Friday Links

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

After taking the first three games of the series, the Red Sox looked to finish off the sweep of the Atlanta Braves on Thursday night. While the match-up of Jake Peavy and Mike Minor did not seem destine for a pitching duel, that’s exactly what took place in game four of the series. For the Red Sox, Peavy battled hard through 8 innings of 8 hit, 3 run baseball. Opposing Peavy, Minor tossed 7 strong innings, allowing 7 hits and just 1 run and 0 walks. However, when Minor left the Sox offense came alive, scoring 2 runs off Braves reliever David Carpenter and tying the game at 3. The score would remain knotted until the bottom of the 9th inning, when an error opened the door for Jackie Bradley to cross the plate and secure the 4-3 walk-off victory.

• With Clay Buchholz now on the 15-day disabled list, the Red Sox decided to recall Rubby De La Rosa from Pawtucket on Thursday. In 10 AAA starts this season, the 25 year old has crafted a 3.02 ERA with 52 strike outs and 23 walks. De La Rosa is slated to start Saturday nights game against the Tampa Bay Rays. (Rubby De La Rosa to start on Saturday in place of Clay Buccholz)

• Because of his lost 2012 campaign in which he underwent Tommy John surgery, the final year of John Lackey’s contract next season will pay him just $500K. But given the way that he has pitched and the complete resurrection of his career, should the Red Sox rip up his current deal and re-work a new pact to keep the righty in Boston? (Should the Red Sox extend John Lackey?)

• Last season, the LA Dodgers searched for a turning point in two bench clearing brawls, but ultimately only found success when regrouping and getting healthy. Similarly, the 2014 Red Sox have already tried to propel themselves with a bench clearing, but are quickly realizing that success only comes with better in-game execution. (Last year’s Dodgers did what this these Red Sox have to do)

• From Clemens to Nomar to Pedroia, the Red Sox have certainly made a ton of great draft selections over the years. But with so many terrific players occupying the same rounds, choosing the best Red Sox draft picks of all time is a tall task. (Roger Clemens Dustin Pedroia head list of Red Sox draft legends)

• Since moving to the bullpen last season, Chris Capuano has found a ton of success entering games in relief. However, while the southpaw is fine with remaining in the pen, he still hopes to one day return to the rotation. I guess you can take the pitcher out of the starting role, but you can’t take the starting role out of the pitcher. (Red Sox lefty Chris Capuano’s story: Too good to start)

• Tweet of the day: Probably his best bet at making contact against Craig Kimbrel…