Wednesday Links

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

Felix Doubront and Homer Bailey squared off on Tuesday, in the first of two games between the Boston Red Sox and Cincinnati Reds. Both starters pitched very “bend but don’t break” games for their respective clubs. For the Red Sox, Doubront surrender 5 hits and 3 walks over 5.1 innings, but managed to hold the Reds to 1 run. On the flip side, Bailey allowed 5 hits and 5 walks over 6 innings, but limited the damage to just 3 runs. After Junichi Tazawa allowed two runs to score in the 8th, the game was deadlocked at 3 a side. In the 12th inning, Grady Sizemore delivered a 0 out RBI single that scored David Ortiz, and secure the 5-4 win for the Red Sox.

• Usually, teams insist on letting the season play out before deciding whether or not to make a trade. But the 2014 Boston Red Sox are an exception to this norm. With a stacked minor league system, cash, and a bright future already under team control, the team is in a terrific position to pull the trigger on a deal. (2014 Red Sox a perfect fit for a deal)

• Since being drafted in 2009, Reds outfielder Billy Hamilton has brought new meaning to the expression “speed kills”. In 5 seasons in the minors, Hamilton swiped 379 bags, and was caught just 84 times. Now, as the Reds visit Fenway Park, the Red Sox need to focus on containing the rookies cheetah like speed. (Red Sox prepare themselves for Billy Hamilton on the bases)

• Grady Sizemore’s comeback seemed improbable right from the get-go, but the Red Sox rolled the dice anyway. In spring training the former MVP played like his old self, but in April he regressed. Now as the calendar flips to May Sizemore looks to be settling into a groove. (Grady Sizemore was a mystery, but Red Sox had patience)

• After his head first slide into second, and subsequent finger dislocation, it seemed as though Mike Napoli would need some time to recover. But since the incident, the hulking first baseman hasn’t let the injury effect his performance or availability. (Mike Napoli’s got his finger on problem)

• Now a-day’s it seems like every coach or athlete that retires releases a tell all book. Just like his former manager Joe Torre did before him, Mariano Rivera is set to release his own professional account. Within the book, the longtime Yankees closer chooses his side of the Dustin Pedroia vs Robinson Cano debate. (Mariano Rivera–Dustin Pedroia preferable at second base over Robinson Cano)

• Tweet of the day: It’s all about product placement