Wednesday Links

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

Usually, I absolutely hate the off day after Opening Day. Not only does it seem like the longest day of the season, but it’s also a big tease as we still get to watch other teams play. But since the Red Sox off day was spent being hanging with the President and being honored at the White House, I can’t complain.

• During the Red Sox trip to the White House, Jonny Gomes showed off his patriotic style. Sure his suite looked the cheapest, but it was certainly the most appropriate of the lot. (Gomes dons patriotic wardrobe at White House)

• Despite mispronouncing Mike Napoli’s name, President Barrack Obama made a terrific speech about the 2013 season. The Commander in Chief gave credit to the World Series win for helping the healing process of the Boston Marathon attack. (Text of President Obama’s address during Red Sox’s visit)

• A Red Sox off day leaves a perfect opportunity to check in with the Pawtucket Red Sox. While their season opener isn’t until Thursday, the AAA affiliate appears to tout an even spread of pitching and offense. (PawSox look to field another strong team this season)

• While Grady Sizemore’s resurgence has made replacing Jacoby Ellsbury easier, it’s become a bit mitigated by the loss of Shane Victorino to the DL. The Red Sox Opening Day outfield alignment will be just one of a handful of options the John Farrell uses to replace the Flyin’ Hawaiian. (Missing Ingredient: Shane Victorino)

• Despite not reaching a formal agreement, the general consensus is that the Red Sox and Jon Lester will reach an extension. But what if the “general consensus” is wrong? What would the future of the Red Sox rotation be like without Jon Lester? (Life after Lester? Mulling an Opening Day beyond the Red Sox ace)

• As he proved last season, John Farrell is a terrific manager overall. But some of his in-game decisions are head scratchers. Exhibit A came on Opening Day when the second year manager didn’t pinch hit for A.J. Pierzynski with the tying run on second base and a left hander on the mound.(Let the managerial second-guessing begin!)

• Tweet of the day: Only David Ortiz can take a selfie with the President. Only David Ortiz.