Friday Links

By Kelly O’Connor of sittingstill.net

After being rained out on Wednesday night, the Red Sox and Rays played a day-night double header on Thursday at Fenway Park. Boston took a tough loss in game one, after Jake Peavy broke a 1-1 tie by surrendering a bases loaded walk to David DeJesus. Tampa Bay’s second run would ultimately be the difference in the game as the Red Sox lost 2-1. In the night cap, Felix Doubront bounced back from his horrible start against the Yankees and tossed 6 strong innings, allowing just 4 runs(3 earned) on 5 hits. Boston’s offense enjoyed a 5 run 5th inning on RBI hits from David Ortiz, Mike Napoli and Grady Sizemore. However, the usually sure-handed Junichi Tazawa and Koji Uehara faltered in the 8th and 9th respectively, and the Red Sox dropped the second game of the double header by a final of 6-5.

• Just as frequently as Felix Doubront has found problems, he’s found solutions. Although the 25 year old has been known for being erratic, he’s been able to consistently make adjustments from start to start. This season, after his latest rocky outing against the Yankees, the left hander didn’t adjust his mechanics or change his schedule. Instead, Doubront’s correction was more mental, than physical. (Why Felix Doubront’s latest adjustment might be his most important change yet)

• Stop me if you heard this before: The Red Sox are bashing the replay system. Boston’s latest beef with the new technology comes after Dustin Pedroia was called out on a bang-bang play at the plate, even after John Farrell challenged the call. While the umpires deemed the replay “inconclusive”, the Red Sox felt as though there was enough evidence to overturn the call. (Jake Peavy on replay system “This is a joke, it’s embarrassing)

• One could argue that if Dustin Pedroia had slid head first into home on Thursday, he would have been safe. But instead Pedroia chose the less effective, but much safer, feet-first slide, keeping his 2013 injury in mind. For most players choosing their sliding etiquette is usually based on instinct, but Red Sox coaches hope more players follow Pedroia’s lead and go feet first. (Feet-first slide by Dustin Pedroia costly Thursday, beneficial in big picture)

• The Red Sox stumbled through an inconsistent month of April, but over this past week we finally started to see the fruits of Ben Cherington’s labor. Nevertheless, the Red Sox remain a questionable group that has some kinks to work out as the season roles into May. (Five ways the Boston Red Sox can be better in May)

• With the first month on the 2014 season behind us, the Red Sox aren’t the only ones playing ball. Boston’s minor league system has seen a flurry of terrific performances so far. Highly touted players like Henry Owens and Mookie Betts have played exceptional, while lesser know prospects like Keith Couch and Cody Kukuk have also made names for themselves. (Farm notes: Betts soars up the charts)

• Tweet of the day: Ex-Sox showing up at Fenway is always fun