Friday Links

Photo by Kelly O’Connor of sittingstill.net

I might be the last Red Sox fan to concede defeat on a season, but after seeing the Red Sox get swept in 3 games by the lowly Chicago Cubs I’m strongly considering throwing in the towel. The pessimist — or perhaps realist — in me, sees the Red Sox 38-47 record and 8.5 game deficit in the AL East, and finds it hard to see this team suddenly putting it all together. However, at the same time, the optimist — or perhaps die-hard — in me sees the teams upcoming schedule as a chance to make up some ground in the playoff picture. Leading up to the All-star break, the Red Sox next 3 games are against the second place Baltimore Orioles, while the following 7 games come against Chicago White Sox and Houston Astros. So there is certainly an opportunity to not only make up some ground in the division, but also head into the mid-summer classic on a high note. If getting swept by the Cubs doesn’t get me to give up on the season, I guess I won’t waive the white flag until the Red Sox are mathematically eliminated.

• Whether it’s with the Red Sox or with another club, Jon Lester’s next contract will be worth a truck load of cash. While the Red Sox have been wary of shelling out big deals lately, the team would be wise to lock up their staff ace before he potentially skips town and leaves Boston without a top of the line arm. (Bank on it: Jon Lester will get paid, might as well be with Red Sox)

• Despite being the Red Sox manager for a little over a year now, John Farrell has seen every kind of baseball that a team can produce. But whether he’s managing a World Series caliber team or an AL East bottom feeder, the 51 year old’s managerial style fails to waiver. Instead, Farrell maintains strong relationships with his players and remains calm in the face of adversity. (Despite adverse season, John Farrell sets consistent tone)

• As cliche as the saying may be, moments like the one on Wednesday night at Fenway Park really do make it seem like “a small world after all”. The moment came after Mookie Betts drilled his first major league home run over the Green Monster in the 5th inning. There to retrieve the milestone homer for the 21 year old, was a familiar face from Betts’ past. (Mookie Betts first major league home run caught by high school opponent)

• If you watch the Red Sox on a nightly basis, than you’ll know that it isn’t uncommon to hear some hilarious banter between Don Orsillo and Jerry Remy. However, on Wednesday night the NESN booth got a little more crazy than usual, after Remy’s tooth popped out and sent the broadcast duo into an uncontrollable state of laughter. (Red Sox announcer Jerry Remy loses tooth on air and hilariously loses focus with Orsillo)

• Red Sox GM Ben Cherington hasn’t lost faith in the 2014 Red Sox, but his clubs mediocrity has certainly left him searching for answers. The third year GM admitted that if Boston wants to turn their season around, they will need to do so quickly before their deficit grows larger and changes need to be made. (Cherington: “it’s got to get better quickly”)

• Tweet of the day: The Red Sox may be in tatters, but their farm keeps on producing…