Monday Links

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

Luck wasn’t on the Red Sox side for the final two games of Boston’s 4 game set against the Cleveland Indians. While Boston was able to win the first two games on Thursday and Friday, the team underwent back-to-back one run losses over the weekend. On Saturday, Jake Peavy danced into and out of trouble all game, allowing 7 hits but just 1 run over 6 innings of work. In the 7th inning, Craig Breslow entered the game and allowed the tying run to score on a fielders choice. Later that inning, Breslow loaded the bases and was replaced by Junichi Tazawa, who promptly walked the first batter that he faced and forced in a run. Tazawa’s walked in run ended up being the difference in a 3-2 Red Sox loss. However, Saturday was just the first time the Red Sox were victimized by a one run loss. On Sunday, Brandon Workman tossed an effective 6 innings, allowing just 2 runs on 5 hits, but received little run support from the Red Sox offense. With the score tied at 2 in the 11th inning Junichi Tazawa was the Red Sox fall man again, as Nick Swisher hit a towering home run to right field and gave Cleveland a 3-2 advantage.

• Dating back to the offseason, Jon Lester has made his desire to stay with the Red Sox abundantly clear. Over the weekend, the southpaw again expressed his willingness to sign an extension with Boston, should the Red Sox offer him a competitive deal. While the impending free agent has said that he would take a “hometown discount”, he prioritizes stability for his family and opposition to change as reason to strike a new pact. (Exploring Jon Lester’s approach to finding his next contract)

• Koji Uehara isn’t the prototypical fire-balling closer that the league has grown accustom to seeing over the years, but the 39 year old is every bit as effective. Since being named Boston’s closer in mid-2013, Uehara leads MLB relievers in ERA and WHIP. While his dominance has come at the end of his career, the 39 year old has proven that 2013 wasn’t a fluke. (Uehara has best ERA, WHIP among MLB relievers since becoming Red Sox closer)

• Since joining the Red Sox rotation last month, Brandon Workman has been the Red Sox third best starter behind Jon Lester and John Lackey. In 5 starts this season, the right-hander holds an ERA of 3.21 and a WHIP of just 1.07. Now, with Clay Buchholz and Felix Doubront making their way back from the DL, Workman has made it tough for John Farrell to take him out of the rotation. (Brandon Workman states his case for permanent spot in Red Sox rotation)

• While Jackie Bradley has been fun to watch play center field, his offensive struggles have led some to wonder if he’s ready for the majors. However, after being given the night off last Monday and Tuesday, the rookie has started to put together good at-bats and reach base regularly. (A little rest has gone a long way for Red Sox center fielder Jackie Bradley Jr. at the plate)

• With Xander Bogaerts currently manning third base, the Red Sox will need to find a new spot to put Will Middlebrooks when he returns from the disabled list. While the 25 year old hasn’t played outfield during his professional baseball career, his potential power bat and athletic background make trying him in the outfield a worthwhile experiment. (Sox will take a look at Middlebrooks in the outfield)

• Tweet of the weekend: Another season, another Indian statue.