By Josh Maurer & Will Flemming

We all woke up this morning to multiple rumors surrounding a number of potential call-ups to Boston. Will third baseman Will Middlebrooks be called up today because of the health of Kevin Youkilis? Will Aaron Cook be promoted to Boston now that the Red Sox are down to the wire and have to make a decision regarding his contract opt-out? If these moves happen, who will the PawSox get to replace them?

Regardless of what happens, it’s great knowing the Red Sox and PawSox haven’t been short on interesting storylines during the first month of the season.

PawSox Notebook

It’s been a thrill watching Middlebrooks this season and I’m rooting for him no matter when his time comes. However, if he is called up, it will be following the poorest stretch of games he’s had to date (really the only time he’s been cold). In Will’s last five starts, he’s batting .190 (4-for-21) with one home run, two runs batted in, and eight of his 18 strikeouts. Of note, the PawSox have lost all five games.

I could spot that mustache from a mile away! Arnie looking good during his playing days here in Toledo. (checkoutmycards.com)

The PawSox starting pitching has been terrific this season. Last night marked just the fourth time this year where a Pawtucket starter was dealt the loss. Overall, the starters are 10–4 with a 3.45 ERA. Through the first 26 games of the season, Pawtucket starters are yet to lose back-to-back games.

Mauro Gomez finished last night 0-for-4, marking just the fourth time this season he has failed to record a hit. Of his 31 hits this year, over half (16) have been for extra-bases (8-HR, 7–2B, 1–3B). For comparison, Middlebrooks, who also has 31 hits, has 13 for extra-bases. Both are extraordinary.

finished last night 0-for-4, marking just the fourth time this season he has failed to record a hit. Of his 31 hits this year, over half (16) have been for extra-bases (8-HR, 7–2B, 1–3B). For comparison, Middlebrooks, who also has 31 hits, has 13 for extra-bases. Both are extraordinary. PawSox manager Arnie Beyeler has a past life here in Toledo. An infielder in the Detroit Tigers’ system, Arnie played in 29 games for the Mud Hens in 1991 before his playing career ended. He then served as an area scout for the Tigers from 1992–96.

has a past life here in Toledo. An infielder in the Detroit Tigers’ system, Arnie played in 29 games for the Mud Hens in 1991 before his playing career ended. He then served as an area scout for the Tigers from 1992–96. There’s a good chance you’ve seen former Denver Bronco’s offensive lineman, and current ESPN NFL analyst, Mark Schlereth on television. His son, Daniel, was a former first round draft pick of the Arizona Diamondbacks and now plays in the Tigers’ system. Daniel is currently in Toledo on the Mud Hens DL, but has spent parts of the last four years in the major leagues pitching out of the bullpen.

The PawSox and Mud Hens keep things going tonight with a 6:30 first pitch from Fifth Third Field (my favorite fraction). We hit the air at 6:15 with the pre-game show.

Talk with you then.

-AG

@aaronmgoldsmith

agoldsmith@pawsox.com