Tuesday Links

Photo by Kelly O’Connor of sittingstill.net

It was a quiet off day in Red Sox Nation, as the team headed back to Fenway after a weekend in Toronto. Boston is set to meet the Tampa Bay Rays for the first time this year, as John Lackey squares off against Erik Bedard. Like the Red Sox, the Rays have stumbled out of the starting gate too. Tampa Bay currently sits at the bottom of the American League East with an 11-15 record and are coming off a series loss to the Chicago White Sox.

• It’s become a trend around the majors to sign young talent almost immediately after they break into the MLB. We saw the Rays ink Evan Longoria long term after just 6 major league games. More recently, we the Braves lock up a handful of rising stars. Soon enough, Xander Bogaerts could be the next youngster to sign an extension. (Xander Bogaerts rumors: Red Sox rookie willing to sign extension)

• Once upon a time, Nomar Garciaparra was the Red Sox prospect that everyone was talking about. Now 17 years removed from his Rookie of the Year season, NOMAH still remembers what it took to succeed in the bright lights of Boston. (How to excel as a rookie shortstop in Boston)

• Last season, the Red Sox were one of the best home teams in Major League Baseball. Now a season later, Boston hasn’t shown the same comfort when playing at home, winning just 5 of 14 games played at Fenway Park. But while 5-9 isn’t a good record, it does remind you how large the Red Sox margin for error and improvement is at this point of the year. (Red Sox looking for home run)

• After a rough start to his Red Sox career, A.J. Pierzynski is coming into his own with the Red Sox. Now a month into the season, the veteran backstop has improved but he’s still learning his pitching staff, and the pitching staff is still learning him. (A.J. Pierzynski starts to catch on)

• While most of the 2013 Red Sox received their World Series rings on the field at Fenway Park, one fan favorite was given his in the far less glamorous Citi Field clubhouse. Jarrod Saltalamacchia, who played a large role in the 2013 Red Sox success, received his championship ring on Monday and reflected on his fourth and final season as a Red Sox. (Saltalamacchia proud to get World Series ring)

• Tweet of the day: Mookie Madness is alive and well