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.

Boston, Meet Your Future Ace

He's a 20 year old kid who just transitioned from shortstop to a full time starting pitcher. He turned down a full ride to Tennessee to be the University's starting quarterback. He's athletically gifted but still trying to find his ultimate role in the game of baseball. Today, he gave you reason to believe he's the real deal.

On the mound for the big league club, under the pressure of an ESPN national broadcast, and against an elite major league lineup, Casey Kelly kept things in check.

He was admittedly nervous this afternoon, but lasted three innings against the Rays, looking dominate at times while keeping his composure when their offense threatened. He threw 61 pitches, striking out 4 (including the meat of their order), while giving up two runs on three hits to the mighty Rays lineup (those last four words still just don't seem right when I type them, but it's true).

Kelly had most recently been facing double AA competition down at the minor league complex, but fared well today on a much bigger stage and being under the microscope.

ITM got a close up look at Kelly while down in Ft. Myers, and I can say without a doubt that the ability is there. His stuff is electric. As he matures as a pitcher, there is no reason he can't be a force in the big leagues......let's just hope he's not rushed in that process.

5 Days, Go Sox.