PAWTUCKET -- When PawSox manager Ron Johnson learned that one of his former players, Bobby Scales, was finally making his major-league debut earlier this month, Johnson sent him a congratulatory text message. Scales immediately called him.

After 11 seasons in the minors, Scales, 31, was called up by the Chicago Cubs and made his debut on May 5. He spent the 2007 season with the PawSox.

"Great kid," said Johnson.

Johnson admitted he was excited when he found out Scales was finally given an opportunity.

"Absolutely, because it's such a dream for a guy like him who has played so hard," he said.

Scales, a switch-hitting utilityman, came very close on being called up to the Red Sox on numerous occasions in 2007, but it never happened. If it had, he would have been given a World Series ring, as each player who spends time on the 25-man roster is given a ring.

"He was real close -- real close," said Johnson. "His name was mentioned a lot, but the situation never came up. He's kind of a slotted National League player. He can play any position and you can pinch-hit him, he can run a little bit and can hit from both sides of the plate. I was very impressed with the year he had with us."

Even though he didn't start the season as an everyday player, Scales became a fixture in Pawtucket's lineup by June of 2007. He hit .294 with 11 homers and 57 RBI in 122 games for the PawSox.

"Every time you put him in, he did well," said Johnson.

Scales is proving that point once again with the Cubs. In seven games since his callup, he's hitting .381 with a homer, 5 RBI and 7 runs scored.

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The Red Sox have signed outfielder Freddy Guzman and he batted in the leadoff spot and played right field for the PawSox Saturday night.

Guzman, 28, had been with Triple-A Tacoma (Seattle Mariners) before he was released on May 11. The switch-hitter had a .214 average in 13 games with Tacoma. A season ago, Guzman played for Triple-A Toledo (Detroit Tigers) and led the International League with 56 stolen bases, while hitting .270 with 41 RBI. He has 37 games of big-league experience with the Padres (2004) and the Rangers (2006, 2007).

To make room for Guzman, the Sox traded outfielder Jeff Corsaletti, and future considerations, to the Pittsburgh Pirates.

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The PawSox will hold their annual FunFest after Sunday's game against the Bisons at McCoy Stadium. PawSox players will be on hand for autographs, along with other fun and games. The event is free of charge.

jmcdonal@projo.com