Tuesday Links

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

If losing the first game of the series against the Cubs wasn’t bad enough, the Red Sox were nearly no-hit by Chicago’s starter Jake Arrieta on Monday night. The Cubs right-hander was just 4 outs away from tossing the teams first no-hitter in 6 years, before Stephen Drew punched a clean one-out single into right field. While the Red Sox bats were silent all game, Jake Peavy battled through 6 innings of work, and allowed just 2 runs to cross the plate via a Nate Schierholtz 4th inning home run. In relief of Peavy, the Red Sox bullpen combined to toss 3 innings of scoreless baseball, holding the deficit to 2 runs. In the 9th, the Red Sox managed to bring the tying run to the plate, but the mini-rally was quickly stomped out as the next 3 batters went down in succession.

• If it were at all possible to feature a clone of Dustin Pedroia at every position, the Red Sox would probably be the grittiest team in the majors. But until science finds a way to copy players, the Red Sox will have to stick to drafting and acquiring players with a similar talent and attitude to that of their 30 year old second baseman. (A team of Pedroias? Red Sox hopes hinge on new roster look in second baseman’s image)

• The Red Sox are getting to the point where they need to make a final decision on Jon Lester’s future in Boston. With the southpaw set to score a contract well above the $100M mark, the Red Sox must determine if they’re willing to invest that kind of money towards their payroll. (Stagnant Jon Lester talks might mean Red Sox weary of long-term deal)

• Shane Victorino’s return from the disabled list has been slow and full of setbacks. Last week it was thought that the right fielder would be back with the Red Sox in time for their series with the Yankees, but Victorino experience back soreness. Now the 33 year old has no time table for his return, but hopes that he’ll be back before the All-Star break. (No timetable for Victorino’s return)

• Usually MLB most clubs are keep a pretty tight lid on their past, present, and future trade inquires. But fortunately for us, the Houston Astros aren’t like most teams. New leaked information reveals the teams last 10 months of trade musings with other teams. Among the trade proposals leaked, Houston asked the Red Sox for a player like Xander Bogaerts or Henry Owens, in exchange for Bud Norris during the trade deadline last season. (Astros’ leaked trade discussions features one doozy involving the Red Sox)

• Prior to Monday’s start, Jake Peavy had endured a dreadful month of June on the mound. In 5 starts, the right hander featured an ERA close 6 and opponents were hitting at a .300 clip against him. But against the Chicago Cubs on Monday Peavy finally looked like his normal self, allowing just 2 runs over 6 innings of work. But of course, the Red Sox offense was nearly no-hit. (Jake Peavy can’t catch a break as Red Sox are nearly no-hit in loss to Chicago Cubs)

• Tweet of the day: I feel like this has been said a lot this season…