CLEVELAND -- If you're thinking that the Red Sox' claim of lefty Jay Marshall marks the first time the Sox have claimed a player during a playoff series . . . think again.

In October of 1995, while the Red Sox were on the verge of being swept by these same -- well, not exact same; but you know what we mean -- Cleveland Indians, then-GM Dan Duquette announced that the Sox claimed outfielder Brent Cookson from the Kansas City Royals.

The release was handed out to the media in the late innings of Game Three of the ALDS, which the Indians won, 8-2.

Cookson, as it turned out, never amounted to much -- with the Sox, or anybody else, for that matter -- though he did hit .271 with 19 homers and 50 RBI in 73 games for the Pawsox in 1996.

In August of that season, he was sent to Baltimore as part of a conditional deal. He later hopped around the game, spending time with Texas, Arizona and the Dodgers before his career ended in 1999.

Cookson spent a total of 15 games in the majors, split between the 1995 Royals and the 1999 Dodgers, but never made it to Fenway.

The Sox hope Marshall meets with more success.