Photo by Kelly O’Connor of sittingstill.smugmug.com.
After snapping their 6 game winning streak on Tuesday, the Red Sox looked to return to their winning ways on Wednesday. Boston sent Clay Buchholz to the mound in search of his third consecutive win, while the Blue Jays countered with verteran knuckleballer R.A. Dickey. After Shane Victorino and Dustin Pedroia lead off the game with back-to-back singles, David Ortiz drilled his 4th home run in 3 nights. However, the Red Sox early advantage was short lived, as the Blue Jays picked up 3 runs of their own in the bottom of the first. The score would remain tied until Xander Bogaerts’ 5th inning RBI double, tipped the scale in Boston’s favor again. But again the Blue Jays were quick to respond, collecting 2 runs in the bottom of the 6th to take a 5-4 lead. With Buchholz out of the game in the 7th, Jose Bautista grooved an Andrew Miller offering over the left-field wall to give Toronto a 2-run cushion. Boston will look to salvage a series split on Thursday, as Rubby De La Rosa will square off against Marcus Stroman.
- Jon Lester isn’t the only impending free agent that the Red Sox would like to keep around for the future. While enjoying another dominant season, free agency also looms for Koji Uehara. The 39-year old obviously won’t command anything close to Lester, but the parameters of Uehara’s potential deal could include extending a qualifying offer, or building a second year vesting option. (Koji Uehara, Red Sox haven’t talked contract extension)
- When I first saw Xander Bogaerts without batting gloves on, my first reaction was to assume that it was some superstitious slump-busting technique the 21 year old rookie was trying. However, the real reason that Bogaerts ditched his batting gloves is to remind himself to use his hands, rather than his body, to drive the ball. (Shedding the batting gloves helped Xander Bogaerts make necessary adjustment)
- Jake Peavy’s trade value might not be what it was when the Red Sox acquired him, but he’s still in somewhat of a high demand among MLB clubs looking to shore up the middle of their rotation. On Tuesday, scouts from a plethora of teams were on hand to watch the 33-year old throw in an eventual 7-3 loss. The attending scouts also had eyes on various other Red Sox trade pieces. (Peavy drew a crowd; other moves loom)
- On Thursday morning, Red Sox Nation received the most definitive news yet on Jon Lester’s contract negotiations. In an email, Red Sox owner John Henry explained that both Lester and the Red Sox have mutually decided to officially end extension talks until the end of the season. (Jon Lester talks off)
- In his short time as a major league starter, we’ve seen how electrifying Rubby De La Rosa can be. His fastball is upwards of mid-90’s, his change-up — which is still considered a work in progress — is devastating, and his slider has more bite than Luis Suarez on a soccer field. All together, De La Rosa possesses the repertoire, poise, and consistency to affirm his ace potential. (Rubby De La Rosa could be “top-of-the-rotation” type pitcher for Red Sox)
- Tweet of the day: Little Koji will be throwing his father’s splitter from the left side of the mound, apparently.
https://twitter.com/redsoxstats/status/492194343097077760