Daily Red Sox Links: Carl Crawford, Daniel Bard, Felix Hernandez

The All Star break couldn't have come at a better time for the Red Sox. With players who need rest both physically and mentally and a fan base that could use a few days to decompress after the garbage unfortunate events that comprised the Yankees series, maybe it'll be something that will work in the team's favor. Imagine that. Something going right for the Red Sox in 2012. Crazy, I know.

We'll start off with some fun injury news. Carl Crawford's elbow is hanging by a thread and he's eventually going to need Tommy John surgery! Seriously! Exclamation point! (Tim Britton; The Providence Journal)

I don't really endorse all Denton's thoughts on the team, but I do at least understand where they're coming from. It's hard not to feel frustrated. Very, very hard. (Denton; Surviving Grady)

The Red Sox drafted and signed a prospect named Shaq Green-Thompson in the most recently completed draft. By all accounts he's an amazing athlete with physical skills out the wazoo. Can that transfer to the baseball diamond? Sure! Has it ever? Well, that's a tougher one. (Ben Lindbergh; Baseball Prospectus)

The Red Sox need pitching. Good, good pitching. The best possible pitchers who may be available on the trade market are Zack Greinke and Cole Hamels. It will take a whole lot to acquire a pitcher of the caliber of either guy, but how much, exactly, is a lot? (Carson Cistulli; Fan Graphs)

Should the Mariners trade Felix Hernandez? Tom Verducci makes the case they should. I'm surprised to admit that it's a relatively compelling case. (The other side in all 'trade player X' arguments is what will be received in return, which is always the complicating factor and which Mr. Verducci is silent on.) (Tom Verducci; Sports Illustrated)

Take the BABIP test! It's free and you might learn something. Or not! (Sam Miller; Baseball Prospectus)

Why do the media celebrate crappy players? (Steven Goldman; Pinstriped Alley)

The Red Sox signed their first round draft pick, shortstop Deven Marrero, but five teams aren't so lucky/good. (Aaron Gleeman; Hardball Talk)

Daniel Bard has been the picture of inconsistency since getting sent down to Triple-A Pawtucket to iron out whatever it is that ails him. We've heard lots of stories about him turning a corner only to get shelled the next time out. Still, there's always hope, and especially so after a good outing like the one he threw on Sunday. (Brian MacPherson; The Providence Journal)

Ryan Lavarnway and Justin Germano were named the players of the month for June by Sox Prospects. (Dan Hanson; Sox Prospects)