Daily Red Sox Links: Looking forward and looking back

Jason Mastrodonato hands out his grades for the first half. (Jason Mastrodonato; Boston Herald)

Christopher Smith does the same. (Christopher Smith; Masslive)

Chad Jennings, meanwhile, looks back at the most important moments to get the Red Sox to their current position in the standings. (Chad Jennings; The Athletic)

That position is first place in the American League East. What does history say about being in first place at the All-Star break? (Sarah Langs; ESPN)

Looking ahead to the second half, the Red Sox have some tough stretches on the schedule ahead. (Peter Abraham; Boston Globe)

Sean McAdam looks at five keys for the second half. (Sean McAdam; Boston Sports Journal)

Brad Hand was a potential, albeit unlikely, trade target for the Red Sox. Instead, he’ll be going to Cleveland. (Rob Bradford; WEEI)

Ian Cundall looks at a couple of pitchers from his recent look at the Spinners. (Ian Cundall; Sox Prospects)