Daily Red Sox Links: Josh Beckett, Ryan Lavarnway, Jon Lester

Well, what do you know, the Red Sox once again find themselves under .500. Boston dropped yesterday afternoon's game to the Texas Rangers, and with it they dropped the three-game series. Yesterday's loss was low-lighted by another poor performance from Josh Beckett, and late runs allowed by the bullpen. The relief corps have been worked a ton this season, and its effects are starting to show up in Bobby Valentine's bullpen management. (Brian MacPherson; Providence Journal)

• This was arguably Beckett's worst start of the season, as his eight earned runs were a season-high. On top of that, he gave up three home runs in his five innings of work. Red Sox fans were sure to let him know what they thought of his start, as he was heavily booed after being pulled from the game. (Joe McDonald; ESPN Boston)
• The number one story that has been presented about catching prospect Ryan Lavarnway is that his defense was mediocre at best. Well, that myth has been at least partially debunked, as opposing managers have named him the International League's best defensive backstop. Also, Jackie Bradley Jr. is very good at many different aspects of baseball. (Alex Speier; WEEI.com)
• Red Sox fans have been complaining about the impact that injuries have had on the team's season, and for good reason. However, the division rivals north of the border have been dealing with some historically bad luck in their pitching staff as well. (Eno Sarris; Fangraphs)

• The men behind Brooks Baseball and Pitch F/X pitchers tools, Dan Brooks and Harry Pavlidis, are actual baseball geniuses. Yesterday, they had their first ever mailbag article over at Baseball Prospectus, and it did not disappoint. (Dan Brooks and Harry Pavlidis; Baseball Prospectus)
• WAR and it's many variations is one of the biggest topics of debate amongst all baseball fans. While there are some definite flaws with the stat, and it should never be used as a be-all-end-all, it's still a highly useful metric. (Glen DuPaul; Hardball Times)
• Michael Silverman says that all of the blame for this season that has failed to live up to expectations can be put upon the shoulders of Jon Lester and Beckett. Not some of it, not even most of it, but all of it. Also, it apparently isn't up for debate, which is too bad because I'd love to debate him on the topic. (Michael Silverman; Boston Herald)
• We've been waiting all year for the Orioles to inevitably fall out of the playoff race, but it is still yet to happen. With the extra wild card, it seems like Baltimore could be in the race until the very end. They've apparently realized this, as late last night they shocked everyone by calling up unanimous top-10 prospect Manny Machado. (Dayn Perry; CBS' Eye On Baseball)