Who Is Felix Doubront?

With Clay Buchholz joining what seems like the rest of the team on the DL, the Sox send 22 year old pitching prospect Felix Doubront to the mound against the Rays tonight. Given how banged up the Sox are, and tonight's opponent, we're asking for a lot from the kid tonight. With that in mind, we here at ITM thought we'd provide a little more info on the kid who will be under the lights tonight:

• Age: 22
• Born: October 23, 1987
• Carabobo, Venezuela
• Height: 6-2
• Weight: 205
• Throws: Left
• Drafted: Not drafted - International free agent (July 2004)

Thus far while splitting time between Double and Triple A, Doubrount has posted a record of 7-2, with an ERA of 2.45 over 69.2 innings, striking out 62 batters. Hitters are batting .241 against him. (ITM note: his numbers in Pawtucket are actually better than in Portland, perhaps a sign that he's continuing to grow and mature this year).

Per Soxprospects.com....

Scouting Report: Doubront utilizes a 91-94 mph fastball, a very good 79-81 mph changeup with screwball action, and a developing mid-70s curveball. Flawless and fluid downward pitching motion with excellent control. Deceptive delivery, hitters don't pick up the ball until late, causing his fastball to look a little faster. Used to struggle against left-handed batters, but seemed to fix this issue in 2009. He has a reserved and modest demeanor, but is aggressive and poised on the mound. Sometimes has the tendency to leave the ball up in the zone too much, giving up too many home runs. Athletic and agile in the field. Doubront struggled in 2007 due to numerous injuries, including recovery from a hernia operation.

We're not looking for a gem out of little King Felix tonight, but given the opposing pitcher (Niemann....who remains one of the best under the radar pitchers in the game) and Boston's no-name lineup, he'll need to provide a quality start to keep the chances of winning alive.

Go Felix, Go Sox.