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 Red Sox are not going to make any decisions about their rotation based on one day in spring training. That Felix Doubront pitched well against the Florida Marlins Saturday while Alfredo Aceves was getting rocked by the Philadelphia Phillies back in Fort Myers doesn’t necessarily put one ahead of the other.
“You have to look at the body of work,’’ manager Bobby Valentine said before the game. “I don’t know if today is a test. This stuff is so unfair.’’
“He filled up the strike zone with all four pitches,’’ said catcher Ryan Lavarnway. “He went right at guys. I haven’t seen him throw that well in a long time.’’
As Doubront cruised, Aceves lasted three innings against the Phillies, allowing nine runs on 10 hits, three of them home runs.
Globe: Felix Doubront shows his stuff
Please, end this quickly. Yesterday, Aceves had a leg-up in the race to be named a starter, then he had to go out and suck ass. On top of that, Doubront took advantage of the situation and pitched like an ace. My head is on the verge of a "Scanners"-like explosion.
I know Doubront hasn't earned a spot in the rotation with just that one outing, but you can't tell me that his outing didn't turn Valentine's head in his direction just slightly.
I'm done with the topic today.
Related: ESPN Boston: Doubront excels in 6IP vs. Marlins
On Page 2, We visit the shortstop situation.
"Absolutely. It's all ridiculous," Valentine said of the daily question surrounding who will man the position for the Red Sox on April 5 in Detroit.
What is the key for Valentine?
"It's all about how the team feels about their member, so that they're secure that the person who is playing the position feels confident that the person is a championship-caliber player," Valentine said.
Just as Valentine feels he has two good options in Jose Iglesias and Mike Aviles, bench coach Tim Bogar shares that thought.
Bogar feels Aviles has made a fairly seamless adjustment to returning to life as an everyday shortstop.
"He improved a lot by the end of last year, so this spring, when he came in, I think his attitude -- because of [Marco] Scutaro getting traded and all that -- toward the position has been great," said Bogar. "He's been working extremely hard at it, very open to suggestions. What I've seen of him has been nothing but positive. He's made all the plays. He knows where he's supposed to be. I think he's comfortable with Dustin [Pedroia] at second base, and I think the pitchers are comfortable having him play there."
MLB.com: Valentine: Shortstop race is being over-hyped
Bobby is right, this is being over-hyped. The obvious choice is Aviles. I've been preaching that Iglesias is not ready for the majors, and I am sticking by it. He has an unbelievable glove and can snag pretty much everything in his vicinity, but he can't deliver at the plate, we all know that. He is still 22 years old and he will NOT be the difference in whether the Sox make the playoffs or not.
I sound like a broken record, but a full season in Pawtucket will be much more beneficial to Iglesias than being rushed to the majors.
Related: Herald: Not short on options | WEEI: Tim Bogar: Jose Iglesias vs. Mike Aviles 'a tough decision'
The rest of the links:
Globe: Final: Red Sox: 4, Marlins 1 | Final: Phillies 10, Red Sox 5 | Herald: Red Sox exercise right to wait | A classic hangover
