The 2011 MLB Draft resumed on Tuesday afternoon as rounds two through 30 took place. As you might expect, the Boston Red Sox were busy trying to restock their minor league system.

Here’s a list of the players they drafted in rounds two through 15:

• Rd 2 – Williams Jerez, CF, high school
• Rd 3 – Jordan Weems, C, high school
• Rd 4 – Noe Ramirez, RHP, Cal State – Fullerton
• Rd 5 – Marcus Betts, SS, high school
• Rd 6 – Miguel Pena, LHP, San Jacinto College North
• Rd 7 – Cody Kukuk, LHP, high school
• Rd 8 – Senquez Golson, CF, high school
• Rd 9 – Travis Shaw, 3B, Kent State
• Rd 10 – Cody Koback, CF, Wisconsin – Stevens Point
• Rd 11 – Kevin Brahney, LHP, Cal State – Chico
• Rd 12 – Deshorn Lake, RHP, high school
• Rd 13 – Matthew Ott, RHP, LSU
• Rd 14 – Michael McCarthy, RHP, Cal State – Bakersfield
• Rd 15 – Braden Kapteyn, 1B, Kentucky

When the American All-Star Game voting totals came out for the first time last week, there were no members of the Boston Red Sox in a starting position. Well that has changed in six days.

After trailing Michael Young of the Texas Rangers by about 27,000 votes, Red Sox DH David Ortiz has taken the lead and holds roughly a 127,000 vote lead him on.

While no other members of the Red Sox are one of the potential starters, Jacoby Ellsbury and Carl Crawford have moved up in the outfield race.

Ellsbury was sixth in the voting last week trailing Texas Rangers OF Josh Hamilton by 250,000 votes. Now he’s in fifth place but still trails Hamilton by approximately 350,000 votes. Crawford found himself in eighth last week trailing Hamilton by 350,000 votes. He’s moved up to seventh but also trails by 470,000 votes. J.D. Drew also moved up to 13th in voting but is 728,000 votes behind Hamilton.

Adrian Gonzalez has also narrowed the gap at first base down to 65,000 votes behind Mark Teixeira.

Dustin Pedroia still is second in the voting at second base but has seen Robinson Cano‘s lead almost double. Kevin Youkilis remains in fourth at third base and is now 650,000 votes behind Alex Rodriguez.

We need to step up Red Sox Nation. One starter is unacceptable in my books. I’ve done my part with multiple email addresses, now it’s time to do yours.

Since the Red Sox are partnering up with the San Francisco Giants in the NL, be sure to Vote the Ticket! and get our boys to starting positions at the 2011 MLB All-Star Game.

For a full look at the vote totals, click on the read more button below if you’re on the home page.

After seeing Matt Barnes and George Springer drafted in the first round of the 2011 MLB Draft, UConn Huskies shortstop Nick Ahmed made it three Huskies when he was taken by the Atlanta Braves in the second round (85th overall).

Here’s the release from UConn:

STORRS, Conn. – University of Connecticut junior shortstop Nick Ahmed (East Longmeadow, Mass.) has been selected by the Atlanta Braves as the 85th overall pick in the 2011 MLB Draft this afternoon. Ahmed is the third Husky to be selected in this year’s draft, joining George Springer and Matt Barnes.

Ahmed, who is fourth on the team with a .333 batting percentage, was recently named to the Clemson Region All-Tournament Team as an unanimous selection. On the season, he has 61 hits, 51 runs, 35 RBI, 11 doubles and two home runs while posting a .965 fielding percentage. Earlier this year, Ahmed was one of 11 Huskies to earn post season accolades from the conference, as he was named to the All-BIG EAST Second Team.

After a day off on Monday, the Boston Red Sox look to regain a share of first place in the AL East in the first of a three-game set with the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium tonight.

Tonight’s first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. and you can watch the game on NESN in the Red Sox television market. If you live in the Yankees television market, you can catch the game on MY9. If you don’t live in either market, you are in luck as the game will be broadcast on the MLB Network. And if you can’t catch the television broadcast, you can always listen to the game on the 2011 Red Sox Radio Network.

Jon Lester looks to put his May struggles behind him against a team he’s had much success against in 13 career starts. In those 13 starts against the Bronx Bombers, Lester is 7-1 with a 3.49 ERA. Eight of those starts have come in the Bronx where he is 5-1 with a 2.45 ERA. He has made one start against the Yankees in 2011, picking up the win after allowing four runs in six innings of work back on May 15th. He’s made 12 starts on the season and is 7-2 with a 3.94 ERA.

The reclamation project that is Freddy Garcia makes his 11th appearance (10th start) of the season for Joe Girardi. In his previous 10 appearances (nine starts), Garcia is 4-4 with a 3.34 ERA. He’s made two appearances (one start) against the Red Sox in 2011 and is 0-1 with a 7.11 ERA (5 ER/6.1 IP). In 18 career appearances (17 starts) against the Red Sox, Garcia is 8-3 with a 4.56 ERA. His lone Yankee Stadium start against the boys from Beantown resulted in a loss back on May 15th when he allowed six runs (five earned) in 5.1 innings.

Click on the read more button below to see today’s lineups, batter/pitcher matchups and links from the day if you’re on the home page.

Here are tonight’s lineups:

33-26		33-24
1. Jacoby Ellsbury	CF	1. Derek Jeter	DH
2. Dustin Pedroia	2B	2. Curtis Granderson	CF
3. Adrian Gonzalez	1B	3. Mark Teixeira	1B
4. Kevin Youkilis	3B	4. Alex Rodriguez	3B
5. David Ortiz	DH	5. Robinson Cano	2B
6. Carl Crawford	LF	6. Russell Martin	C
7. Jarrod Saltalamacchia	C	7. Nick Swisher	RF
8. J.D. Drew	RF	8. Andruw Jones	LF
9. Marco Scutaro	SS	9. Eduardo Nunez	SS
Jon Lester	SP	Freddy Garcia	SP

And here is how the hitters have fared against tonight’s starting pitchers:

As expected, Marco Scutaro has been activated from the 15-day disabled list. To make room for him on the 25-man roster, Scott Atchison has been optioned to Triple-A Pawtucket.

Check back and/or refresh often as more links will be added if/when they become available before game time.

To open the links up in a new tab or window, use Control+click

Papelbon suspended 3 games; Lowrie to get MRI [Clubhouse Insider]

Red Sox, Epstein ‘real happy’ with first four picks [CSNNE.com]

Papelbon suspended; will appeal penalty [CSNNE.com]

Video: Edes previews Sox-Yankees series [ESPN Boston]

Sources: MLB suspends Boston Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon for 3 games [ESPN Boston]

Class A Greenville lands 3 All-Stars [Extra Bases]

Swihart: Texas is ‘Plan A right now’ [Extra Bases]

Podcast: Things are looking good [Extra Bases]

Blake Swihart talks catching, commitment to Texas [Extra Bases]

MLB suspends Papelbon for 3 games [Extra Bases]

Lowrie seeking MRI on sore shoulder [Extra Bases]

Comparing the Red Sox, Yankees lineups, Part II [Full Count]

Red Sox draftee Swihart: Going to college at Texas ‘Plan A right now’ [Full Count]

Matt Albers Listened to His Body, Avoided Another Long-Term Injury By Not Pitching Through Pain [NESN.com]

Bloomberg Sports Using Web-Based Analytics System to Make Major Impact Across MLB [NESN.com]

Red Sox Suffer Through Season of Losing, Fires at Fenway Park in 1926 [NESN.com]

Thanks to Films Like ‘The Town,’ ‘The Departed,’ Boston Is the New Hollywood [NESN.com]

Red Sox Unlikely to Trade J.D. Drew, Even With Productivity of Josh Reddick and Depth at Right Field [NESN.com]

Off to Yankee Stadium [Nuggetpalooza]

A Series Matter: Red Sox-Yankees and First Place! [Projo Sox Blog]

Well-rested Lester looks to put Sox back in first [RedSox.com]

Rivalry renewed with Yanks, Sox battling for first [RedSox.com]

Photo credits: Reuters Pictures, Reuters Pictures

The Boston Red Sox were off on Monday as they headed south to the Bronx as they get ready for a three-game set with the New York Yankees that begins tonight. And while the team was, Theo Epstein and his amateur scouting department were very busy as the Red Sox held four of the first 40 picks in the 2011 MLB Draft.

The Red Sox used their first pick (19th overall) to take UConn Huskies RHP Matt Barnes. That pick orginally belonged to the Detroit Tigers but the Red Sox received it as compensation for losing Victor Martinez during free agency. With the 26th pick that once belonged to the Texas Rangers (Adrian Beltre compensation), the Red Sox added some catching depth with high school catcher Blake Swihart.

Epstein also had two compensation picks in the supplemental round from losing those two players and used those picks to add a pitcher and an outfielder. With the 36th overall pick, the Red Sox took high school LHP Henry Owens. Four picks later, they drafted Jackie Bradley Jr. from the South Carolina Gamecocks.

From what I’ve been able to gather, the Red Sox did pretty well in the first round. They did get their man in Barnes who Theo Epstein had personally scouted late in UConn’s season.

The Red Sox head to New York just one game behind the Yankees. If they can manage to win two out of three, they can leave New York in a tie. Of course we’d rather see a Red Sox sweep and have them continue their roadtrip through the AL East in first place but we won’t get greedy.

They’ll also welcome Marco Scutaro back as he finished up his rehab stint with a three-hit performance in Pawtucket’s win yesterday. Scott Atchison was informed after Sunday’s game that he was heading back to the PawSox to make room for Scutaro.

We’ll be back later with tonight’s lineups, batter/pitcher matchups and links from the day. But for now, enjoy the overnight links by clicking on the read more button below if you’re on the home page.

To open the links up in a new tab or window, use Control+click

The new prospect crop: Sox hope first day of draft yields impact [Alex Speier – WEEI.com]

Red Sox select Barnes [Boston Globe]

He’s comfortable with his position [Boston Globe]

Lester will be well rested [Boston Globe]

UConn’s Matt Barnes 1st on list for Red Sox [Boston Herald]

Adrian Gonzalez not perfect, yet worth every dime [Boston Herald]

Red Sox, Yanks renew rivalry with first place on line [Boston Herald]

Hottovy’s wild ride to the big leagues [CSNNE.com]

Nation STATion: Red Sox/Yankees Nine to Know [CSNNE.com]

Soxprospects.com: Recapping Day 1 [ESPN Boston]

Theo: Day 1 of draft went according to plan [ESPN Boston]

Sox pick UConn’s Barnes No. 19; three others [ESPN Boston]

Theo Epstein and Amiel Sawdaye break down Day 1 of the Draft [Extra Bases]

Red Sox first-day draft wrap: GM Theo Epstein and Scouting director Amiel Sawdaye weigh in [Full Count]

Fenway Park Opens Gates For Two Soccer Matches, One Football Game During Red Sox’ Dismal 1925 Season [NESN.com]

Red Sox Take University of Connecticut Right-Hander Matt Barnes in First Round of MLB Draft [NESN.com]

Who Has Been Best Red Sox Draft Pick of 2000s? [NESN.com]

Red Sox and Yankees, both on top of their game, meet with first place on the line [Providence Journal]

UConn’s Barnes leads Red Sox’ day 1 draft haul [Providence Journal]

Red Sox coach warmed by unexpected gift [RedSox.com]

For more slices of Red Sox goodness, head over to the Boston Globe, Boston Herald, CSNNE,  ESPN Boston, NESN, Providence Journal, RedSox.com and WEEI websites.

Photo credit: Getty Images

Paw Prints is our daily look at the happenings for the UConn Huskies football, men’s basketball and women’s basketball teams as well as some of the other sports. We will do our best to bring you the links from all of the media that covers the Huskies on a daily basis. As always, links can be found by clicking on the read more button below.

Thank you for stopping by and making SOX & Dawgs your home for UConn Huskies news.

To open the links up in a new tab or window, use Control+click

UConn Women’s Basketball links

Breanna Stewart Happy To Mingle With Her Future UConn Teammates [John Altavilla – Hartford Courant]

Experienced Hartley Looking To Build On Last Season [Rich Elliott – CT Post]

Big East Official Won’t Commit To XL Center Hosting Tournament In March [Hartford Courant]

UConn Football links

Maintaining what was built at UConn [Andrea Adelson – ESPN.com]

Former Husky WR Marcus Easley Is Giving Back [Desmond Conner – Hartford Courant]

DC also answered a few questions in his mailbag [Desmond Conner – Hartford Courant]

UConn Football Player In The Spotlight: Quarterback Scott McCummings [Hartford Courant]

Other UConn related links

Baseball. Connecticut Takes Down Clemson 14-1 to Move into NCAA Baseball Super Regional [BigEast.org]

Baseball. Huskies Win Clemson Regional with 14-1 Victory [UConnHuskies.com]

Baseball. Springer, Barnes Taken in First Round of MLB Draft [UConnHuskies.com]

Baseball. UConn baseball advances to super regionals [CT Post]

Baseball. Red Sox tab UConn’s Barnes; Springer to Astros [CT Post]

Baseball. UConn Defeats Clemson 14-1 To Reach Super Regional [Hartford Courant]

Baseball. UConn’s Springer Taken 11th In First Round By Astros; Red Sox Pick Barnes at 19 [Hartford Courant]

BASEBALL: George Springer taken by Astros at No. 11, Matt Barnes by Red Sox [New Haven Register]

Baseball. Astros take UConn outfielder Springer with 11th pick [Houston Chronicle]

Baseball. UConn knocks out Clemson with 14-1 rout in regional [Spartanburg Herald Journal]

W. Soccer. Women’s Soccer Announces 2011 Schedule [UConnHuskies.com]

The Boston Red Sox used their earlier picks on UConn RHP Matt Barnes (19th overall) and HS catcher Blake Swihart (26th overall) leaving them with two compensation picks. Those compensation picks stem from losing Victor Martinez to the Detroit Tigers and Adrian Beltre to the Texas Rangers during free agency.

The Red Sox used the first compensation pick (36th overall) to take high school LHP Henry Owens. Owens does have a commitment to play college baseball at the U (Miami, FL). They then used the second compensation pick (40th overall) to take South Carolina Gamecocks OF Jackie Bradley, Jr.

Here’s what MLB.com had to say about Owens:

Big lefties tend to get noticed, and Owens has been on radars for some time now as he’s made the showcase circuit. The 6-foot-6 southpaw gets some Mark Langston comparisons, in terms of his body type, and he might have the arm to match. The SoCal high school product has a good delivery and arm action that allows him to throw his fastball 90-92 mph, peaking at 94 mph. He keeps it down in the zone and knows how to elevate it when needed. His curve, 69-74 mph, has two tiers to it. The first is a slower, Barry Zito-like breaking ball he throws to get strike one. The second is harder and generates more swings and misses. He also throws a slurvy slider, 75-77 mph, with a wide break. He has an advanced feel for a changeup and while he does try to work it in, he hasn’t needed to use it a lot at this level. He’s got polish on the mound, with advanced command and control of all his pitches, a package that could be a ticket to a first-round selection.

And here’s what MLB.com had to say about Bradley, Jr.:

Bradley, the center fielder for the University of South Carolina, seemed destined to be a no-doubt first-round pick before this season started. But struggles with the bat — he hit just. 259 over 37 games — and a wrist injury that required surgery have thrown his status into question. He swings a better bat than what he showed this season, having hit well in the tough SEC in the past as well as for Team USA this past summer. Though he’s only 5-foot-10, he packs surprising power into his frame. He’s a rare combination of an outfielder who has the chance to be an above-average defensive center fielder while having below-average speed. He’s got an above-average arm and plus instincts which should allow him to stay there, like a Jim Edmonds. A team that thinks the pre-2011 Bradley is the real one will likely still take a chance pretty early on.

Ironically enough, Barnes and Bradley will be able to get acquainted before they potentially become teammates in the Red Sox minor league system. Barnes’ UConn Huskies will take on Bradley’s South Carolina Gamecocks in the Columbia (SC) Super Regional this weekend with a berth to the College World Series on the line.

After taking UConn Huskies pitcher Matt Barnes with the 19th pick in the 2011 MLB Draft, the Boston Red Sox had another pick at No. 26. With that pick, the Red Sox drafted high school catcher Blake Swihart with that pick.

The 26th pick was originally the Texas Rangers first round pick but the Red Sox received as compensation for the Rangers signing Adrian Beltre during free agency.

Here’s what MLB.com had to say about Swihart:

On pure ability alone, Swihart very well could have first-round talent. That’s particularly true of his bat. He’s got a great swing from both sides of the plate and can really hit. He should hit for average with above-average power. Think a slightly better version of Colby Rasmus, a hitter who could hit .300 with 20+ homers annually. It’s unclear where Swihart’s eventual defensive home will be. A catcher in high school, some feel he won’t stay there at the next level as he’s not the biggest guy in the world, though he does have arm strength, and a team may not want the wear and tear of catching to take away from his offensive potential. A move to the infield seems unlikely as Swihart’s lack of speed wouldn’t suit him at, say, second base, so a corner outfield spot may make the most sense, and he should have enough bat for such a spot. He’s expected to be a very tough sign, with a commitment to the University of Texas, so it might take a team willing to meet his asking price to get him to become a pro this summer.

Swihart is committed to play baseball for the Texas Longhorns next year and it’ll probably take a small Brinks truck to sign him. But knowing Theo Epstein like we do, he’ll probably find a way to get him signed.