There's plenty of links today, but first, a short recap of yesterday's madness:
- The Red Sox traded for Rockies reliever Franklin Morales. Hideki Okajima was designated for assignment.
- They also added Kevin Millwood, signing him to a minor-league deal. I, for one, am not a huge fan.
- Finally, Jose Iglesias was optioned back to Triple-A Pawtucket to be replaced by utility man Drew Sutton.
Alright, now that that's out of the way...
Back In Boston
Beckett: Neck ‘would never loosen up’ -- Sam Dykstra, WEEI
Seeing Matt Albers come out for Josh Beckett after fewer than 90 pitches yesterday was a bit scary, but it doesn't look like there's anything long-term to it.
Beckett marvels at Papelbon's 'explosion' -- Gordon Edes, ESPN
Saltalamacchia may be catching on - Chad Finn, Boston Globe
Salty's offense hasn't been good, but it's not necessarily the real problem here. As Finn points out, there are maybe three of four viable offensive catchers in the AL. The problem is that a lot of the no-bat backstops can usually at least play the position. Salty can't.
Should the Red Sox re-sign David Ortiz now? -- Chad Finn, Tony Massarotti, Boston Globe
While I must object to Mazz subtly ripping Youk, they're both absolutely right that it'd be crazy to jump at re-signing Papi so early. Designated hitters go for pennies on the dollar these days, and with Youk's defense at third sketchy, it's hard to say how things are going to turn out at the DH and corner infielder positions in the next couple years.
Red Sox, Cubs Brothers in arms -- Steve Buckley, Boston Herald
Bill Buckner accepts his reality -- David Haugh, Boston Herald
Sox to don throwback uniforms Saturday -- Evan Drellich, MLB.com
Pretty cool idea, if you ask me.
Hideki Okajima: Signing with Red Sox ‘not a mistake’ -- Alex Speier, WEEI
Fenway hockey in works for Hockey East four -- John Connolly, Boston Herald
Honey, I Shrunk The Designated Hitters! -- MLB.com
Even if the Sox hadn't beaten the Tigers, something good would've come out of the series. That's little Papi and little V-Mart in their fathers' respective uniforms.
Around The AL East
Excerpt from Ian O'Connor's "The Captain" -- SI.com
Who wants to read a gushing piece about Captain Intangibles and his leadership intangibles?
Hint: You don't want to read this gushing piece about Captain Intangibles and his leadership intangibles.
Yankees 13, Orioles 2 -- Lord Duggan, Pinstripe Alley
The view from the other side -- Stacey, Camden Chat
Roster moves: Roberts & Lee to the DL, Patton & Jakubauskas called up --Stacey, Camden Chat
Thirteen-year anniversary of the Orioles-Yankees Brawl -- Stacey, Camden Chat
Is it time Brett Lawrie was called up? -- Tom Dakers, Bluebird Banter
Blue Jays 3, Rays 2 -- Tom Dakers, Bluebird Banter
The view from the other side -- BWoodrum, DRaysBay
MLB In General
Roy Oswalt, Dustin Pedroia, And The Nicknames You Might Not Know -- Grant Brisbee, Baseball Nation
So, there needs to be retaliation for Brisbee hating on "Laser Show," but what should we do? I'd suggest that we comment on every single one of his articles over the next year as though he had just suggested that each baseball game should start with the ritual sacrifice of a puppy in center field.
Leyland: Interleague Play Unfair With No DH -- Alex Remington, FanGraphs Baseball
Accomplices To The Five Longest Home Runs Of 2011 MLB Season -- Jeff Sullivan, Baseball Nation