Wednesday Links

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

After dropping the first game on Monday, the Red Sox looked to even the series against the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday night. Brandon Workman stole the show for Boston, as the 24 year old stymied the Orioles offense through 6 innings. Workman even carried a no-hitter into the 6th inning, but a two out single by Ryan Flaherty ended his bid. As for the offense, the Red Sox knocked in 8 hits against Oriole pitching but only managed to come up with one run on a Mike Napoli single third inning single. However, given Workman’s masterful effort and the bullpen reinforcements tossing 2.1 scoreless innings, just one run made the difference. Boston’s 1-0 shutout was the first of its kind since April 28, 2012, when the Bobby Valentine lead Red Sox blanked the Chicago White Sox.

• The Red Sox rotation has been just one of a few bright spots for the Red Sox so far this season. Jon Lester and John Lackey have combined to form a solid 1-2 punch, while Jake Peavy has been average. But with Boston 9 games back in the division, impending free agency for Lester and Peavy, and contractual concerns for Lackey, the Red Sox have a lot to think about between now and July 31st.  (As the rotation turns: What future Red Sox rotation uncertainty could mean for trade market)

• Despite being 9 games back of first place in the AL East and 5 games out of a Wild Card spot, Ben Cherington hasn’t called it quits in 2014. However, before the GM makes any moves to improve this seasons product, he will need to see the Red Sox rise in the standings and play to their capabilities. (Ben Cherington talks buying and selling: “We’ve got to stay in it”)

• The period between now and the trade deadline is an important 7 week span for the Red Sox. No longer will treading water cut it for the Boston, neither will long losing streaks followed by long winning streaks, or vice versa. Instead, the Red Sox will need to determine if this seasons team is one they should buy into, or sell away. (Red Sox need to break one way or the other)

• Brimming with confidence and pitching with conviction, Brandon Workman has thrived during his short time in the big leagues. After joining the rotation this season in place of the injured Clay Buchholz, Workman has garnered High praise from veteran starters like Jake Peavy and John Lackey. (Workman has won over his teammates)

• Injured starter, Felix Doubront pitched a rehab outing with the Pawtucket Red Sox on Tuesday. The southpaw tossed 4.2 innings, allowing 2 runs on 6 hits with a walk. But while Doubront’s performance was less than overwhelming, the lefty was more focused on feeling health than his final line. (Felix Doubront emerges from rehab start healthy, though enigmatic as ever)

• Tweet of the day: Yup, it’s officially trade deadline season…