01:00 AM EDT on Monday, June 19, 2006

BY SEAN McADAM
Journal Sports Writer

ATLANTA -- Yesterday afternoon, what little suspense was associated with the identity of tonight's mystery starter was resolved. To the surprise of few, Kyle Snyder will get the assignment.

Claimed on waivers last week from the Kansas City Royals, Snyder spent the last few days throwing at the Sox' extended spring training program in Fort Myers.

"If he throws his ball downhill, he'll be fine," said manager Terry Francona. Abe Alvarez, Matt Ginter and David Pauley were all candidates for the start, but in the end, the Sox felt it would be better to not interrupt their programs at Pawtucket.

"We're trying to balance development and roles," said Francona. "We're trying to minimize (the disruptions) if we can."

Pitching coach Al Nipper, who was a little familiar with Snyder when Nipper was a pitching coach in the Kansas City organization, recalled Snyder as a former "big-time prospect" before arm injuries intervened.

"He throws a fastball, curveball and changeup," Nipper said.

Snyder stands 6-foot-8 and sometimes struggles with his mechanics because of his frame.

"He has," acknowledged Nipper, "had problems elevating balls in the zone. If he can keep the ball down in the zone, being the tall kid that he is, he can create a good downward plane."

Nipper spoke briefly with Snyder by phone over the weekend and reported the former North Carolina standout is excited about the opportunity.

"He's going from (the last-place Royals) to a first-place team," said Nipper. "I think that's going to rejuvenate him, mentally and physically. He's very excited about the change of scenery."

Snyder, however, probably shouldn't get too comfortable in Boston. Thanks to off-days Thursday and next Monday, the Sox might not need a fifth starter again until July 1. It's likely that Snyder will be optioned to Pawtucket after tonight.

First, of course, the Sox will need to clear a roster spot for Snyder's activation. The likely victim: pitcher Jermaine Van Buren. Over the weekend, the Sox tried to find a taker for J.T. Snow -- who has asked the club to move him if the opportunity arises -- but found none. Snow is an extra part and he could be released, but for now the Sox don't want to pay the approximately $1.2 million remaining on his salary and get nothing in return.

Proud Alex

Shortstop Alex Gonzalez went into last night to set a record for most consecutive errorless games by a Red Sox shortstop in a single season.

He had played 48 games without an error, tying Rico Petrocelli for the longest such streak by a Sox shortstop. Petrocelli's run, however, came over the course of two seasons.

"Right now," said Gonzalez, "I'm off to a very good start. I feel pretty good. I'm proud to tie the record. This team has a lot of tradition and has been around a lot of years. I'm just trying to stay focused on every hitter and try to make all the routine plays."

Around the horn

Manny Ramirez returned to the lineup after missing Saturday's game with a "balky" right knee. Ramirez snapped an 0-for-18 slump with a solo homer in the fourth inning, the 452nd of his career. That ties him with Jim Thome and Carl Yastrzemski for 29th on the all-time list. After striking out swinging his first time up, Ramirez launched a long homer to center off Braves starter John Smoltz to lead off the fourth. "He appreciated the day (off) and is ready to go," Francona said. . . . Coco Crisp went into last night with just two hits in 21 at-bats on the road trip. . . . Tonight will mark just the first time the Sox will host a team from Washington, D.C. since Sept. 26, 1971. Weeks after that, the second incarnation of the Senators moved to Texas and became the Rangers.