Red Sox Surprise By Promoting Two Players

It had long been expected that the Red Sox would promote Clay Buchholz for game one of tomorrow's double header. That wasn't the only promotion the Red Sox announced today however. In a bit of a surprise move, the Red Sox have decided to promote outfield prospect Jacoby Ellsbury as well.

The role that Buchholz will play is rather clear. He will make a spot start and then be sent back down to the minors to make room for Ellsbury. The role of Ellsbury however raises some questions. With the Red Sox needing to make room on the roster for Buchholz, it was rumored that Wily Mo Pena was on the way out.

It seems strange however that the Red Sox would promote Jacoby Ellsbury if that was the case. Ellsbury would give the Red Sox two left-handed backup outfielders. The move's especially strange considering that the Red Sox signed Bobby Kielty to play against left-handed pitchers. It's possible that the Red Sox could be releasing Eric Hinske for the time being. Hinske has struggled at the plate this season, hitting below the Mendoza line. He'll be a free agent this offseason.

This will be Ellsbury's second major league stint. He made his major league debut earlier this season and hit .375/.444/.438 in 16 at bats. For Buchholz, it will be his major league debut.

Waiting On the Announcement

Tomorrow, Terry Francona is to announce who will be starting game two of Friday's double header against the Angels. Multiple sources are reporting that it will be super prospect Clay Buchholz. And with Julian Tavarez pitching two innings in today's game, all major league options for a spot starter appear to be exhausted. The Red Sox have reportedly been planning on using Buchholz since last Saturday, so what's taken so long? They want to free up a roster spot first.

It appears that the Red Sox are on the verge of dealing Wily Mo Pena. He would be the logical choice, as he cleared waivers last Tuesday and can now be dealt. It wouldn't be much of a surprise as the Red Sox have been looking to unload the defensively challenged outfielder for some time. Pena is to be replaced by Bobby Kielty, currently waiting to be called up from Pawtucket. And as soon as Buchholz makes his major league debut and is sent back down, Kielty will be called up.

Buchholz is certainly something to be excited about. In the words of Rotoworld, "Buchholz is among the elite pitching prospects in baseball and has moved very quickly this season." I could spend plenty of time talking about the 23-year-old right-hander (his birthday was yesterday) but I think his numbers speak for themselves.

2005 (Low Single-A) - 41.1 IP, 2.61 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, 7.40 H/9 IP, 1.96 BB/9 IP, 9.80 K/9 IP
2006 (High Single-A) - 16 IP, 1.13 ERA, 0.88 WHIP, 5.63 H/9 IP, 2.25 BB/9 IP, 12.94 K/9 IP
2006 (High Single-A) - 103 IP, 2.62 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, 6.82 H/9 IP, 2.53 BB/9 IP, 10.22 K/9 IP
2007 (Double-A) - 86.2 IP, 1.77 ERA, 0.89 WHIP, 5.71 H/9 IP, 2.28 BB/9 IP, 12.05 K/9 IP
2007 (Triple-A) - 30.1 IP, 3.26 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 6.82 H/9 IP, 2.37 BB/9, 14.24 K/9

No red flags. When trying to estimate how a pitching prospect may adjust to the majors, I generally look at a few things. First and foremost, I look at their BB/9 IP numbers. The most common issue with prospects when they're first promoted is that their control suffers from the nerves. Buchholz has very solid, consistent walk rates however.

Another thing to look for is how they translate to the Double-A level when their first promoted. The jump from Single-A to Double-A is typically the highest jump in talent level that a minor league pitcher goes through. Because of that, it can sometimes give you an idea as to how a pitcher will adjust to a jump in the level of competition. Buchholz was solid in that department as well. In fact, in his first Double-A level, Buchholz lead his league in ERA and strikeouts before being promoted to Triple-A Pawtucket.

It's unclear what role Buchholz will play on the major league team once the rosters expand in September. The Red Sox have maintained that they will remain very cautious with his innings. If they do so, they'd likely shut him down before the end of September. So if you're wondering what minor leaguers will play a large roll with the Red Sox in September, Jacoby Ellsbury is a much safer bet. Things could change however if Buchholz impresses with the Red Sox in the heart of a playoff race.

Devil Dogs

What an end to what will no doubt be remembered as the feel good game of the year! The Red Sox certainly gave the fans a plethora of reasons to stand. From before the game even began, the Fenway Faithful were on their feat to cheer the return of Jon Lester. Lester earned the standing ovation with 7 strong innings of 2-hit, 1-run ball.

The Fenway Faithful again rose to their feat to pick up their newest member, Eric Gagne. Gagne was at first booed when he went 3-0 to the first batter. Gagne however did manage to fight his way back and strike out the side. And before he could get the last strikeout, the Fenway fans stood up and gave Gagne a warm bid of support.

And finally, with the Yankees losing 12-0 to the Baltimore Orioles, the Red Sox managed to capitalize. With one out in the bottom of the 9th, Mike Lowell tied the score at 1-1 with his 16th home run of the year. Kevin Youkilis then struck out, but determined not to let this opportunity slip away, Red Sox captain Jason Varitek followed him with a long double. Varitek was then promptly driven in by Coco Crisp on an RBI single.

On the downside however, backup outfielder Wily Mo Pena continued to struggle at the plate, going 0-2. After a promising season last year, Wilo Mo Pena has hurt the team this year. His lack of plate discipline and fielding ability make him a less than ideal backup outfielder. The good news however, is that Bobby Kielty is starting to turn things around in Pawtucket.

The Red Sox should be calling Kielty up any time now. After going hitless in his first two "rehab" starts, Kielty has since gone on a 5 game hitting streak. Overall, he's hit .269/.367/.538 at the Triple-A level. Kielty would have been particularly useful in a game like today's against a tough lefty. Last year, Kielty hit .325/.358/.607 against left handed pitchers in 117 at bats.

The Red Sox have now gone 16-8 in their last 24 games but many questions still remain. Can Jon Lester manage his walk totals and be effective down the stretch? Is Eric Gagne going to turn things around? No one knows for sure, but we'll all know in good time.