Tuesday Links

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

Boston celebrated Patriots day on Monday, which meant that the Red Sox held their annual 11 AM game to commemorate the holiday. Boston sent Clay Buchholz to the hill in hopes the righty could settle into a groove. However, Buchholz start was short lived, as the 30 year old lasted just 2.1 innings and allowed 6 runs on 7 hits. While Burke Badenhop pitched 3.2 innings of shutout baseball to stop the bleeding, the Red Sox offense roared back. Powered by contributions up and down the line up, Boston trimmed the deficit to just 1 by the 9th inning. However, with the tying run 90 feet away, Mike Carp grounded out and the Red Sox lost by a final of 7-6.

• Clay Buchholz has had a fairly mediocre start to the 2014 season. After four starts, the slender Texan has sandwiched 2 strong games, between to poor ones. While some may attribute his inconstancy to injury, the Red Sox consider it as a more manageable problem. (Red Sox insist Clay Buchholz’s arm strength, not health is the issue)

• The revolving door atop the Red Sox lineup claimed another victim on Monday. Infielder, Brock Holt has been swinging a hot bat since being recalled from AAA, and was given the opportunity to audition for the Red Sox top spot. (Sox hope Holt can spark leadoff spot)

• Both Shane Victorino and Will Middlebrooks were penciled in the Pawtucket Red Sox lineup on Monday. For Middlebrooks, it marked his first game since being DL’d with a calf strain. While Victorino has already played in a game with the Red Sox AAA affiliate. (Victorino collects first hit of rehab assignment, Will Middlebrooks hitless in Pawtucket)

• Although the Red Sox came up short in the 9th inning, the fact that they rallied back from a 5 run deficit was refreshing. Boston’s offense has been struggling early this year, but on Monday they looked more like their old selves. (Even in loss, Red Sox get back to old plate approach)

• By now we know that Koji Uehara seldom issues a walk. Therefore, it shouldn’t come as a surprise to know that the veteran right handers latest free pass broke up an unbelievable walk-less streak. (Koji Uehara walked a batter, but not before making baseball history)

• The Red Sox and Yankees kick off a three game set tonight at Fenway Park. This will be the second meeting between the two rivals this season, but it will be Jacoby Ellsbury’s first time back in Boston as a visiting player. (Ellsbury makes first trip back to Fenway in pinstripes)

• Tweet of the day: Maybe this is why Buchholz pitched so poorly…