Friday Links

Henry Ownes is not the same caliber of prospect as Matt Barnes or Allen Webster right now, but he could be viewed as such in 2014. Photo by Kelly O’Connor, sittingstill.net.

After a short two game series with the Reds, the Red Sox hit the road on Thursday night in preparation of a three game series with the Texas Rangers. Friday will mark Boston’s first trip to the Lone Star state this year, and their second meeting with the Rangers. In game one, the Red Sox offense will have their hands full as Yu Darvish will toe the rubber for Texas. Meanwhile Boston will counter with a righty of their own in Clay Buchholz. Both clubs have struggled to find a groove so far this season, as the Red Sox enter Friday 17-17, and the Rangers come in at 18-17. Friday will mark Boston’s first chance to climb above .500 since April 4th.

• Now that the Red Sox are finally back to playing .500 baseball, the obvious next step is to separate themselves from baseball meritocracy. To this point, the Red Sox have have relied on their pitching to keep them above water, but some timely hits will contribute to a more healthy record. (The Red Sox are finally back to .500. Now what?)

• After a shaky start to his Red Sox career, Burke Badenhop has settled down and emerged as one of John Farrell’s go to relievers. On Wednesday night, the sinkerballer entered a second and third, one out jam and managed to squander the Reds attack, despite the odds being against him. (Burke Badenhop foils run-expectancy chart)

• Given all the hype surrounding Red Sox starters Jackie Bradley and Xander Bogaerts, it’s easy to forget that both players are still rookies. But like any rookie, they both need time and experience to evolve into the every day major league players that they’re promised to be. (Red Sox rookies Xander Bogaerts and Jackie Bradley Jr. finding learning curve a bit steep)

• While the Red Sox weren’t in action on Thursday night, the Portland Sea Dogs certainly were; particularly Henry Owens. Boston’s sleder left handed prospect tossed 7.2 innings of no-hit baseball, which only adds to the hype that surrounds the 21 year old. (Red Sox top prospect Henry Owens flirts with no-hitter)

• If the Red Sox want to get over the .500 mark on Friday, they’ll need to figure out how to beat Yu Darvish. Overall, the Red Sox offense is coming around, but to beat Darvish two ex-Rangers could provide the inside track on the Japanese ace. (Yu Darvish a tough test for Red Sox)

• Tweet of the day: I’m sure Shane Victorino wondered the same thing…