Monday Links

John Lackey

The Red Sox wrapped up the first half of the season on a high note over the weekend. Boston took 2 games out of 3 in their first meeting of the season with the Houston Astros, and picked up a game in the division standings. On Friday night, John Lackey battled through 6 innings of work, and allowed just 2 runs on 4 hits and 5 walks. Meanwhile, the recently recalled catcher Christian Vazquez had a huge night at the plate, picking up 3 hits, including 2 doubles and 3 RBI. After Lackey departed, the Red Sox bullpen allowed a run, but managed to hold onto a 8-3 advantage. In game 2 of the series, Jake Peavy pitched his best start in a while, but the Sox offense just couldn’t cash in with runners on base. The Red Sox managed to collect 13 hits against Astros pitching, but only managed to push across 2 runs. As for Peavy, he pitched 7 effective innings, allowing 3 runs on 6 hits and one walk, while striking out 9. In the rubber match of the series, the Red Sox offense exploded and scored 11 runs on 16 hits. Leading Boston’s attack was none other than Brock Holt, who collected 5 hits including a home run. On the mound, Clay Buchholz tossed 9 dominate innings of work, allowing just 3 hits while striking out 12 and issuing no walks. Boston enters the All-Star break tied for 4th place in the AL East with a 43-52 record.

• Brock Holt isn’t your prototypical power hitter and probably will never profile as one either, but the 27 year old has more pop than his 5’10, 185 pound frame would suggest. The Red Sox knew about Holt’s power potential when they acquired him from the Pirates, but hadn’t seen it until a friendly home run derby held before an exhibition game in Colorado. (The day the Red Sox discovered Brock Holt had power)

• Now that the Red Sox have reached the halfway point of the season, it’s important for them to take stock of where they are as a team. Certainly, no one should be happy with their 43-52 record, but there are reasons to believe the Red Sox can get back in contention. (It’s going to get complicated: Trying to decipher what to make of these Red Sox)

• Clay Buchholz isn’t back to where he was when he was dominating the league a year ago, but over his last few starts he’s shown signs of his 2013 self. Although, the right-hander has faced some underwhelming competition recently, Buchholz stock could be on the rise. (Is Clay Buchholz on the rise again?)

• Now a-day’s everyone seems to have a take on the contract negotiations between the Red Sox and Jon Lester. Over the weekend, Lester’s fellow rotation mate, John Lackey, threw in his two cents on the matter. Lackey likens Lester’s situation to that of his own negotiations as a 30 year old impending free agent with the Angels. (John Lackey frets over Sox’ approach towards Jon Lester)

• Prior to this weeks All-Star festivities, some of the MLB’s brightest and most talented prospects convened in Minneapolis for the annual MLB Futures Game. The Red Sox sent two representatives to the twin cities; starting pitcher Henry Owens and infielder Sean Coyle. (Red Sox prospects high at Futures Game)

• Tweet of the weekend: How about you just pay Lester…?