Bowden to debut tomorrow

The Red Sox just made it official, announcing that Michael Bowden would make his big league debut tomorrow instead of original probable David Pauley.

Bowden was 0-3 with a 3.88 ERA in six starts (seven appearances) with Pawtucket.

Here's the word on him from soxprospects.com

Scouting Report: Bowden is a big righty starter with a top-of-the-rotation ceiling, but likely projects as a solid third starter at the major league level. He is an advanced pitcher for his age, but still has some room for improvement. He has an arsenal of three pitches that could be big-league caliber: a 93-94 mph four-seam fastball which tops out around 95 mph, a very good 12-6 hard breaking curve, and a developing circle changeup with plus potential. His main pitch, the four-seamer, has a late, heavy sinking movement, and he generally keeps it down in the zone. Also, Bowden has a two-seamer that is a few mph off of his four-seamer with a bit more movement. His changeup sits in the low 80s, about 10 mph off of his fastball, and is very deceptive, with action moving away from lefties. His mid-70s curve is pretty sharp and he keeps hitters at bay with it. However, he can telegraph his curve on occasion. Secondary stuff is really coming along in 2008. Overall, Bowden has an excellent command of the zone. One aspect that should come with more experience is improved pitchability against advanced hitters. Delivery is somewhat unconventional, almost 3/4 style, with a leaning motion while dropping his head a bit - but he's able to maintain it throughout his outings, so the Sox won't mess with it. Bowden is said to be a workaholic and just loves to pitch - another player who just lives and dies for baseball. Very athletic.

And a correction on a Dice-K note from ealier. He walked Jermaine Dye in the fourth, which made it 11 of 12 batters retired up through six innings and 17 of 19 through eight. He's done for the night (I jinxed it) and Mike Timlin's in to close it out.

Another note, Dustin Pedroia just scored Boston's eighth run of the night and his 104 of the season, a new record, erasing Bobby Doerr's old mark of 103. Hard to find a better line than his in the box score (4-for 4, three runs a double and a two steals).

Red 8, White 0, coming down the stretch