Wednesday Links

Rubby De La Rosa could give the Sox’ bullpen the boost it needs in the second half. Photo by Kelly O’Connor, sittingstill.net.

The White Sox ensured at least a 4 game series split on Tuesday night, as they defeated the Red Sox for the second consecutive game. Brandon Workman toed the rubber for the Red Sox and was touched up for 3 runs in the early innings, courtesy of a fielding error by Mike Napoli, a run scoring double play, and an RBI single. Facing a three run deficit, the Red Sox showed signs of life in the third, as Dustin Pedroia and Mike Napoli chipped in with run scoring doubles, and Xander Bogaerts collected an RBI single to tie the score. However, an inning later Connor Gillaspie retook the lead for Chicago with a 2 run homer that wrapped around the Pesky pole. The White Sox went on to add 3 more runs to their lead in the top of the ninth, and secured a 8-3 win.

• Before the game on Tuesday night, rumors surfaced involving Red Sox veteran starter Jake Peavy. Early speculation linked the right-hander to the St. Louis Cardinals and Atlanta Braves. While the value for Peavy might not be all that high, the veteran could be packaged with another player(s) to bring something of value to Boston. (Peavy trade to Cards could happen quick)

• Outside of Mike Napoli and David Ortiz, the Red Sox line-up doesn’t feature much power, but what could the Red Sox have done differently this past offseason to add more thump to their order? Perhaps they could have been more aggressive on Jose Abreu or Nelson Cruz. Either way, the Red Sox power outage won’t be easy to fix. (How can Red Sox address power outage?)

• The Red Sox offense has taken a few steps back this season, but so to has the offense in baseball as a whole. While Boston is among the leagues bottom feeders in just about every category, the MLB frontrunners aren’t even posting numbers akin to past league leaders. (Red Sox offense is terrible, but decline in offense across baseball shortens road back)

• By all indications, it seems like Jake Peavy will be the first player the Red Sox will trade before the trade deadline. However, Boston roster also touts an attractive crop of players with a range of values. Beyond Peavy, names like Koji Uehara, Andrew Miller, and Jonny Gomes could be worthwhile options for buyers. (Who could the Red Sox trade if they choose to sell?)

• While Jake Peavy still takes solace in the fact that teams value him, he’ll be sad to leave Boston once a seemingly inevitable trade is completed. Peavy spent just about one full season with the Red Sox, but quickly grew a strong bond with the players and the city itself. (Peavy will be sorry to leave Boston)

• Tweet of the day: The MLB needs more players with attitudes like Jake Peavy