01:00 AM EST on Saturday, January 29, 2005

BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer

PAWTUCKET -- Most will remember Abe Alvarez for the spot-start he made for the Boston Red Sox last season.

He stood on the mound at Fenway Park on July 22 with his hat on crooked, starting against the Baltimore Orioles at the ripe age of 21. The left-hander struggled, allowing five runs on eight hits in five innings of work in an 8-3 loss.

"It was a little taste," said Alvarez. "Now I want it more and it will help me prepare more for the next time. It was huge, it showed me that the organization has a lot of confidence in me and it gave me the experience I need. I learned a lot."

Alvarez has always worn his hat off to the side due to blindness in his left eye that has had since birth. It's more of a blur than anything else, but the hat keeps the glare off his face, allowing him to be more comfortable on the mound.

He's been climbing the organizational ladder and it's likely the southpaw could be on the hill for the PawSox this season. A second-round pick (49th overall) in the 2003 draft, Alvarez was in town yesterday to take part in the annual PawSox' hot stove media day. Don't expect yesterday's appearance to be the last time he'll be at McCoy Stadium.

He was named the Portland Sea Dogs' Pitcher of the Year last season after compiling a 10-9 record with a 3.59 E.R.A in his first pro season.

Alvarez and a host of other Red Sox prospects have been in Boston for the last week taking part in the organization's rookie orientation program. Highly touted shortstop Hanley Ramirez, catcher Kelly Shoppach, reliever Juan Perez and shortstop Kenny Perez (no relation) have had a crash course in everything Boston, while working out at Harvard. Veteran pitcher and 2004 International League All-Star Tim Kester also was in attendance yesterday.

"This group of players is reflective of what we set out to do three years ago," said director of player development Ben Cherington. "That is to build depth in the minor-league system, depth that will eventually contribute in Boston."

Sullivan sells the city

Speaking of everything Boston, Cherington even asked the Boston Bruins to have a hand in the orientation. Bruins head coach Mike Sullivan spoke with the prospects about playing and living in Boston. Sullivan, a Marshfield, Mass., native and Duxbury resident, played at Boston University before embarking on a 12-year professional career (11 in the NHL). He began his coaching career in the minors behind the Providence Bruins' bench before he was hired to coach the Bruins.

Tuning in to a major move

As of yesterday afternoon, PawSox play-by-play broadcaster Andy Freed was waiting to hear whether or not he was heading to the majors. Freed is one of the finalist for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays' radio job, and if he's hired he'll become the third PawSox broadcaster in the last four years to earn a major league job. Don Orsillo was hired to be the Red Sox' television play-by-play announcer for NESN in 2001 and Dave Flemming was hired by the San Francisco Giants last season.

New trainer in town

The PawSox will have a new trainer for the coming season. Greg Barajas, who will replace Bill Coffey, has spent the last seven years in the Milwaukee Brewers' organization, including the last three seasons in Double-A Huntsville.

A tasteful event for fans

PawSox fans are invited to the 28th annual Hot Stove League party from noon to 3 p.m. today at McCoy Stadium. New Pawtucket manager Ron Johnson, pitching coach Mike Griffin and the aforementioned players will be in attendance for photos and autographs. Food and drinks will be served and as always, the event is free.