PAWTUCKET- New PawSox outfielder Brian Anderson makes his McCoy debut tonight. But it’s not his first foray into playing baseball in New England.
Picked up last week in a trade with the White Sox that sent OF/1B Mark Kotsay to Chicago, Anderson spent time playing for Cotuit in the Cape Cod League. He said while he misses the White Sox, he also looks forward to a change in scenerey.
“(Chcago and Boston) are great organizations with traditions. I’m just happy to be a part of them.” said Anderson.
Anderson was drafted by the White Sox with their first pick in the 2003 draft. He made his debut in the Big Leagues in 2005, amassing a .225 average with 20 homers and 75 RBI’s in his first four major league seasons. He was sent down to Charlotte before being traded to Boston.
Anderson joins the squad able to play all three outfield positions, but he admits he prefers playing center..
“I take pride in playing the outfield.” Centerfield gives me more traditional reads off the bat. If I have to play elsewhere, I’m happy with that.”
PawSox Manager Ron Johnson said Anderson brings experience and great defensive skills to the club.
“He has lived up to his reputation defensively.” said Johnson,”He posts everything, he glides. He’s a true Major League centerfielder.”
In six games with the PawSox, Anderson is hitting .286 with a homer and two RBI’s.
Photo courtesy MidwestSportsFans.com
PAWTUCKET- Red Sox infielder Jed Lowrie is back in familiar territory at McCoy Stadium.
Lowrie is rehabbing in Pawtucket after undergoing surgery in April to repair ligament damage to his left wrist. He began his rehab June 21st, splitting time between Pawtucket, Portland, and Lowell.
“I’m at the point where playing is the most important thing.” said Lowrie.
The switch-hitting Lowrie is under no restrictions in terms of taking batting practice or playing in the field. He said he is comfortable hitting from the right side of the plate, but still needs to build-up his strength from the left side.
“I feel like there’s flashes of what’s there and I just need to continue to improve my endurance.” said Lowrie
Lowrie began the season as the Red Sox starting shortstop. He is looking forward to once again contributing to the big league club the second half of the season. But with Nick Green and Julio Lugo currently sharing the shortstop job in Boston, it’s still unclear what Lowrie’s role will be when he returns.
“I’m curious as anybody else. said Lowrie, “At the same time I think Ive done a really good job focusing on what I need to do. That’s what I have to concern myself with.”
There will be no All-Star break for Lowrie. After Sunday’s game here at McCoy he will head to Lowell to continue his rehab next Tuesday and Wednesday before returning to Pawtucket Thursday when the PawSox begin the second half of the season against Indianapolis.
The International League has announced its All-Star roster for the Triple-A All-Star game to be held July 15th in Portland, OR…and two PawSox pitchers have been named to the squad.
Starter Clay Buchholz was the leading vote getter in the fans balloting for the game. He has had a fantastic season to date, earning a 5-1 record with a 1.90 ERA in 13 starts.
PawSox closer Fernando Cabrera was also elected to the IL team, bringing his perfect 16 for 16 record in save situations to the game. Cabrera has a 0-1 record with a 1.03 ERA in 27 appearances.
No PawSox batters made the team.
Kevin Thomas at the Portland Press Herald is reporting that Portland Sea Dogs outfielder Aaron Bates has been promoted to the PawSox.
Bates is off to a great start for the Sea Dogs, batting .340 with 7 home runs and 39 RBI’s. He was named the Eastern League’s Offensive Player of the Month for May. He comes to Pawtucket at a time when the offense is struggling.
No word on what corresponding roster move the PawSox will have to make to add Bates to the team.
If anyone has a positive outlook on his career it is PawSox left-handed reliever Javier Lopez.
Lopez joined Pawtucket today after being designated for assignment on May 10th. He has been in the Red Sox organization since 2006 when he was acquired via a trade with the White Sox. He had been a staple in the Boston bullpen since the 2007 season. His 2009 casmpaign with Boston did not start well, going 0-2 with a 9.26 ERA in 14 games.
Although disappointed with the demotion, Lopez looks at his time in Pawtucket as an opportunity…
“It’s a business. said Lopez, “I’m hoping that the silver lining will be to come back here to work my way back. That’s what I’m going with. If that works out great. If another team comes calling, so be it.”
Lopez says his 2009 struggles can be attributed to problems with his command and falling behind batters.
“I don’t have that out pitch to get batters out.” he sad, “I need guys to put the ball in play.”
Lopez is familiar with the PawSox, going 2-1 with a 4.32 ERA in two separate stints (2006 & 2007) with the club.
“There’s obviously some comfort. I’ve been here before.” said Lopez “Nobody aspires to play their entire career at Triple A. Being an hour away from Boston makes it a lot better.”
