Two are Promoted

The Red Sox promoted Sea Dogs OF David Murphy (pictured)and Relief Pitcher Barry Hetzler to Pawtucket. Chris Durbin and Randy Beam were activated from the DL to take their places.

Murphy was highly touted after being selected in the first round in 2003. He had a hot start in Lowell and was considered a top prospect. He suffered through an injury-filled 2004 in which he showed no power whatsoever. Last year in Portland he started off slow with the bat, and his prospect status was practically nonexistant. Then he regained his stroke and some power in the second half of the season. Murphy was named the Sea Dogs MVP with his 275/337/430-14-75 performance. Many expected Murph to head to Pawtucket out of spring training, but he returned to Portland. In 42 games for the Sea Dogs this year he hit 273/315/436-3-25 and was leading the team in RBI and with 17 doubles. He had a terrific game last Sunday that may have sped his promotion.

To me, Murphy looks like a good gap hitter with power that continues to emerge. He doesn't walk as much as the Sox might like to see, but he seems like an intelligent player and that may come. He's very good defensively, covering a lot of ground in center field, and he has a strong arm. I think he'll start slowly, but ultimately do well in AAA.

Hertzler I know less about. I think I saw him once this year. He's got a low-90's sinker that seems to be developing. Hertzler has a 1.05 ERA to go along with four saves in 25.2 IP, but his 1.32 WHIP and 17/14 K/BB ratio indicate he's been a bit lucky thus far. At 25 years old, he's a bit old for strong "prospect" status, but he's been a valuable part of the Portland pen.

We wish them both well in AAA.