Game Preview: Sox @ D-Backs GM2

Tavarez (3-4, 5.33) vs. Owings (4-1, 3.86)
9:40 Chase Field, Phoenix

To say that Julian Tavarez has some mighty big shoes to fill, not to mention a king-sized weight on his shoulders, tonight when he takes the mound in Phoenix would have to be considered a massive understatement.

Besides having to follow in the footsteps of arguably the two most impressive pitching performances of the season, Tavarez must also deal with the looming specter of Jon Lester's impending return to the rotation.

Lester has been progressing nicely in his second rehab assignment and could join the big club on the next homestand, presumably bumping Julie back to the bullpen, something he is reluctant but willing to do.

That point plus the fact that Julie is coming off two lackluster no decisions should have the fiery veteran charged up and eager to get a victory tonight, possibly marking his exile to the bully with a bang.

On the other side the Sox will get a look at highly touted youngster Micah Owings. The 24-year-old righthander has already had a ballyhooed career, as a star first baseman/pitcher at Georgia Tech and then Tulane, then as a thrice-drafted prospect who finally stayed with the Diamondbacks.

Originally mentioned as a coveted piece in the Randy Johnson deal, Owings remained in the desert and ultimately was called up from the minors in April to replace the injured Unit in the rotation. After throwing throwing five innings of one hit in his debut, he has won 4 of 5 decisions and established himself as a solid major leaguer after just 43 appearances in the minors.

Owings is a big kid (6'5", 220) with a cannon of an arm, so the contrast in styles between the two hurlers will be apparent from the start. Tavarez & the Sox will have their hands full tonight, but with all that's riding on this game for Julie, look for him to step up big and turn in a quality start.

Hopefully the Sox offense left something in the tank to support him with.

NOTES:
Reliever J.C. Romero was designated for assignment following the game last night as Mike Timlin was activated from the DL. According to the Globe, Romero was visibly upset when a dejected Tito broke the news to him, but with the kind of numbers he was bringing, the move was certainly justified...ESPN.com posted J.D. Drew's lifetime stats against the Diamondbacks, and man if he doesn't like to slay them snakes. In 60 career games against Arizona, Drew is batting .346 with 18 homers and 52 RBIs; just last season + last night's game the numbers are .425/9/27...Manny and Lowell will have the night off tonight, according to the Globe...don't look now, but the Stanks have won five straight after Roidger Clemens made his re-return to their rotation today and beat the Pittsburgh Pirates (ooohhh!) in the Bronx (ah, they're still 10 back)