John Lackey
After the Toronto Blue Jays took the first two games of the series, the Red Sox hoped to salvage the Thursday’s series finale and end a 6 game losing skid. Both clubs sent their staff ace to the mound, as southpaws Jon Lester and Mark Buehrle squared off. Right from the get-go the Blue Jays offense came out swinging against Lester, tallying 7 runs in the first two innings of play. Lester eventually settled down and wound up pitching into the 7th inning, but the damage was insurmountable for the Red Sox offense. Xander Bogaerts chipped in with a long home run, and Jonny Gomes collected an RBI single, but ultimately Boston was unable to overcome the 5 run deficit.
- While Clay Buchholz struggles this season may seem odd given his 2013 performance, historically they’re not unheard of from the right-hander. On top of a well documented injury history, Buccholz has had a difficult time sustaining his performance from season to season. (Why Clay Buchholz’s struggles aren’t as shocking as you might think)
- After losing all 6 games this past home stand, there aren’t many positive things to say about the Red Sox at the moment. However if you had to look for a silver lining, you could take solace in the fact that Xander Bogaerts bat is starting to really heat up over the last couple games. (Bogaerts’ hot bat is lone bright spot)
- Thanks to the mediocrity of the American League East, the Red Sox are not buried in the standings, and at 6 games under .500 are only the second worst team in the division. Below Boston lies the Tampa Bay Rays, whom the Red Sox will visit this Memorial Day weekend. (A Series Matter: Red Sox-Rays and the race to respectability)
- With the international signing period fast approaching, the Red Sox are set to make their presence felt on the global market once again. Recent speculation has linked Boston to most of the top players available, like 16 year-old hurler Andres Espinoza and Dominican righty Christopher Acosta. (Baseball America predicts Red Sox to sign top-10 international prospect)
- In an effort to test his versatility, the Red Sox have recently moved native infielder Mookie Betts to center field. So far in just a handful of opportunists at the position, the 22 year old has excelled and even earned a vote of confidence from Ben Cherington. (Red Sox prospect Mookie Betts to get time at all three outfield positions)
- Tweet of the day: A reminder to keep you sane
https://twitter.com/talkinsoxwdan/status/469579942137958401