Thursday Links

To me, Dustin Pedroia was the clear choice. Photo by Kelly O’Connor of sittingstill.net

It took 12 innings to finish, but the Cleveland Indians completed their 3 game sweep of the Red Sox earlier this morning. While he didn’t factor into the final decision, Brandon Workman was decent in his second start of the season. After the young right hander allowed a run on back-to-back hits in the 1st inning, he settled down and retired 9 of the next 10 batters he faced. For most of the game, the Red Sox offense was stagnant but a 2-run shot by David Ortiz gave the Red Sox the lead in the 6th. However, the Indians answered right back with 2 runs of their own in the bottom of the inning. Then down 4-2, the Red Sox battled back and knotted the score on a 2 RBI single by Brock Holt. The score remained deadlocked at 4 until the 12th inning, when Red Sox reliever Edward Mujica allowed back-t0-back singles, then served up a walk off home run to Asdrubal Cabrera.

• The Red Sox outfield isn’t just bad by 2014 MLB standards, but it’s also one of the worst outfield groups the MLB has seen in the last 40+ years. Hurt mostly by under performance and Shane Victorino’s injury, the Red Sox need to start gaining some production from their outfield if they want to contend this season. (When it comes to this outfield, history is not on Red Sox’ side)

• While the MLB draft won’t capture the media attention like the NFL and NBA drafts, it’s still an important day on the baseball calendar nonetheless. For the Red Sox, they have done a good job of using the draft to replenish their farm system in years past. On Thursday, the Red Sox will have another chance to add to their already impressive pool of players via the first year player draft. (Draft should provide some flexibility)

• At a position that has been historically reserved for some of baseball’s larger athletes, Brock Holt’s 5’10, 185 pound frame seems extremely out of place. As it turns out, Holt is one of just a dozen first basemen to grade under 5’10 since the 2000 MLB season. (Short at first base? Holt has some company)

• Despite all of the position changes that Brock Holt has gone thorough, he’s continued to be one of the best hitters in the Red Sox order. Now, with Mike Napoli set to rejoin the Red Sox and assume his role at first base, the Red Sox will need to force Holt out of his position for a third time. Why not try the outfield? (Should Brock Holt end up in the Red Sox outfield)

• Baseball lost one of its most beloved members on Wednesday, as Don Zimmer passed away at the age of 83. While his baseball legacy stretches far beyond Boston, Zimmer will be remembered by Red Sox fans for managing the team from ’76-’80, and of course for his famous incident in 2003 with Pedro Martinez. (Baseball legend Don Zimmer dies at 83)
• If you’re a betting man, hopefully you didn’t lay megabucks on the Tampa Bay Rays to win the World Series, let alone the division. http://www.gamblingland.com can help you figure out more information on baseball odds and bitting tips.

• Tweet of the day: Classic Tito