Thursday Links

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

He did it again. Reprising his role as the “pitcher who can’t hide his pine tar”, Yankees starter Michael Pineda took the mound in the second inning of Wednesday’s game with pine tar smeared on his neck. John Farrell then decided that enough was enough and requested that the umps inspect Pineda for an illegal substance. It didn’t take long for them to discover pine tar on Pineda’s neck and eject him from the game. Meanwhile the Red Sox offense jumped out to a 4 run lead, powered by run scoring hits by Dustin Pedroia, A.J. Pierzynski, Mike Napoli, and Brock Holt. Boston’s offensive attack was backed by a stellar 8 inning performance from John Lackey, in which the right hander allowed just a run on 7 hits, while striking out 11.

• The Red Sox recalled right handed reliever Alex Wilson before Wednesday’s game. In a corresponding move the team used Daniel Nava’s final player option and demoted him to AAA. Nava has mightily struggled so far this season, and will look to work on his approach at the plate with the Paw Sox. (Daniel Nava disappointed, but not in disbelief over demotion)

• While pine tar is illegal for pitchers to use, most teams turn a blind eye to the official rule. But should that be the case? If the league is out to criminalize cheating of any sort, shouldn’t all cheating be treated the same? (Pineda’s pine tar opens up can of worms)

• Granted the Red Sox have yet to field a fully healthy line up this season, the teams defense has been a big problem so far. Currently, the Red Sox defense ranks among the worst in the league, but defensive stability seems imminent with Shane Victorino and Will Middlebrooks set to return soon. (Shaky defense a main factor in the Red Sox’ sluggish start)

• While the loss of Jacoby Ellsbury left the Red Sox with the largest hole, all 3 of Boston’s significant 2014 free agents took something away from their current product. Jarrod Saltalamacchia’s high OBP now plays for Miami, and Stephen Drew’s terrific short stop defense is an every day starter for Team Unemployment. (Absence makes the lineup grow weaker: Red Sox feeling the loss of Jacoby Ellsbury, other free agents)

• Just by using the eye test, you can tell that Jackie Bradley is a terrific center fielder. But if you thought your eyes were deciving you, they’re not. Statistics also show that Bradley is currently one of the best center fielders in the MLB. (Is Jackie Bradley Jr. becoming the best center fielder in baseball?)

• Tweet of the day: Make note of where you were when this happened, it’s a story you’ll be telling your grandkids.