Daily Red Sox Links: David Ortiz, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Mark Prior

For the first time since 2001, the Red Sox will be sending just one player to the All Star Game. David Ortiz, who will be starting at DH, is the lone representative for Boston. The only other player with a real argument to make the team would be Jarrod Saltalamacchia, and his argument is far from perfect. He's been tremendous at the plate, but his slow June was enough to push him behind Matt Wieters, and probably A.J. Pierzynski, too. Either way, it's been a huge turnaround season for the former top prospect, and he's rightfully disappointed he didn't get the call for the game. (Tim Britton; Providence Journal)

• Salty wasn't the only Red Sox player disappointed in the lack of teammates in the All-Star Game. Ortiz is also less-than-thrilled about having to travel to the game alone for the first time in his career. (John Hickey; ESPNBoston)
• Dave Schoenfield has a nice wrap-up of all you need to know about both All-Star rosters. Also included: a terrifying reminder that Mike Williams was an All-Star for the Pirates in 2003. (David Schoenfield; ESPN's SweetSpot)

More non-All-Star Game links after the jump.

• Mark Prior was one of the most entertaining pitchers I can ever remember watching when he was with the Cubs in 2003. He's the type of guy who is hard to root against, and is making his way back to the majors with his performance thus far in Pawtucket. (Mike Scandura; Fire Brand of the AL)
• David Ortiz suddenly has some competition for the title of "Funnest Home Run Hitter to Watch in Boston." When Cody Ross makes contact, it often goes a long way, and with a token bat flip to boot. (John Tomase; Boston Herald)
• For a marginally talented player who received limited playing time with the Sox over the past few seasons, Darnell McDonald has compiled a nice list of memorable moments in Boston. (Stephen Hewitt; WEEI.com)
• For us Red Sox fans living in the Boston area, some good news came down this weekend. Tim Wakefield will be gracing us with his presence regularly as the newest member of the NESN team. (NESN)
• Daniel Bard is committed to returning to this team as a reliever. However, his return may take a little longer than what was originally expected, due to ongoing control issues in Pawtucket. (D.J. Short; Hardball Talk)
• A couple of AL East rivals made some trades this weekend that could have an impact (positive or negative) on the playoff race. First, on Saturday, the Orioles acquired Phillies veteran Jim Thome to take over their DH duties. (Dayn Perry; CBS Eye On Baseball)
• Then, on Sunday, the Yankees acquired Chad Qualls, a relief pitcher who was just designated for assignment by Philadelphia. Qualls + Yankee Stadium (should)= lots of home runs. (Travis Reitsma; The Score's Getting Blanked Blog)