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July 17, 2007
It's July 17 and the Red Sox are nine games in front of the Yankees in the A.L. East and it's just way too quiet at Fenway Park today.
The clubhouse is quiet. The players are quiet. The manager is quiet. The media is quiet. It almost feels like the calm before the storm, which is never a good sign.
Still, it's the middle of July and maybe I'm still in vacation mode.
Anyway, the small talk around the clubhouse was still the impressive complete-game shutout Red Sox starter Kason Gabbard threw over the Royals Monday night at Fenway.
With Gabbard's recent success, plus when Curt Schilling (shoulder) returns to the rotation does that mean Julian Tavarez finally gets shifted back to the bullpen and the rookie remains in Boston?
"I think in this market a game like (Monday) night has a way enshrining somebody in Cooperstown," said Boston manager Terry Francona. "Things happen and you try to stay ahead of things and have plans A, B and C. . . I think Gabby said it pretty well. He'll pitch when he's supposed to, go where he's supposed to and do the best he can. That's the best way to look at it.
"We do have confidence in his ability to pitch," added Francona.
*Francona also said he read the game report on pitching prospect Clay Buchholz's Triple-A debut for Pawtucket on Monday night. The manager said he received mix reports on the three-inning 50-pitch outing, saying the game report was better than the linescore.
The 22-year-old righty allowed three runs (two earned) on five hits, including a monster home run.
"A couple of balls were not hit real well and one was hit real well," said Francona. "He had a lot of swings and misses, which is always good. I think he had 12 swings and misses, which is very good. Again, three innings is a real small sample size, but I think there's a lot of hope and optimism for this kid. He's going to be a good pitcher and it's exciting to watch."
*Francona said he had no news on reliever Brendan Donnelly, who took a trip to California to have his strained right forearm examined. His been on the DL for the last month. The manager did say he should have an update after tonight's game.
Posted by Joe McDonald 
at 4:52 PM | Permalink
