Friday Night W vs. Fisher Cats

The Sea Dogs moved back into first place on Friday night with a 5-3 victory over the New Hampshire Fisher Cats. Portland's David Pauley wasn't particularly sharp in allowing 8 hits over five innings pitched, however he allowed only two runs (one unearned) to collect his 7th victory in outdueling top prospect David Purcey. Coupled with Trenton's loss, the win puts the Sea Dogs back into sole posession of first place in the EL North.

Scorer's Notes:

• As noted previously, Purcey was making his AA debut. A 2004 first round draft pick out of the University of Oklahoma, Purcey appeared to be very raw. He's a big lefty with a herky-jerky motion who throws in the low-mid 90's and mixes in a curveball and changeup. Purcey struggled with his command, particularly early, and was consistantly throwing his curveball into the dirt in front of the plate. As he went along his control improved and he settled down over his last four innings. He allowed four runs (three earned) on four hits and four walks over six innings, striking out three. Purcey will have to get his stuff under control to succeed at the AA level. He doesn't have the fastball to dominate batters if he can't get his breaking stuff into the strike zone consistently.
• This was my first look at converted catcher Edgar Martinez, who is now a relief pitcher for Portland. Martinez, whose physique resembles that of El Guapo, was tipping the radar at 95 mph and he blew away Miguel Negron to end his inning-and-a-third stint. Martinez has pretty good control (only four balls in 18 pitches, 49/14 K/BB ratio in 38 IP on the season, and if he develops a consistent off-speed pitch he'll be another bright arm in the Red Sox system.
• I'm not sure why the Sea Dogs seem to have such difficulty with number nine hitters, but SS Raul Tablado proved a difficult out, going 3-4 and hitting the ball solidly each time up.
• This was also my first look at second baseman Scott Youngbauer. Youngbauer has struggled with the bat in AA this season, but he appears to be a very good fielder in the middle of the diamond, with good range and soft hands. He's very aggressive with the bat - probably a little too aggressive for the Red Sox liking. Youngbauer doesn't appear attempt to work the count, swinging early and often in the count.