Wednesday’s Links – The Nuclear Stove

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

Everything just exploded yesterday. The offseason got very interesting very fast and it was pretty damn hard to keep up with it, even for me. Absolutely crazy.

• Despite leaving for a hated rival, Jacoby Ellsbury is no Benedict Arnold. What he contributed to this team over the last 7 seasons is incalculable, and should be respected . (Jacoby Ellsbury is no traitor)

• With Ellsbury gone, that leaves something of a absence in center field for the Red Sox. Jackie Bradley Jr. is the successor there, but is he ready? (What’s next for the Sox in center field?)

• This whole event just made the Shane Victorino signing look so much better. The Red Sox don’t have to scramble for a CF, and can focus on shoring up weaknesses. (Victorino, the Red Sox, and the Ellsbury Aftermath)

• With Jarrod Saltalamacchia off to Miami, the Red Sox have turned to A.J. Pierzynski for a one-year bridge to the young catchers of the future in the farm system. (With Salty gone, Sox turn to Pierzynski, Ross for one year)

• Ryan Lavarnway is now blocked once again, and may not even be the main candidate to inherit the position after 2014. His future doesn’t look to bright. (What Now For Ryan Lavarnway?)

• From being hated one year to universally liked the other: John Lackey is the winner of the Tony Conigliaro Award, which is given to a pitcher who has overcome adversity. (John Lackey wins Tony Conigliaro Award)

• Bargain bin time! Time to throw darts at the wall while blindfolded and hope you end up with some value. (Cataloging the non-tendered players)

Albatrosses everywhere!