Friday Links: Four in a row!

By Kelly O’Connor of sittingstill.net

The Red Sox extended their win streak to an even 4 games on Thursday with a 9-4 victory over the Houston Astros. Although Red Sox starter Allen Webster endured yet another shaky performance, the Red Sox bats stayed hot and overcame an early 4 run hole that Webster put them in. With Boston down 4-1 in the bottom of the 6th, the Red Sox offense erupted, and scored 7 runs on the strength of 6 hits and two walks. Dustin Pedroia capped-off the Red Sox monster inning with a bases loaded ground rule double, which was part of a 3-for-5 night at the plate for the second basemen. Two innings later, Brock Holt pushed the Red Sox lead to 5 runs, with an RBI single that scored Jackie Bradley. With Allen Webster out of the game after 6 innings of work, the Red Sox bullpen tossed 3 innings of 3 hit shutout baseball, and finished off a 9-4 victory.

• From the outside looking in, it seems as though the Red Sox are wary of signing any starting pitcher entering his 30’s to a lucrative contract. Of course, history shows that there is a disparity between pitchers in their 20’s and 30’s, current and former pitchers link CJ Wilson and Pedro Martinez don’t believe that’s a one-size fits all formula. In Jon Lester’s case, if he finds a comfortable situation in free agency and develops his pitching style with age, Wilson and Martinez believe he’ll remain successful. (Pedro Martinez, CJ Wilson share a message: Don’t worry about Jon Lester’s age)

• The Rusney Castillo sweepstakes seems to be drawing closer to a final decision. Interested teams are reportedly being requested to make their final offer for the 27-year old Cuban defector. While the Red Sox bid is unknown at this time, the fact that the Boston held a private workout with Castillo speaks to their level of interest. Castillo’s combination of speed and average would fit nicely atop the Red Sox order. (Bids for Cuban free agent Rusney Castillo are due Friday)

• Allen Craig inched closer to a return to the Red Sox lineup on Thursday. The outfielder took batting practice, and appears to be heading for a rehab assignment early next week. Craig, who injured his ankle during his first game with the Red Sox, is in the midst of a season marred with injuries, and has yet to resemble the hitter he’s been in the past. (Allen Craig takes batting practice, expected to rehab early next week)

• On Thursday, Pedro Martinez, Nomar Garciaparra, and Roger Clemens were inducted into the Red Sox Hall of Fame. While the trio of former Red Sox greats all made their mark in Boston at different times, they each represented important moments in Boston baseball history. Pedro helped lead a team of “idiots” to the promised land for the first time in nearly a century, Nomar captivated the hearts of Red Sox fans with both his bat and his glove, and Roger Clemens began his Cooperstown quality career in Beantown. (Red Sox Hall of Fame adds three iconic stars)

• After days of debate, the MLB finally appointed Rob Manfred as the new commissioner once Bud Selig leaves office at the 2014 season. Manfred, who beat out Red Sox chairman Tom Werner, seemed like the most logical fit for the position after having served as the MLB’s Chief Operating Officer since last year. Selig will leave behind a 22 year legacy, punctuated by numerous improvements both on and off the field. (Rob Manfred to succeed Bud Selig as next MLB Commissioner)

• Tweet of the day: David Ortiz collecting style points…again.