Wednesday Links

Stephen Drew: Not yet gone, but likely to be forgotten. Photo by Kelly O’Connor, sittingstill.net.

After an off day on Monday, the Red Sox played host to the Toronto Blue Jays for the first time this season on Tuesday. A pair of left handers squared off in game 1 of the series as Felix Doubront was opposed by Toronto hurler J.A. Happ. For the Red Sox, Doubront turned in a disappointing outing, lasting just 4 innings and allowing 5 runs on 5 hits and 3 walks. The 26 year old left the game in the middle of the 5th, and it was later raveled that Doubront experienced shoulder fatigue, which caused him to lose feeling in his arm. Meanwhile, the Red Sox offense spent the whole game trying to dig themselves out of of a hole. Jonny Gomes drilled a home run into the Monster seats, while Jackie Bradley and Dustin Pedroia each collected RBI knocks. However Toronto’s 11 hit, 4 home run attack was too much for Boston to handle as the Blue Jays won, 7-4.

• In an attempt to shore-up the left side of the infield, the Red Sox signed free agent short stop Stephen Drew to a 1-year, $10 deal. With Boston last season, Drew provided solid defense and above-average production at the plate while remaining relatively healthy. (Sources: Red Sox sign shortstop Stephen Drew to a one-year, $10M deal)

• Stephen Drew will certainly help the Red Sox left side, and he’ll even contribute offensively, but he won’t fix all the Red Sox problems. Boston still needs to get consistent starts from the rotation and more offense from their outfield and rookies. (Stephen Drew only a minor fix for Red Sox)

• With a possible trip to the DL in Felix Doubront’s future, the Red Sox may need to tap into their starting pitching depth soon. Boston has a glut of young quality starters stockpiled down in Pawtucket, all of whom are capable of filling in for the ailing southpaw. (What are the Red Sox options if Felix Doubront is shut down?)

• With Stephen Drew now in the fold, Xander Bogaerts will be forced to slide over to third base for most of the 2014 season. While the 22 year old was upset about having to move from his native position, Bogaerts approached his new role with maturity and understanding. (Disappointed Xander Bogaerts trying to take the signing of Stephen Drew in stride)

• With a record that has fallen 4 games under .500, and in the midst of a 5 game losing streak, Red Sox fans have begun questioning Boston’s offseason moves. Did they hand the keys to the rookies to carelessly? Was A.J. Pierzynski the most logical catching option? While we’ll never fully know the answers, reflecting on this past winter questions some of Boston’s decisions. (The Red Sox offseason, revisited: Was there a better way?)

• Tweet of the day: Tell ’em, Chad!