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
The player the Red Sox received as compensation from the Cubs for the hiring of former general manager Theo Epstein, righthanded reliever Chris Carpenter, is having elbow surgery on Thursday.
“Headed into surgery tomorrow with Dr Andrews to remove a bone spur in my elbow,’’ Carpenter tweeted on Wednesday. “Stayin positive and prepared to work harder than ever to come back as soon as I can this season.’’
Carpenter, 26, has appeared in only two major league spring training games and was not a candidate for the Opening Day roster.
Red Sox GM Ben Cherington confirmed that Carpenter is having surgery, but would not comment on whether the injury predated the Feb. 21 trade with the Cubs or when Carpenter might return.
Globe: Carpenter to have elbow surgery
This story... it just won't die. The Red Sox executives have screwed up everything in this situation. They lost all leverage once they let Theo out of his contract yet still managed to get something in return. But now there will be speculation about Carpenter's elbow. Did the Sox willingly take damaged goods?
Carpenter wasn't expected to be with in the Majors anyways so this has zero effect on the 40 man roster. Hell, if he ever does take the mound for the Sox it would be surprising to begin with. He was just the sacrifical lamb so both teams can move on. You would think they would pick a healthy player just so something like this never happened. Cherington should've just denied that Carpenter had elbow issues beforehand.
But now, questions will be asked, Cherington's ability as GM will be put into question, angry writers will point & laugh at the whole situation. You know, just the usual crap that happens between the media and this team.
Opening Day can't come soon enough.
Rest of the Links: Globe: Before they were Red Sox | Dice-K & Hill throw a simulated game | Herald: Aviles takes a weight and see approach | Push back but no rift between Cherington, Valentine | Sox, Cubs deal may need elbow room | The Aviles offseason workout | CSNNE: Picking up the tempo | Schilling, Burks, Barrett in Sox HOF | Carpenter to undergo elbow surgery | WEEI: Give Aviles a chance | Theo's free agency mistakes still impacts Red Sox | Lackey apologizes for "retarded" comment
