Although it seems like forever ago, I’m not all that far removed from my summer on the Cape broadcasting games for the Bourne Braves in 2008. Last night, the Cape Cod Baseball League kicked off yet another season that promises to be a success.

When you really think about it, the Cape League might be the best blend of talent plus love for the game on display anywhere in the country. Every young hopeful is playing for free in hopes of either being discovered or further increasing their stock.

Partially funded by Major League Baseball, the Cape League has produced such stars as Jeff Bagwell, Jacoby Ellsbury, Normar Garciaparra, Tim Lincecum, Frank Tomas, Evan Longoria, Buster Posey, Kevin Youkillis, and hundreds more.

As you keep up the with PawSox this summer, you might want to spend a couple of minutes each week checking in on what’s happening along the Cape. You never know who might be the next star to make a name for himself.

PawSox Notebook:

• Impressive work last night by Doug Mathis, Daniel Bard, and Garrett Mock. The trio of right-handers held the Bisons scoreless over nine innings and combined to allow a mere four hits. It marked the sixth shutout win of the season for Pawtucket.

• Despite walking the first man he faced, Bard saw the minimum over two innings and struck out the final four batters – one looking. Last night marked Bard’s first outing without allowing a run, and pitching more than one inning.

• Pedro Ciriaco is now riding a 10-game hitting streak (13-for-45), and is nearing his club-best streak of 12 games he set in May.

• Although we have not received official word confirming the move, RedSox.com is reporting that outfielder Cody Ross “plans on starting a Minor League rehab assignment on Friday for Triple-A Pawtucket.” Ross fractured a bone in his left foot when batting.

• Former PawSox pitcher, and current Red Sox reliever, Andrew Miller, is part of the Cape League’s 13th Hall of Fame class, scheduled for induction on November 10 at the Chatham Bars Inn. Miller pitched for Chatham and posted a 2-0 record with a 2.03 ERA in 2004 and a 6-0 mark with a 1.65 ERA in ’05. That year, Miller was named the league’s outstanding pro prospect, co-pitcher of the year, and college summer baseball’s player of the year.

The PawSox and Bisons continue their series tonight from Buffalo with righty Justin Germano (7-3, 2.56) getting the start for Pawtucket. Coming off a nine-inning complete game shutout, Germano will be opposed by right-hander Dylan Owen (3-3, 5.19).

First pitch tonight from Coca-Cola Field is set for 7:05, pre-game coverage begins at 6:50.

Talk with you then.

-AG

@aaronmgoldsmith
agoldsmith@pawsox.com

Miller has spent parts of seven seasons in the Major Leagues, the last two with Boston, after being drafted sixth overall in 2006 by Detroit. (Kelly O’Connor)