Tuesday Links: Boston is America’s new Title Town

Photo by Kelly O’Connor via SittingStill.net

We are truly a spoiled fanbase, aren’t we?

Since the turn of the century, Boston sports has been the epicenter of excellence and habitual success. This trend continued on Sunday as the New England Patriots downed the Seattle Seahawks 28-24 in an instant Super Bowl classic. In turn, the Patriots added their fourth championship since 2001, and Tom Brady further solidified his legacy as the greatest quarterback in NFL history — depending on who you ask.

Too most people, Title Town is synonymous with Green Bay and pays homage to the Packers 13 NFL Championships, but shouldn’t that distinction truly lie in Boston? After all, since the turn of the century Boston has enjoyed a combined nine championships, en route to becoming the sports envy of America. Along the way, Boston has played host to some of the greatest athletes of modern day sports like Tom Brady, David Ortiz, Paul Pierce, and Patrice Bergeron. It might sound cocky, but the proof is in the pudding; a championship culture has been built, grown, and sustained in Boston: America’s new Title Town.

• The Red Sox agreed to terms with free agent reliever Alexi Ogando on a 1-year, $1.5 million contract over the weekend. The 31-year old endured an rough, injury-shortened season in 2014 as a member of the Texas Rangers. In 25 innings Ogando posted an ERA over 6.00 and a WHIP close to 2.00. An elbow sprain sidelined Ogando for the bulk of the season, and concerns from the injury later caused the Rangers to release the Domincan Republic native. Boston, however, believes that Ogando’s medicals suggest a return to health, and will use the pitcher out of the bullpen in 2015. (Red Sox sign former All-Star Alexi Ogando)

• In case you were caught up in the DeflateGate story that dominated the local and national headlines, Joe Kelly predicted that he will win the American League Cy Young award in 2015. I know what you’re thinking and no, the well-known prankster wasn’t joking. Kelly strolled about Red Sox Winter Weekend at Foxwoods Casino last week proclaiming his prediction to the media. While the 26-year old’s statistics don’t suggest that he’s a pitcher on the cusp of a Cy Young award, the still-developing right hander has the stuff to somewhat justify a his prediction. (Why Joe Kelly predicting he will win the Cy Young Award makes all the sense in the world)

• With the rotation all but set in stone, right-hander Brandon Workman’s chance as a starter has all but vanished. Red Sox manager John Farrell told the 25-year old that the team envisions using him as back of the bullpen arm in the 2015 season. Workman, however, will need to fight for a job in Spring Training if he wants to crack the Opening Day roster. After the trade for Robbie Ross and the signing of Alexi Ogando, Boston’s bullpen doesn’t feature any open spots. (Red Sox plan to use Brandon Workman out of the bullpen)

• While the official report date for Spring Training is still about three weeks away, Red Sox players have already started to trickle down to Fort Myers, Flordia. Among the players already working out at the Red Sox facility are newcomers Pablo Sandoval and Rick Porcello. In his second tour in Boston, Justin Masterson is also an early arrival in Florida. (As spring training approaches, a few notes about the Red Sox)

• Tweet of the day: We all do…