It cannot be understated how impressive Pauley's outing was on the heels of a disconcerting effort by Beckett that raised questions about his location and left an already depleted bullpen with far too many innings to fill.
In only his second major league start, Pauley scattered eight hits and surrendered two runs, making a strong case for remaining with the big boys by acquitting himself on one of baseball's most pressure-packed stages.
``It was an amazing feeling, one I'll never forget," he said. ``It's a moment in my life that will be there for the rest of it."
In one evening, Pauley experienced everything that comes with facing the Pinstripes: the adrenaline of performing well against them, the drama of squirming out of a jam, the disappointment of being pulled from a tie game, the agony of watching someone walk in the go-ahead run, and the heartbreak of seeing Melky Cabrera's leaping grab of a Manny Ramírez home run ball that would have tied the game and gotten the rookie pitcher off the hook.
Welcome to the big leagues, kid.
``He did a good job," said Yankees outfielder Johnny Damon. ``He really didn't give us much to hit. He stayed with the sinker all game. If he keeps that game plan, he's going to be very successful."
``They say if you do well here, you can do well anywhere," mused Pauley, who will never be mistaken for Ol' Blue Eyes.
So how did Pauley get here? He says he was wondering the same thing just a few days ago. The pride of Longmont, Colo., came to the Red Sox from San Diego in the deal with outfielder Jay Payton in December 2004 but received barely a mention because of his tender age.
Pauley was on the 40-man Boston roster this spring, but his progress was lost amid more glamorous prospects named Papelbon, Lester, Hansen, and Delcarmen. Pauley reported to Double A Portland in the hopes his turn would come in the bigs someday.
