Tuesday Links

Cecchini’s defense improved last season. Photo by Kelly O’Connor

The good news is the Red Sox didn’t extend their losing streak on Monday, because they didn’t play. The team enjoyed their third off day this month after being swept by the Detroit Tigers over the weekend. Boston will start their climb back to .500 on Tuesday night as they welcome in the Toronto Blue Jays for a three game set. Game one will feature a battle of left handers, as Felix Doubront will be opposed by Toronto southpaw J.A. Happ. For the Red Sox, Doubront will look to build off his solid outing against the Twins in which he allowed just one run on 7 hits in 6.1 innings pitched. Tuesday night will mark Happ’s third start of the season, since he began the year in Toronto’s bullpen.

• The lack of production from the Red Sox youngsters has been a point made loud and clear, but it isn’t only the three sub-25 year old’s that have held back Boston’s offense. Shane Victorino, an important part of last years team, hasn’t been his 2013 self, as evident by his gaudy platoon splits. (The mirage that fooled the Red Sox about Shane Victorino’s production)

• With the recent injury to Will Middlebrooks and otherwise lack of production at third base, the Red Sox have reportedly explored outside options at the hot corner. Although Boston’s effort to improve the left side could be hard given the stage of the season, there are some intriguing names to consider. (Red Sox trade rumors: Potential targets for third base)

• Amid the speculation that the Red Sox are looking to upgrade at third, perhaps the most logical fix for the team lies at short stop. Former Red Sox and current free agent Stephen Drew would force Xander Bogaerts off his native position, but would solidify the infield defense and add a scrappy hitter to the Sox line-up. (First move for Red Sox should be to revisit Stephen Drew)

• While walk-up songs are a seemingly meaningless part of baseball, players that chose their music often times have a reason for doing so. From Shane Victorino’s Boston Marathon inspired sing-along of “Three Little Birds”, to Junichi Tazawa’s song about a burrowing rodent, everyone has a story. (Stories behind Fenway walk-up songs)

• In less that two weeks the Red Sox will have played exactly one-third of their season, which means a lot when you consider the Moneyball system Boston often abides by. The coming 11 days leading up to the 54 game mark will be important in evaluating the Red Sox roster and deciding who stays and who goes. (Time is now for Red Sox to start playing like contenders)

• A lot of fans wondered if Will Middlebrooks’ recent injury would prompt the Red Sox to promote third base prospect Garin Cecchini. But instead Boston elected not to advance the 23 year old, citing his defense as a reason to keep him in Pawtucket. Now, Cecchini knows how close he is to making the MLB, and promises that the next opportunity won’t pass him by. (Garin Cecchini on defense: “I will improve”)

• Tweet of the day: This kid’s alright