Friday Links

Photo by Kelly O’Connor of sittingstill.smugmug.com

When the Red Sox and Yankees meet, the stories usually write themselves. Whether it’s a big play, an extra innings marathon, or a close contest, there is always something to talk about the next day. Thursday’s game was no exception, as Michael Pineda and his pine tar drenched hand stymied the Red Sox over 6 innings of 4 hit, 1 run baseball. Meanwhile, Clay Buccholz tossed 6 innings and allowed 4 runs (2 of which were earned), while striking out 6. The Red Sox ended up dropping the series opener by a final of 4-1.

• Although Michael Pineda denied using any pine tar or illegal agent on the mound Thursday, judging by the pictures, it was pretty obvious he was lying. But while the fans and media will discuss the legality of the right hander’s performance, the Red Sox don’t seem to care about it. (Red Sox have no problem with Pineda pine tar)

• When Jacoby Ellsbury inked a 7 year, $153M deal with the Yankees this offseason, he joined the ranks of former Boston turncoats like Johnny Damon and Wade Boggs. On Thursday, in his first game against his old mates, the ex-Red Sox center fielder spoke fondly about his time with the Red Sox. (Ellsbury “excited” to face old team)

• Comparing any closer to Mariano Rivera would be ludicrous, but what Koji Uehara has done as the Red Sox 9th inning man deserves Rivera-like respect. The 39 year old’s improbably road to Boston’s ninth inning only makes his story more commendable. (The Mariano Rivera reminder: It’s time (once again) to appreciate Koji Uehara)

• While Koji’s greatness has been well documented, the same can’t be said for his fellow countryman. Despite no one outside Boston noticing, statistics show that Red Sox set-up man Junichi Tazawa has been among the leagues best reliever. (The “other” Boston reliever)

• Ben Cherington doesn’t always reveal much about the Red Sox behind the scenes operations, but he did offer some interesting comments on Thursday. Of the subjects he discussed, the third year GM’s most intriguing thoughts regarded the future of Jon Lester and John Lackey. (Cherington talks outfield, Lester, Lackey)

• By now we all know that David Ortiz loves to admire his home runs. But on Wednesday afternoon, he admired his 8th inning 3 run blast a little longer than usual as the ball sailed over the Pesky Pole. Subsequently, Ortiz set the a new record for “Longest home run trot”. (David Ortiz blasts game-winning homer, takes slowest homer trot ever)

• Tweet of the day: Pedroia’s cockiness is always in mid-season form.