Tuesday Links: That was embarrassing

Felix Doubront may make us angry, but replacing him now is premature. Photo by Kelly O’Connor, sittingstill.net.

“Defeated” is an understatement for what the Toronto Blue Jays did to the Boston Red Sox on Monday night. In actuality, destroyed, embarrassed, or dismantled would be a more appropriate description of the beat-down that took place at Fenway Park. Melky Cabrera’s first inning home run off Clay Buchholz opened the flood gates to an eventual 14 run Blue Jays attack. After 5 innings, the Blue Jays advantage was only 4 runs, but the 6th inning served as the back-breaker for the Red Sox, as Toronto pushed across 9 runs against Clay Buchholz and Felix Doubront. In the 6th, Melky Cabrera drilled his second home run of the game, 3 different Blue Jays collected RBI doubles, and 2 runs scored on outs. At the plate, the Red Sox bats managed just 5 hits against Blue Jays pitching, as R.A. Dickey stymied Boston for 7 innings, and Rob Rasmussen pitched 2 clean frames.

• The unfortunate reality of Jon Lester pitching in a different uniform is growing more and more palpable with each passing day. Now just 2 days away from the non-waiver trade deadline, rumors about the southpaws departure have been piling up. But while the odds still favor Lester being dealt buy Thursday afternoon, there is still a slim chance that his tenure in Boston isn’t quite over. (Why Jon Lester may (or may not) be traded this week)

• In more ways than one, a Jon Lester-for-Matt Kemp swap doesn’t make sense for the Red Sox. Kemp, a former MVP and Gold Glove award winner, has potential, but 3 seasons worth of injuries has resulted in a significant decrease in production. When considering Kemp’s predicted WAR, as well as his remaining contract obligations, Boston should only mull an offer in which the Dodgers absorb money and pair Kemp with one of their top prospects. (Jon Lester for Matt Kemp? Math doesn’t work)

• If it were up to David Ortiz, Jon Lester would be signed to pitch in Boston for the foreseeable future. The Red Sox slugger campaigned on Lester’s behalf prior to Monday nights game, and said that he believe the two sides will eventually come to an agreement. Whether or not he actually knows anything about Lester’s negotiations, though, is anyone’s guess. (David Ortiz make pitch for Red Sox to extend Jon Lester)

• After his shoddy performance on Sunday afternoon, it appears as though Allen Webster will make at least one more turn through the rotation. The 24 year old tossed 5.1 of 2 run baseball against the Rays over the weekend, but struggled with his control, resulting in 5 walks. Prior to being recalled, Webster was enjoying a terrific season with the Pawtucket Red Sox. (Allen Webster scheduled to stay in Red Sox rotation for now)

• Given the Red Sox contractual obligations, there are very few “untouchables” currently occupying roster spots. Boston has 8 players that are set to hit free agency at the end of the year, and only Dustin Pedroia is signed through the 2016 season. The nominal contractual obligations make it easy for Boston to move players via trade, which they’ll probably do in the next 2 day. However, unless the Red Sox are blown away by a trade offer, Mike Napoli and John Lackey are worth holding on to. (Barring an offer the Red Sox can’t refuse, Mike Napoli and John Lackey should remain here)

• Tweet of the day: You mean, he didn’t want to reiterate how worthy he is of a rotation spot?