Ryan Lavarnway, the Red Sox’ prized catching prospect who split time between AA Portland and AAA Pawtucket this season, is getting a shot at the bigs. The 24-year old catcher will join the Sox in Kansas City in time for tonight’s series opener against the Royals.

Lavarnway, who just turned 24 a few weeks ago, logged 30 home runs and 85 RBI in the minors this year, as part of an overall .293/.372/.559 effort. I’ve never seen him play, but the word on the street is that he’s an average catcher with great offensive upside.

I think I like this Lavarnway, and not just because his name is fun to say (Lavarnway! La-VARN-way! Lavarn-WAY!). Lavarnway went to Yale, and I’m married to a Yalie; Ryan is a catcher and I was a catcher – it’s fate! I feel like Ryan and I are friends already. (We’re also on a first-name basis with each other – do you see what I did there?).

Meanwhile, Kevin Youkilis – he of the sore back and the recent 16-for-83 skid at the plate – hit the DL today. More news on that as we get it.