Monday Links: Road trip finale ends well for Boston

Photo credit: Kelly O’Connor

After splitting the first two games of the series, the Red Sox and Orioles played the rubber match of a 3 game set on Sunday. Right-hander Joe Kelly toed the rubber for the Red Sox in search of his second consecutive win. The 26-year old was opposed by Baltimore right-hander Miguel Gonzalez, who looked to bounce back after collecting a tough luck loss in his last trip to the mound. In the first inning, Mookie Betts kept his bat white hot, as he drilled a lead off home run to left field to open the scoring. The Red Sox added to their score in the fifth, as Yoenis Cespedes lined a run scoring single into center. The following inning, Red Sox catcher David Ross blasted his seventh home run of the season into straight away center and pushed the Red Sox lead to three runs. Meanwhile, Joe Kelly was dealing for Boston as he tossed seven innings of three hit baseball, striking out five and walking three. The only blemish on Kelly’s start was the Orioles two-run sixth inning. After Kelly left the game, Boston used three pitchers to preserve the 3-2 victory. The Red Sox will enjoy an off day on Monday, before beginning their final homestand of the 2014 season on Tuesday against the Tampa Bay Rays.

• While the Red Sox trade deadline this season was highlighted by the unexpected addition of Yoenis Cespedes, Boston also came away with some impressive rookie talent. Of the minor leaguers obtained by Boston, Eduardo Rodriguez, who was acquired from the Orioles in exchange for Andrew Miller, is receiving rave reviews for his ace-like potential. After struggling for most of the season in double-A Bowie, the 21-year old posted an ERA below 1.00 after joining the Portland Sea Dogs. While he may still grade behind the likes of Henry Owens in the Sox system, the southpaw’s three pitch arsenal was developed under a former dominate lefties watchful eye. (Did Red Sox land their future ace at the deadline? Revisiting trade for head-turner Eduardo Rodriguez)

• As opportunities for the Red Sox rookie pitchers mount, so to do the disappointing results. While Boston gutted almost their entire rotation at the deadline in order to get an extended look at their rookie arms, the results have begged to question who will help fill out Boston’s rotation next season. The four rookie arms in contention for a rotation spot next season have started a combined 49 games and posted an ERA north of 5.00. (Red Sox pitching prospects yet to take advantage of rotation opportunity)

• While the Red Sox rotation will change a lot in the coming months, Joe Kelly will more than likely remain a constant — and that’s just the way he wants it to be. After tossing a 7 inning gem against the Orioles on Sunday, Kelly spoke about how he strives to be relied upon and how he plans to improve going forward. During his second win in a Red Sox uniform, the 26-year old showed off a consistent 96 MPH fastball, and topped out at 99 MPH on the radar gun. (Kelly wants to be go-to guy for Sox)

• Aside from improving their rotation this offseason, the Red Sox also might want to think about adding another lefty to their line-up. Presently, David Ortiz, Brock Holt, and Daniel Nava are Boston’s only left-handed options at the plate, and the team’s minor league system offers virtually no left side help. Therefore, the Red Sox could cast a wide net to help balance out the line-up this winter, with the most logical opening being at third base. (Red Sox expect to be in the market for left-handed hitter)

• Just as September is a time for minor leaguers players to gain major league exposure, the same is true for minor league coaches. Pawtucket Red Sox manager Kevin Boles spent the weekend with the Red Sox in Baltimore, as the 14-year minor league coach tried to soak in life in the bigs. Boles, whose Pawtucket club took home the Governors Cup this year, plans to use what he learned to help faciliatate polished minor league talent through the Red Sox system. (PawSox manager Kevin Boles trying to make the most of major league exposure)

• Tweet of the weekend: Sox outfield is in good hands