Monday Links: It’s all over

Photo credit: Kelly O’Connor

The Red Sox and the rest of major league baseball bid a fond farewell to Yankee’s Captain Derek Jeter over the weekend, as the 40-year old played the final series of his 20 year career. After Boston and New York split the first two games of the weekend series, the bitter rivals took Sunday’s game 162 to honor Jeter, and the legacy he left behind. Before the game, the Red Sox held a lengthy ceremony on the field, featuring former Boston sports captains like Troy Brown, Bobby Orr, and Paul Pierce. The Red Sox then presented Jeter with a sign from the Green Monster’s manual scoreboard that read “Re2pect”, and a pinstriped second base bag. Following the pregame festivities, Michael Pineda — sans pine tar — and Clay Buchholz — sans bullfrog — took the mound for their respective clubs. After two straight scoreless frames for both starters, the Yankees hung a 4 spot on the scoreboard in the 3rd inning. With runners on first and second, Ichiro Suzuki grooved a bases clearing triple to the triangle in right-center field. Derek Jeter then strolled to the plate for what would be the last time in his career. The Yankee Captain collected an RBI single on a high chopper to third baseman Garin Cecchini, and was promptly lifted for a pinch runner. Jeter left the field to thunderous applause from the Fenway crowd, and even stopped by the pitchers mound to shake Buchholz’ hand. New York wound up scoring 4 runs in the 4th, and further widened in the 7th by scoring 5 runs. Down 9-0, Boston scored 5 runs of their own in the home half of the 7th, highlighted by RBI doubles by Dan Butler and Mookie Betts. However, the Red Sox were unable to overcome the 9-5 deficit, and fittingly ended the 2014 season with their 91st loss.

• While the Red Sox aren’t heading to the playoffs, their former ace Jon Lester is set to take the mound for the Oakland A’s Wild Card game on Tuesday night. A free agent at season’s end, Lester has arguably been one of the leagues best pitchers this season, and is set to command a huge payday this winter. But before the southpaw starts taking offers, he hopes to cap off a hectic season with another championship ring. (One crazy summer: Jon Lester reflects on ‘whirlwind’ of a regular season)

• Unlike Derek Jeter, David Ross has yet to decide if he’s going to continue playing baseball in 2015. While the 37-year old catcher knows that his career is closer to the end than the beginning, Ross would prefer playing another season, but knows the market isn’t necessarily in his favor. The Red Sox almost certainly won’t retain the catcher, with Christian Vazquez set to handle the every day workload next season. Still, clubs looking for a light hitting, defensive-minded veteran could come calling for Ross this winter. (Hopeful for another shot, David Ross at peace if this is it)

• On Sunday, the 2014 Red Sox officially completed the worst-to-first-to-worst roller coaster ride of the past three seasons. Coming off their third World Series title in the past 10 seasons, the Red Sox had high expectations entering this year. However, under performance and injuries forced Boston to dismantle their roster, as they vanished from the American League playoff picture. With the season now over, the Red Sox can take solace in the fact that they have the young talent and finances to ascend back to the pinnacle of baseball in 2015. (Red Sox see hope for better results next year)

• The 2014 trade deadline officially marked the Red Sox setting their sights on the 2015 season. The team sent away almost all of their starting pitching and dealt some valuable role players during their flurry of moves. Instead of using the second half of the season to make a playoff push, the Red Sox used the last 2 months as an evaluation period to watch their new additions and rookie talent. While the teams young pitchers struggled to find consistency, Boston’s rookie position players found great success at the plate and in the field. Heading into the offseason, the Red Sox can now use their evaluations to craft a plan of attack for the winter. (What Red Sox have learned in two months since the trade deadline)

• Red Sox players have made significant waves by taking selfies this season. First it was David Ortiz who decided to snap a quick picture of himself and President Obama during the team’s White House visit earlier this season. Now Joe Kelly is making headlines, after he and Derek Jeter posed for a picture on the field prior to Sunday’s game. Along with the picture itself, the right-hander’s wife added her feelings on the two ball players. (Joe Kelly’s wife the big winner on Twitter on Derek Jeter Day)

• Tweet of the day: Better days are on the way…