Monday Links

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

While the Red Sox lost games on Saturday and Sunday, the weekend actually wrapped up on a good note. Reports surfaced that the Red Sox and David Ortiz agreed to a one year, $16 million extension that includes vesting options in ’16 and ’17. After finalizing an agreement with Ortiz, Cherington will likely turn his attention to extending Jon Lester, who’s entering the final year of his current deal.

• John Farrell made some interesting comments regarding Grady Sizemore over the weekend. Boston’s second year manager appears to believe that the 31 year old center fielder can contribute to the team on an every day basis. (Sizemore a starter? Looking that way)

• It’s always nice to have line up flexibility, but it’s even better to be able to use that flexibility without hesitation. Boston has a ton of options atop the order, and the players want to use that to their advantage. (Switches in batting order will happen, but you won’t hear the Red Sox complaining)

• It’s normal to be weary of how much a rookie can contribute in his first season at a starting position. However, Xander Bogaerts is a different breed and has shown the skill and maturity that should put fans minds at ease. (Why Red Sox won’t be worrying about Xander Bogaerts come Opening Day)

• 2013 was a fun, energetic, and unforgettable season for Red Sox players and fans, but unfortunately it’s over. Now the Red Sox are fully prepared to turn the page and start anew in 2014. (Jonny Gomes on the 2014 Sox: “Every year is different”)

• With just a week to go until Opening Day, the Red Sox continued to minimize their roster. The latest demotions included future helpful players in Rich Hill and Dan Butler. (Hill among Red Sox roster cuts)

• Given Grady Sizemore resurgence, and Jackie Bradley’s major league readiness, playing both in the same line-up shouldn’t be out of the question. (The Sizemore Debacle: Why no Grady in left, Jackie in center)

• Oh, here’s a fun series of GIF’s showing what an American League pitcher looks like batting during spring training. (Jon Lester batting against Cliff Lee went how you would expect)

• Tweet of the weekend: Kind of bittersweet to think this will be the last MLB contract that David Ortiz will sign.