Thursday Links

The new guy.

The Red Sox and Rangers met for the rubber game of the 3 game series at Fenway Park on Wednesday. Jake Peavy took the mound for Boston for the second time this season. The right hander tossed 6.2 strong innings, allowing just 1 run on 3 hits and 4 walks, while striking out 8. Both the Red Sox and Rangers offense were stagnant for most of the game, combining for 6 hits through 7 innings. However, David Ortiz swayed the score with a 3-run bomb in the bottom half of the 8th, Uehara slamed the door, and the Sox collected their 3rd win of the year by a final score of 4-2.

• It’s a good thing the Red Sox didn’t rid themselves of Jake Peavy this offseason because he’s arguably been the teams best starter so far. Granted it’s still early, the veteran right hander turned in his second straight solid start and featured an impressive repertoire. (Jake Peavy displays diverse pitch mix in strong start)

• Conversely to Peavy, Felix Doubront has been dreadful thus far this season. In the southpaw’s most recent start, he gave up 5 runs in 2.2 innings pitched. However, it still might be early to hit the panic button on Doubront, especially if he can tap into last seasons performance. (Don’t give up on Felix Doubront yet)

• Without a true lead off hitter John Farrell has continued to tinker with the top spot. So far we’ve seen Daniel Nava, Grady Sizemore, and even Jonny Gomes atop Boston’s order. Now, with the emergence of Jackie Bradley, the Red Sox rookie should get a shot at the lead off spot. (Hot Bradley could become leading man)

• Shane Victorino has finally recovered from his bout with the flu, but don’t expect to see him on the field anytime soon. The virus caused the outfielder to lose weight and stop all baseball activity, therefore he’ll need to build himself up again before he takes the field. (Shane Victorino takes first steps back from “frustrating” season opening stint on the disabled list)

• If all goes according to the Red Sox plan, we won’t see Brandon Workman in the pen anymore. The tall right hander was recently optioned to AAA Pawtucket and will be used exclusively as a starter from here on out. (Now the Brandon Workman is a starter in Triple-A, Red Sox hope to let him develop)

• Curt Schilling announced (via twitter) on Wednesday that he is officially done with chemotherapy treatment. The former major league hurler was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer earlier this season. (Schilling wraps up chemotherapy)

• Tweet of the day: Pssh, rookies. Amiright?