Daily Red Sox Links: Bryce Brentz, Junichi Tazawa, Josh Johnson

A day off is a day that the Red Sox didn't lose. So, not bad, right?

The deadline is coming up quick. Well, not really quick. It's coming up on us at normal speed. But it feels quick. The deals that have been completed so far have been surprising, impressive, or both. But with some more big names still out there on the market there is potential for more. Yay more!

One name that keeps getting mentioned is Marlins starting pitcher Josh Johnson. When he's healthy he is an ace, but that first part is the rub. That's what makes a potential Johnson acquisition so risky and thus interesting. The Marlins are clearly interested in dealing the guy... for the right package. Over at SI, Joe Sheehan thinks picking up Johnson could be a game-changer for which ever team jumps first. (Joe Sheehan; SI.com)

What should the Red Sox do? This is a question that has been perplexing the fan base (and likely the front office) for weeks now. Well, that's not entirely true. Many have strong feelings one way or the other, but as a group, as Red Sox Nation, we're collectively perplexed. Alex Speier lays the whole thing out for us so we can consider the possible directions the team could go in and what they mean. (Alex Speier; WEEI.com)

We all know one of the things the Red Sox teams of the Epstein Era did very well was take walks. Why is that important? Brian MacPherson explains. (Brian MacPherson; The Providence Journal). This is the second part of a two part series, the first which looks at this current Red Sox team's plate discipline and where it might be lacking. (Brian MacPherson; The Providence Journal) Both are highly recommended.

We all know Curt Schilling's video game company failed. Beyond that it's a bit unclear what happened. That is, until you read this article, which tells the story of the whole thing. (Jason Schwartz; Boston Magazine) (hat tip to the always excellent Joy of Sox)

Bryce Brentz is a prospect who's attributes are as clear as his flaws. He's got power out the wazoo, but if he ever expects to get anything to hit he's going to have to continue working to develop his plate discipline. Fortunately he knows that and is trying. (Jon Meoli; Sox Prospects)

Hey! Look what he found! Junichi Tazawa has five extra miles-per-hour on his fastball! How about that? (Aaron Goldsmith; 45 Miles From Fenway)

The Red Sox aren't the only team in baseball or even in the AL East that has had pitching troubles from their supposed ace. The Toronto Blue Jays are in some serious trouble as well with their ace Rickey Romero. (Dustin Parkes; The Score)

The Marlins recent trades have ignited the cry of "Fire Sale!" yet again. It isn't the the first time and if The Common Man is right, it might not be the last either. (The Common Man; The Platoon Advantage)