Monday Miscellany

According to the MaineToday.com recap of yesterday's game, Anibal Sanchez was experiencing soreness in his forearm and elbow yesterday, and he was removed as a precaution. Manager Todd Claus says he'll be fine, but the Red Sox are likely to be very cautious with him, and it's possible that they will shut him down for the rest of the season. His 128 innings pitched this season are the most in his professional career, and I don't believe that his development would be stalled any if he takes the rest of the year off. This all remains speculation on my part, however.

Also, here's their discussion of the End of Year Awards. There's a useful notes section at the bottom of the article.

Finally, here's a nice article on Raul Nievez, who has now left the Sea Dogs to play for Puerto Rico in the world baseball championship in the Netherlands. Nievez is one of those guys who really grows on you the more that you see him. It doesn't look like he'll ever be much with the bat, in fact his stats have deteriorated somewhat each year that he's been in Portland (this is his third season with the Sea Dogs). However, he makes good contact and draws the occasional walk, he can lay down a bunt and he's a good base runner. His real value is in his versatility, as he can provide a capable glove at pretty much any position on the field, and a solid glove in the middle infield positions. Having an emergency fielder available for every position while using up only one roster spot certainly has its benefits in building a successful ballclub. The more I've seen, I can also tell that Nievez is very good with the public (and the opponents, and visiting mascots, etc.). He seems very personable and welcoming to all the fans. This attribute had him nominated for the Citizen of the Year award (ultimately won by Alberto Concepcion) along with the 10th Player Award that he was deservedly presented yesterday. Nievez is 26 years old and not really a prospect, so I wouldn't be surprised if the Sox let him go in the offseason. Then again, I wouldn't be surprised to see him in the same role again here in Portland, or even Pawtucket. It takes all types to build a minor league roster, and Nievez is a guy who can make fans appreciate that fact.