Dogs roam the grounds at Fenway

It was a big weekend at Fenway Park, as Portland fans got to see many former Sea Dogs in action for the parent Red Sox:

• Jon Lester made his much-anticipated major league debut on Saturday. He wasn't terrific, but he held his own, allowing three runs on five hits in 4.1 innings, walking four and striking out four. It looked like Lester was overthrowing and he didn't have great command, but he also showed what a battler he is with a bases-loaded strikeout to end the second inning. He'll be around for awhile as David Wells continues his rehabilitation.
• David Pauley didn't fare as well, allowing six runs on 12 hits in five innings against the Rangers on Sunday before being sent to Pawtucket to make way for Mike Timlin. The Sox knew that Pauley wasn't quite ready when they promoted him a couple of weeks ago, and he didn't disprove that. He'll be a good major league pitcher, but he needs to be able to put batters away and cut down on the hits (31 allowed in 16 innings pitched).
• Craig Hansen made his 2006 debut on Friday night, surrendering a run on two hits in 2/3 of an inning before being sent back to Pawtucket to make room for Lester. Hansen combined with Jonathan Papelbon to blow the save before the Sox rallied back for the win.
• Papelbon ended up with the victory in that game. He has been simply dominant this year, allowing only one run in 30.1 innings (0.30 ERA). He's allowed only 19 baserunners, and has an outstanding 31/4 K/BB ratio. The blown save on Fridy was Pap's first in 21 opportunities.
• Manny Delcarmen collected his first big league win in relief in Sunday's opener. After a couple of shaky outings, Delcarmen has become an effective arm out of the pen. He's been scored upon in just one of his last seven outings (2 ER, 2.08 ERA).
• Delcarmen's win came in relief of Josh Beckett, who was a Sea Dog when they were affiliated with the Marlins. Beckett has been shaky at times this year, especially recently. Though not as dominant as the Sox would like, he has a nice 7-3 record with a 5.26 ERA ans 62 K's in 75.1 innings pitched.
• Another Marlin-related Sea Dog alum is starting shortstop Alex Gonzalez. Gonzalez has come as advertised - nifty defense, no offense. Gonzalez' line of 229/288/325-3-18 is actually a bit worse than I expected from him. Hopefully he can get his batting average up a bit and his OBP over .300. He's got a bit of pop in his bat, but I don't think he's in any danger of keeping Dustin Pedroia in AAA past this season.
• Finally, Kevin Youkilis has been the starting first baseman for the Sox all season long. Youks is a member of the first Red Sox class to come through Portland, and he has shined in his first opportunity to play every day. Youks has always had good on-base skills, and they've really shined as he's posted a 319/438/505-7-29 batting line. Youks' 43 walks trail only Manny Ramirez for tops on the Red Sox. Youkilis is 5th in the league in walks and 4th in OBP. Plus, he's played some outstanding defense at first base, despite never having played the position as a professional. He's been better than expected, and a big part of the success of the 2006 Red Sox.

That's eight former Sea Dogs playing for the Sox over the weekend, five of whom were here last season (and two were here again this season). Abe Alvarez makes it nine former Dogs who have appeared in Sox games this year. The class of 2005 is also represented by the fine play of Hanley Ramirez, who is making a strong play for the NL Rookie of the Year award, and Cla Meredith, who collected his first major league win for the Padres last month. Meredith was sent west in the Doug Mirabelli trade earlier this season.

It's gratifying to see so many players make their way to the big leagues, and a reminder of the high quality of play that one can see at AA.