The Post reports the PTBNL is 24-year-old 3B Tim Hummel. His stats at AAA Charlotte look decent, though not as flashy as (ahem) Brandon Larson. However, he has had reasonable plate discipline through his career and is several years younger than Larson. BA listed him as the Sox' #6 prospect in 2002 but he dropped off their top 10 list for 2003.

Sounds like a potential stopgap at 3B until Encarnacion is ready, and the beginnings of a competition among Branyan, Larson, and Encarnacio for the starting job next spring.