Red Sox and Sea Dogs

With Pawtucket manager Ron Johnson promoted to Boston's major league staff, how will the Red Sox fill the Triple-A vacancy?

The Portland Sea Dogs announced that Red Sox shortstop Jed Lowrie will be the guest speaker at their annual Hot Stove Dinner, Jan. 15, at the Wyndham Hotel in South Portland.

The Boston Red Sox traded minor league pitchers Hunter Jones and Jose Alvarez to the Florida Marlins for outfielder Jeremy Hermida. Getting ready for life without Jason Bay?

Could any of the 2009 Portland Sea Dogs have an impact on the 2010 Red Sox (like Daniel Bard going from the '08 Dogs to the '09 Sox)?

Doubtful.

The Akron Aeros beat Connecticut 10-6 for Eastern League championship Saturday night in Akron. That brought back to mind the last time the Aeros celebrated a title in Akron.

Jon Lester threw eight shutout innings, allowing two hits, as the Boston Red Sox beat the Tampa Bay Rays 4-0, giving Boston a sweep of both the weekend series and Sunday's doubleheader.

While the Portland Sea Dogs have one game to go in the season, the Boston Red Sox took another step in prolonging their season into the playoffs.

The Red Sox have confirmed that Daisuke Matsuzaka will pitch  Sunday for the Sea Dogs in Mancheester.

Daisuke Matsuzaka threw 65 pitches during a bullpen session here at Fenway Park today.

Daisuke Matsuzaka pitchedd three strong innings Monday in the Gulf Coast League (1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 HBP, 4 K) and is set to pitch Saturday for the Portland Sea Dogs, in Manchester, N.H.