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 only adjustment to (my change) was the grip, I think the grip was a little off,” said Buchholz. “I’ve been able to free that up a little bit.
“I still spike some and let some go up against the righties but not nearly as much as I was doing. It’s been a pitch we’ve been trying to work on for a long time. It wasn’t the same grip as in past years but it’s coming back.”
The Red Sox salvaged the finale of the series and snapped a seven-game home losing streak against the Orioles on Buchholz’ shutout. Buchholz tossed a no-hitter against the Orioles in his second major league game on Sept. 1, 2007. His last shutout was an 11-0 win over the Orioles on June 4, 2010.
“You saw it, it was spectacular,” said Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine. “Clay came out and had all his pitches right from the get-go and I thought his changeup and his arm speed on the changeup was spectacular."
Herald - Change good for Clay Buchholz
Clay Buchholz is on a tear right now. Over his last 3 starts he's tossed 24 total innings, struck out 19 batters and allowed only 4 runs and 4 walks. Last night's shutout was the pièce de résistance.
This is the Clay Buchholz we had been waiting for. He has the talent, and the stuff, to pitch at this level consistently. I don't know why he was so awful in April and for most of May (for his sake, I'll chalk it up to needing time to get comfy after his back injury), but it doesn't matter any more. No more excuses.
He's shown us he can dominate again and now he has a recipe for success (more changeups!). He pitched at this level -- OK, maybe not quite at this level -- for the majority of the 2010 season. Clay Buchholz could be the ace of this Red Sox staff. It's on him to make it happen.
Rest of the links:
Herald - Andrew Miller grasps Daniel Bard’s dilemma | Adrian Gonzalez, Sox end slides | Globe -Buchholz’s changeup a beauty | Bard ready to work on mechanics | WEEI -When 'really bad' is not so bad: Adrian Gonzalez sees an upswing | Buchholz dominant as Sox blank Birds | CSNNE -Nava's bat contributes to Red Sox win | Bard on demotion: 'Obviously I’m not thrilled with it' | ESPN - Jose Iglesias (back strain) nearing return | Sox set to face Strasburg, Nats
