Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here... highlighting the big storyline. Because there's nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
In the midst of a battle of wits and splits with the Pittsburgh Pirates’ $50 million man, Andrew McCutchen, the center fielder stepped out of the batter’s box at the last possible second, leaving as Buchholz entered into his windup.
When the right-hander realized what happened, he pulled up, wrenching his back in a way that a year ago might have left him groveling on the ground at JetBlue [JBLU] Park. Last night all it did was leave him chuckling at an old nemesis.
“That was a lot of torque and force going forward,” Buchholz said of the pitch that wasn’t after he finished a three-inning stint. “That was good.”
“It’s been good,” said Buchholz, who allowed three hits. “I haven’t had any lapses in pain or days where I needed to take a light day or a day off.
“My goal is to be injury free. Nobody can predict, but I’ve done everything I could to prevent it.”
Herald - Clay Buchholz’ back looks to be back
I will take every "Clay's back is doing just fine" story the Sox media wants to write. I want to know every time Clay's walking his dog, and his dog suddenly breaks into a sprint, lunging Clay forward. I want to hear about every time he's walking down the street and someone from behind yells, "Buchholz!" and Clay instinctively jerks his head around to see who it is.
Every time Clay has to move his back, and it doesn't force him to spend the next 6 months chilling on his couch, I want to hear that story.
Because his back still terrifies me. It cost us one season, and it can just as easily do it again. Even though he hasn't had any setbacks this Spring, that doesn't mean we're out of the woods at all. Backs are tricky and unpredictable. Any movement can put him right back on the DL.
But every time Clay discusses that he hasn't had any pain or that his back hasn't caused him any trouble, I get a little less scared. And a little more confident that this 2012 season is going to be a good one.
Rest of the links:
Herald - Bailey a smart bet for Red Sox | Carl Crawford gets active | Intrigue in Florida | CSNNE - Buchholz crisp in second outing | Padilla shaky in relief | Globe - Proving to be a lifetime job | Bowden, McDonald take some steps forward | WEEI - Bowden: 'I'm glad I'm out of options' | Andrew Bailey: No need to compare fans | ESPN - Bobby V on CC, Bailey, and the waltz | Takeaways from the Fort: Mixed bag for Buchholz
