Smoltz and other arms

John Smoltz wanted to use major league baseballs. The umpires said he had to use Eastern League balls. Guess who won the argument? it was actually a polite conversation, and Smoltz prevailed.

According to Portland Sea Dogs manager Arnie Beyeler, he and Smoltz pointed out a ruling by the president of minor league baseball that a major league pitcher can use major league baseballs, as long as he supplies them. Smoltz came with the baseballs.

For more on Smoltz's outing, see www.pressherald.com/sports

Not only did the New Hampshire Fisher Cats have to face Smoltz on Tuesday, they must face the Sea Dogs' top two starters in the series, with Felix Doubront going tonight, and Junichi Tazawa on Thursday.

Former Sea Dogs starter Kris Johnson continues to struggle in Pawtucket. He did not make it out of the third inning on Tuesday (9 H, 5 ER, 1 BB, 4 K). Since he began the season with two shutout starts, Johnson has allowed 31 runs in 27 2/3 innings (a 10.11 ERA).

According to the Salem Red Sox, two pitchers have been added to their roster. Right-hander Bryan Price, 22, and lefty Andrew Dobies, 26. Price was a sandwich round draft pick last June out of Rice. He was 3-2 with a 2.45 in 8 starts with Greenville. Dobies pitched for the Sea Dogs in 2006 (starter) and '07 (reliever) and was out all last year after shoulder surgery. He arrived out of extended spring training.