Old News: Moss Honored, Gabbard Promoted

With Mr. Hyde apparently vanquished, Kason Gabbard has been promoted to AAA Pawtucket. 2006 was Gabbard's third go-round with Portland, and really he really hit his stride this year. After posting a 6.28 ERA over the second half of 2004, and a decidedly up-and-down performance last season, Gabbard was terrific this season. In 13 starts, Gabbard had a 9-2 record with a 2.57 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, and 68/25 K/BB ratio in 73.2 innings pitched. He was leading the league in wins at the time of his promotion, 5th in WHIP and 10th in ERA. At 24, Gabbard really needs to be in AAA to make a play for the majors. He's got good stuff, and his issue is his command. When he's throwing strikes and getting ahead of batters he does well, but if not he gets hit hard.

With so many talented young pitchers ahead of him in the Red Sox system, many of whom are on the major league roster already, I don't see Gabbard making much of an impact in Boston. I think that the Red Sox hope that he can succeed at AAA and become a tradeable commodity at the deadline or following the season. I think that this would be best for Gabbard's major league hopes as well. Best of luck to another former Sea Dog.

Gabbard: Now Hyde-ing in Pawtucket

Also while I was away, Brandon Moss was named Eastern League player of the week for last week. Moss hit .448 (11/23) with four doubles, a triple, a home run, 5 RBI, 7 runs scored and an .870 slugging percentage. Moss' hot June has raised his batting line to 265/329/451-8-48 on the season. While his .780 OPS is pretty far down the line among EL leaders, Moss is second in the league with 23 doubles and tied for third with 48 RBI.

The Sea Dogs continue to chug along and, just past the midpoint of the season, remain in first by 5.5 games with a 46-28 record. After Portland finishes up with New Britain, they return home to face second-place Trenton.