Monday’s Links – Calendar’s End

Photo by Kelly O’Connor of sittingstill.net

It’s the end of 2013, folks. And boy, what a ride it has been. From blanketing uncertainty in the beginning of the year to sheer joy and excitement by the end. Amazing.

• It’s still so surreal, even for the most emotionally stoic of fans. Can the be a year in review that really describes everything in its full and unfettered glory? (Year in Review: Driven Red Sox hard to beat)

• It’s just so difficult to name a player of the year in Boston sports. But he has to be from the Red Sox, right? See if you can guess the right guy. (Boston’s 2013 Sports Stats Heroes)

• It’s big news that Masahiro Tanaka was posted, but the Red Sox might sneak in the back door on the bidding for the Japanese pitcher. (Red Sox might “quietly slip into” the bidding for Japanese right-hander Masahiro Tanaka)

• But, as always, the Red Sox have to look out for the luxury tax threshold. This time, it’s not just something that can be ignored and passed up. (Why the MLB Luxury Tax matters more than you think)

• The Red Sox went from tons and tons of MLB experience in 2013 to guys like Xander Bogaerts & Jackie Bradley Jr. up the middle. Could it work out? (Taking Stock Of The Red Sox’ Unusual Formula For Title Defense)

• Daniel Nava, since the beginning of the offseason, has transformed from an on-base machine to a full-time father. He doesn’t regret it one bit. (Nava has time to count his blessings)

• Do you guys like football in baseball parks? Because this is happening. (Fenway Park to host BC-Notre Dame football in 2015)

Even baseball guys are getting into the football spirit.