Photo by Kelly O’Connor of sittingstill.net
After taking 2 of 3 games from the Oakland Athletics over the weekend, the Red Sox enjoyed an off day on Monday. The team will be back in action on Tuesday night, as they welcome in the Cinncinati Reds for a short, 2 game interleague series. Felix Doubront will take the hill for game one. The lefty is coming off a 6 inning effort against the Rays in which he allowed 3 earned runs on 5 hits. Opposing Doubront will be Cincinatti right hander, Homer Bailey. Tuesday’s game will mark Bailey’s second career start against the Red Sox, and his first career start at Fenway Park.
- While Sunday marked Sonny Gray’s first career start against the Red Sox, the Boston brass is far from unfamiliar with the 24 year old right hander. Before the pitching rich draft of 2011, the Red Sox had heavily scouted the Vanderbilt product and were set to pick him with the 19th overall pick. (One pick away from Sonny Gray: How close did the Red Sox come to drafting pitcher?)
- During this time last year, Mookie Betts was thought of as nothing more than a struggling prospect in single-A. Now, 12 months later, Betts has reached base safely in 57 straight games, is playing stellar defense, and is ranked the number one prospect in the Red Sox system. (Mookie Betts; meteoric rise began a year ago today)
- Even after fielding a fully healthy lineup, the Red Sox have still struggled to produce with runners in scoring position. As a result, the team holds a 15-17 record, and is 0-for-8 in games that presented the opportunity to get back to .500. In turn, the lack of production has forced a heavy weight onto the shoulders of the stating pitching and bullpen. (Sub-.500 Red Sox yet to fin their mojo)
- After a rocky start to his Red Sox career, A.J. Pierzynski is finally starting to blend in with his new team. On the field, the veteran has cut back on his aggressive plate approach. Off the field, Pierzynski is starting to assume the leadership role the Red Sox envisioned for him. (Meeting adjourned: How AJ Pierzynski has begun to settle in at the plate for Red Sox)
- Sometimes athletes find inspiration in strange places. For Red Sox outfielder Jackie Bradley, he found the motivation and perspective in the tragic and sudden death of two of his closest family members. Now, every time the 23 year old steps to the plate he commemorates his fallen relatives lives, and celebrates their memory by enjoying his time on the field. (A matter of perspective: Why Jackie Bradley Jr. remains unbowed by struggles)
- Tweet of the day: Henry Owens has a caught #MookieMadness
https://twitter.com/______H______O/status/463508349997158401