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PawSox add utility infielder Zach Borowiak to the roster »
July 2, 2007
BY PAUL KENYON
Journal Sports Writer
BOSTON -- While the Sox have been relatively injury-free this season, the recent problems with Curt Schilling, Brendan Donnelly and Coco Crisp have pointed out how the team’s farm system is better prepared to offer reinforcements.
''I think we’re better equipped to handle things now, that’s for sure,'' manager Terry Francona said today.
Francona singled out Manny Delcarmen for his recent work, but spoke about how more help is available, too.
''There are other pitchers down there (in Pawtucket) that could certainly help us. There are outfielders down there that could help us,'' he said. ''They’re not veteran guys, but that’s kind of exciting, too. We’re showing it now.''
In the recent past, he said, replacing injured players was not exactly easy.
''We actually had a Plan B. We would never not have a Plan B,'' he said. ''We didn’t like it. I think I admitted it. If we missed starts, we weren’t feeling too good about things.''
Delcarmen did not have impressive numbers at Pawtucket, but he got himself in position to help if needed.
''He did work really hard. His body looks good. He’s strong. His off-speed, at least to this point, gives him a different look,'' Francona said. ''He’s a got a little extra something on that fastball that we all see. We’re trying to integrate him into kind of a role of importance and also develop, which is not always the easiest thing.''
Posted by Paul Kenyon 
at 6:04 PM | Permalink
