Monday Links

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

After a dispiriting extra innings loss, the Red Sox are now in last place, 9 games out of first. Past Sox teams dominated at home, but after taking two out of three against the Yankees in New York, the team is 1-5 on the current homestand, and three games below .500 at Fenway on the season. With the mediocrity of the division, it’s still too early to throw in the towel, but any trade Ben Cherington makes at this point may focus on the future rather than this season.

• The bullpen has been one of the biggest strengths of the 2014 Red Sox, but they failed to come through last night. The pen gave up five runs overall and couldn’t keep the Orioles off the scoreboard in the 12th inning. (Bullpen allows 5 Runs in Loss)

• The 2013 team were champions, but the 2014 edition of the team has failed to meet expectations. With the trade deadline looming, many of the key components of the 2013 squad face an uncertain future in Boston. (Red Sox Soon Might Go Separate Ways)

• Jon Lester’s performance has been one of the few bright spots on the team this season. He was rewarded Sunday by being named to the AL All Star team for the third time. Expectations are that Koji Uehara will join Lester on the team as an injury replacement. (Jon Lester Named to All-Star Team)

• Despite his offensive struggles, Jackie Bradley Jr. has impressed with his defensive skills. They were on display again Sunday as he collected his 10th outfield assist, which leads the majors for center fielders. (Bradley’s Defensive Skills on Display)

• Red Sox fans were expecting big things from Xander Bogaerts this season. After a quick start, he’s mired in the worst slump of his young career. He remains confident, though, as he works on adjustments that he hopes will get him back to his early form. (Xander Bogaerts Confidence Unwavering)

• Tweet of the Day: Top pitching prospect Henry Owens continues to dominate in Portland.