Wednesday Links

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

After getting blown out in game 0ne of the series, the Red Sox looked to even up their three game set against the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday night. Jake Peavy toed the rubber for the Red Sox, and was opposed by Seattle right-hander Erasmo Ramirez. After the Red Sox loaded the bases but failed to score in the first, the Mariners collected two runs in the bottom half of the inning. In the following frame, Endy Chavez continued to torment the Red Sox as he tripled in a run and gave Seattle a three run cushion. In the fourth inning, Brock Holt provided the Red Sox with some offense, as he drilled his second home run of the season and cut the deficit to one run. However, an inning later the Mariners bats touched Peavy up for four runs, including a three run shot by Kyle Seager. Perhaps predictably, the Red Sox offense wasn’t able to claw their way back into the game and lost by a final of 8-2. Tuesday’s loss pushed the Red Sox west coast record this season to 1-5.

• If the Red Sox truly still believe that they have a shot at a playoff berth (and if they think they do at this point they may want to consult what analysts are saying by reviewing their own official MLB betting odds), they need to make some roster changes immediately. Kicking Peavy out of the rotation, and inserting the much more consistent Rubby De La Rosa is one step Boston should consider. Moving A.J. Pierzynski is also a possible move, but a little tricky considering his replacements. (It’s time for Red Sox to start turning over this roster)

• With Brandon Workman returning from his 6 game suspension, the Red Sox sent Felix Doubront to the bullpen on Tuesday. While this move isn’t permanent, it does put four left-handed relievers in Boston’s pen, which leads some to believe that the team is preparing to move on from Chris Capuano. (Another rough outing could spell the end for Chris Capuano)

• As a team, the Red Sox really haven’t played any better or worse since Mike Napoli returned from the DL. But Napoli alone is certainly doing his part in the Boston line-up. Since being reinstated into the order earlier this month, Napoli has hit over .300, with an OPS approaching .930. (Mike Napoli has been red-hot since returning from the disabled list)

• Red Sox top prospects Mookie Betts and Henry Owens were selected to this season’s MLB Futures game. Between stints in double-A and triple-A, Betts has rocketed up the Red Sox prospects rankings with his consistent offense and versatile defense. As for Owens, the lefty has run roughshod through the double-A level, holding opposing hitters to a sub-.200 average. (Betts and Owens named to Futures Game)

• Among other MLB teams, the Red Sox are in arguably the best position to make a splashy trade at some point in the near future. Boston has the prospects, the money, and the circumstances to pull of something big if they so chose. Even if that “something” doesn’t necessarily seem plausible now. (Surprise trade coming for Red Sox?)

• Tweet of the day: Perhaps the Super All-Star game is more his level?