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. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Will Middlebrooks looked a little worried after the Red Sox beat the Mariners 2-1 in 10 innings on Sunday. He injured his left hamstring while stealing second base, and the team should have a better understanding of how long Middlebrooks may be out or whether he has a tear.
The Sox would have to use a Nick Punto/Brent Lillibridge combination at third. The team recently signed Andy LaRoche to a minor league deal, but the Sox have a 40-man roster problem, which means they'd have to cut a good player to make room for LaRoche on the roster.
The Sox ideally could use a veteran corner infielder or someone with third base experience. Guys like Ty Wigginton, Mark DeRosa, Adam Kennedy, Brandon Inge, Casey McGehee, Jeff Baker, John McDonald could fit the bill.
The Padres are also said be shopping third baseman Chase Headley, who would be a more significant player.
Globe: Red Sox may be dealing with Will Middlebrooks injury
Super. Now there are talks about going out and getting a third baseman to deal with the possible Middlebrooks injury. If the Red Sox only had a guy that could fill in at third so they wouldn't have to make a trade TO GET SOMEONE TO PLAY THIRD!!! Nope, no name rings a bell that the Sox may have had at some point this season. It is really too bad.
The Red Sox' best option may be a trade because of the fact they would have to cut someone to bring up Adam LaRoche's kid brother, Andy. Andy is performing well in his short time in Pawtucket. LaRoche has appeared in 3 games, going 8-for-13, with a homer and 4 RBI. It looks impressive, but it could just be a flash of greatness and may not be worth cutting someone.
The hamstring issue is not new and the Red Sox should have planned accordingly for the possibility of it flaring up again. For now, the Lillibridge/Punto tandem just sounds awful.
The Youk trade just got worse.
Related: ESPN Boston: Middlebrooks leaves with hamstring issue
The rest of the links:
Globe: Their fly guy | Herald: Dustin Pedroia helps Sox salvage split | Andrew Bailey still seeking relief | No Sox can match lone All-Star Ortiz | Salty diet lack 1st star taste | ESPN Boston: Pedroia shakes Sox, self out of doldrums | WEEI: Report: Red Sox agree to deal with 16-year-old pitcher Jose Almonte
