Monday’s Links – Divisional Divide

Photo by Kelly O’Connor of sittingstill.smugmug.com

It’s gonna be a long week, because now comes a real test for the Red Sox. A four-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays. This should be agonizing, as always.

• It was a long grueling battle, filled with miscues, shaky pitching and missed opportunities. But at the end of it all, Mike Napoli sent us all home happy. (Mike Napoli comes through in the end)

• Everyone’s favorite second baseman, Dustin Pedroia, is just about to get an extension. Perfect timing too – a deal like that makes sense for both the Sox and Pedey. (Why extending Pedroia would make sense for both sides)

• Clay Buchholz said he’d be back soon after going on the DL on June 9th. Now it’s July 22nd, and he’s going to see Dr. James Andrews. Gulp and/or sigh. (Clay Buchholz to meet with Dr. Andrews in Fla.)

• Any new information on Buch will help simplify the trade market for the Red Sox, especially in their rising level of interest in one Jake Peavy. (Sox interest in Peavy hinges on Buchholz news)

• He says he doesn’t have an injury, but Jon Lester is still something of a mess. Boy, I just wish someone would tell me why he’s so bad! (Jon Lester: ‘I Don’t Have An Injury’)

• Worm-burners, a no-hitter and…missing cleats? It sounds strange, but those are what stand out in the career of Derek Lowe. (A tribute to Derek Lowe [and his shoes])

• Oh, so you think knowing how valuable prospects are is good? Because Ruben Amaro Jr. knows like, everything without those damn things. (Ruben Amaro wants you and your prospect lists to pound sand)

I want you to watch this more. You want you to watch this more. MLB wants you to watch this more too (if they had embed links, dammit!).