The elusive Smiling Jacoby. Photo (c) Kelly O’Connor, sittingstill.smugmug.com
I’ve seized the opportunity to commandeer Fire Brand’s regular links post from the tyrant Brett Cowett, since Brett is writing today’s column. As a result of that, today’s links have become 125% more awesome. Let’s get started.
- He’s baaaaack! Terry Francona made his return to Fenway last night, but perhaps it’s not as significant of a homecoming as it seems. No matter what, I have no doubt Tito’s return to Fenway will be a spectacle, to say the least.
- There can never be enough written about Daniel Nava’s unique journey to the major leagues. Check out what his 2007 manager, Mark Parent, has to say on Nava during his time in the Golden League.
- Jacoby Ellsbury hasn’t exactly lit the world on fire in his contract season thus far, but he doesn’t seem too concerned by it just yet. Come for the Jacoby talk, stay for David Ortiz stealing third base.
- Felix Doubront seems to be inching closer to my worst nightmare – becoming Jonathan Sanchez. His most recent start (against the White Sox), however, was certainly a step in the right direction. With Franklin Morales prepping to start in the minors, Doubront needs a hot streak like no other right about now.
- We all knew Bailey was going to end up on the Disabled List at some point this year, but with his return this past Monday, he’s now in a position to benefit the team in a huge way this season. Of course, he’ll have to stay healthy going forward, as well. But that can happen, right? Right…?
- The Sad Tale of Daniel Bard continues, and the Sox are still not quite sure how to fix it. It might be too much to hope for Bard to return to the dominant setup man he was, but I would personally be happy just to see us salvage a decent middle reliever out of him at this point.
That’s all for now, but remember: Down with Brett! Down with Brett!