves with a September callup. Jacoby Ellsbury is one who is very likely to get the call to provide speed off the bench down the stretch. Should he continue his solid play from earlier this year when he was up he could also find himself on the bench in the playoffs. Boston won't discount the importance of a speedster on the bench, its the very reason they won the World Series in 2004. George Kottaras could also find himself in Fenway park in September. He is the only minor league catcher on the Sox 40 man roster and they would love to have a third catcher around to give Varitek added rest, assuming the division race isnt close. There are no infielders on the 40 man roster who aren't already in Boston. The Red Sox do have 2 spots on the 40 man roster open and also can move Brendan Donnelly to the 60-day disabled list if they needed another spot. We know Bobby Kielty likely will be called up sooner then later and that would require a spot, though his arrival would depend on Wily Mo Pena's departure which would clear another spot. Another spot to be taken on the 40 man will be for Clay Buchholz and that could be as soon as next week when the Sox play a double header. Buchholz has been dominant in the minors this year and could join a powerful young rotation next year that will include Josh Beckett, Daisuke Matsuzaka and Jon Lester. Other pitchers who could see time in Fenway in September are Javy Lopez who was recently sent down to make room for Curt Schilling, Craig Hansen who has been very good the past several weeks and Craig Breslow could provide another solid left handed arm from the bullpen. Brandon Moss could join Ellsbury in the outfield mix in September after a recent three day stay with the Sox in California.