But there is a chance he could take a more circuitous route to Boston -- through Beijing, China.
As long as Bowden is not on a major league roster by July 15th, he'll remain eligible for selection to the United States Olympic baseball team.
"It would be an unbelievable experience," he said. "It would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I think it would be great."
With 72 strikeouts, a 2.30 ERA and sparkling 0.86 WHIP in 74.1 innings for the Portland Sea Dogs, Bowden may not be long for that level however, which is why his inclusion on the 24-man Olympic roster is speculative at best.
USA Baseball Executive Director/CEO Paul Seiler would not name any players the organization is looking at specifically, but a spokesman said, "Bowden is on our radar."
Bowden is eligible, but even if USA Baseball wanted him, the Red Sox could tell them no.
"It becomes a function of who you're looking for and who you can get," Seiler said. "That's the biggest challenge with this."
How large USA Baseball's watch list is remains unknown, but it will narrow it down to a 60-man provisional roster by the end of this month. From there it will work down to a final roster that will be announced on July 15.
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/beaconnews/sports/1006519,2_2_AU15_BOWDEN_S1.articleOfficial Olympic competition begins Aug. 13 with the semifinals and medal rounds taking place on Aug. 22-23, but players will be away from their minor league teams for 25 total days.
Major League Baseball rosters expand to 40 on September 1st, which is a date Bowden has pegged for a potential call up to Boston.
"It'd be a great experience," Bowden said. "But if it has any effect on my career or what's going to happen the rest of this year, I wouldn't want to do that."
On one hand, I say no way in hell. He is on a major roll, everything is going right for him in his development, and if he is going to get hurt it should be in a Sox-system uniform.
On the other hand, it's a once in a lifetime opportunity for him. You have to expect him to stay healthy and not be scared with every pitch he throws. Plus, it would be nice to see him perform on the biggest stage imaginable.
So, if you are Epstein do you even consider it, or are you keeping him in New England all summer?

