Breaking: Bryce Brentz signs.

Theo Epstien isn’t resting on the fact that the Red Sox organization made what many people around baseball consider the best overall draft in 2010 — he wants those drafted players in uniform. Following up on the word that both Kolbrin Vitek and Kendrick Perkins have agreed to terms with the Sox, Jim Callis is reporting that supplemental first-round (36th overall) pick Bryce Brentz is ready to join them and get his proffesional career underway. Brentz was previously drafted as a pitcher in the 30th round by the Cleveland Indians, after two more college seasons at Middle Tennessee State he is now one of the nations top outfielders. His contract with Boston is reported at being $892,000, and will report to the Lowell Spinners when they begin their season. Now with two of Bostons three first rounders wrapped up, the only obstacle left is LSU pitcher Anthony Ranaudo, and his agent… Scott Boras.

Dice-K hits the disabled list

Many reporters on Twitter all tweeted it at virtually the same time: Daisuke Matsuzaka has hit the disabled list with a right forearm strain. Scott Atchinson will take his place on the mound to start Saturday's game, so we're in for a long night of pitching.

Left-handed reliever Dustin Richardson, who strikes out a ton but walks a ton, has been recalled. It's possible, but doubtful that Josh Beckett could be ready to take Dice's next turn in the rotation.

I expect Atchinson will be farmed out after the game for another bullpen arm -- Michael Bowden and Fabio Castro are on the 40-man roster, so they're the most likely candidates. You would imagine Bowden or Boof Bonser would slot in the rotation for Matsuzaka's next start.

Breaking: Kendrick Perkins to sign with Red Sox

The Red Sox are expected to sign sixth-round pick Kendrick Perkins, I've learned.

Perkins, 18, had a strong commitment to Texas A&M, causing his draft stock to fall. He has excellent speed and power, but is considered to be a bit raw -- but you can say that of any high-school player.

6/12 Online Seats Game Thread: Can Boston Bomb Blanton Too?

A day after the Boston Red Sox took the Phillies out to the yard to play yesterday. Today, Daisuke Matsuzaka will do his part against Joe Blanton, who has been struggling since his return.

Daniel Nava a major leaguer!

It's been a long time for Daniel Nava, but the 27-year-old former independent league player has made it.

Sox Prospects is reporting that Josh Reddick has been sent down for Nava. Not only has Nava thoroughly dominated minor league competition in his time with the Red Sox's farm system (.342/.434/.545 in 1,187 plate appearances with 314 of those in independent baseball -- the Chico Outlaws of the GOBL in 2007 at age 24) but he has proven in his first season at Triple-A Pawtucket that he deserves a promotion.

The 5-foot-10 switch-hitter has a strong arm, average speed and tremendous plate discipline. He batted .294 with a .364 OBP and .492 slugging percentage for Pawtucket in 2010. He will be a better "jack-of-all-trades" outfielder for the Sox. Reddick, meanwhile, has loads of talent but has yet to prove his capability in not only the majors, but Triple-A.

6/11 Online Seats Game Thread: The Best of the NL

Sometimes interleague play brings you the Pittsburgh Pirates. Other times, it brings you the Philadelphia Phillies. Let's hope the Boston Red Sox can maintain their swagger as they take on one of the best squads in the NL.

Looking for Signals that the Draftees Will Sign

In a chat on BaseballAmerica.com, Jim Callis thinks “…the Red Sox have drafted the most highly regarded talent. To have the best draft, they'll have to sign a lot of those guys. No reason they won't, though, that's their approach.” Callis is dead on; a successful 2010 amateur draft will be if Yawkey Way signs most of the amateurs mentioned below.

Moving to CBS Sports, plus Red Sox thoughts

Although my time at NESN was far, far shorter than I hoped/expected, I've moved on to the next phase of my career which takes me to the MLB Facts and Rumors blog at CBS Sports.

I'll be writing alongside long-time Mariners reporter David Andriesen (previously sighted at the Seattle Post-Intelligencer) and C. Trent Rosencrans (Cincinnati Post) to bring baseball fans the latest in general baseball coverage. You can see me there starting Monday.

I'll be checking in at Fire Brand multiple times a week, resurrecting the trivia challenge and letting everyone know of the latest transactions involving the BoSox.

I'd like to take this time to say a few things I didn't over the last few months, as well as put out a call for ways Fire Brand can improve:

6/10 Online Seats Game Thread: The Hangover, Masterson Edition

Justin Masterson routing Clay Buchholz to embarrass his former team was a forgone conclusion? Say whaaaaaa? After a stunningly, shockingly, horrifyingly inane loss last night, the Boston Red Sox will scrape up their shattered dignity and finish an otherwise strong series in Cleveland. And what better man to slam the door than Jon Lester? Certainly not Boof Bonser... that's for sure.

Bullpen positives and negatives

Look on the bright side. When it comes to the Sox best relief pitchers, all are home grown.

Yet, outside of Jonathan Papelbon, Daniel Bard and Manny Delcarmen there has not been a lot to like about the Sox bullpen this year. You probably had the feeling, as I did, heading into the season that the relief corps would be somewhat of a problem when the big decision heading out of Fort Myers was whether to carry Scott Schoeneweis or Scott Atchison.

Into the second week of June, the Sox bullpen has an ERA of 4.24. Compare that to the strong relief that a team like the Padres are getting (2.70 ERA) or or the Rays (3.23) and you see just how far off the pace Boston has fallen in an area that presumably was a strength coming into the season and was a relative strength last year (3.80 ERA).