Friday Links: Super Bowl weekend means spring in right around the corner

Photo credit: Kelly O’Connor

With Super Bowl weekend now upon us, the crack of the bat and the snap of the glove only get louder from here. Following the championship meeting between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots, Red Sox fans will have to wait just three short weeks before pitchers and catchers must officially report to Fort Myers. While watching the same handful of shots of pitchers playing catch won’t be the most exciting thing in the world, it will officially mark the end of the Red Sox tenure as last place finishers. A small victory, sure, but an momentous one nonetheless.

• The Red Sox announced on Thursday that the team had signed five players to minor league contracts. Included in the hoard of newcomers are position players Bryan LaHair, Quintin Berry, and Humberto Quintero. While pitchers Dana Eveland and Felipe Paulino will serve as pitching depth for Boston. Each player also received an invitation to Spring Training. (Red Sox give five players minor league deals)

• After failing to reach an agreement on a new deal, and subsequently submitting contract figures, the Red Sox and Daniel Nava avoided arbitration by settling on a one-year, $1.85 million contract. Nava, who was arbitration eligible for the first time in his career this winter, presented a unique case for Boston, as his 2014 season was a tale of two halves. (Daniel Nava avoids arbitration with Red Sox)

• Along with rebuilding the starting rotation and fortifying the lineup, the Red Sox offseason has also seen the team rid themselves of frustrating former top prospects. After falling out of favor in Boston, Ben Cherington elected to cut ties with five once-highly coveted minor leaguers. In return, the Red Sox received pitching and bench help in players such as Wade Miley and Ryan Hanigan. (Red Sox clean house of frustrating players)

• Christian Vazquez has yet to play his first full major league season, but the 24-year old is already drawing comparisons to one of the games best catchers. Former Cardinal’s pitcher and current Red Sox starter, Joe Kelly has given Vazquez the nickname “mini-Yadi”, a moniker which likens Vazquez to St. Louis’s Gold Glove backstop Yadier Molina. While the jury is still out on Vazquez’s bat, players who have watched the Puerto Rico native can all agree that his defensive skills are beyond his years. (Vazquez in his comfort zone behind the plate)

• Tweet of the day: Are more pen reinforcements on the way?