:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/17282257/175289554.0.jpg)
Quotables
We know we'll have a tough series. I've played quite a few games at Fenway Park myself. It's kind of exciting, but at the same time, you've got to be able to dig in and have staying power. The games can be pretty exhausting
A Jon Lester pitching to his capabilities is going to be one of the better pitchers in the league. He's shown it the last couple of times out. Again, I think he's getting a better understanding of the overall pitch mix, how to be most effective. His change-up continues to be a very good weapon for him, and he was efficient once again today.
Diamondbacks Daily
Diamondbacks-Red Sox series preview | foxsportsarizona.com
Jake Peavy makes his Red Sox debut vs. D-backs on Saturday while Brandon McCarthy returns to the Arizona rotation on Sunday.
D-backs, Red Sox set to square off at Fenway | dbacks.com
A pair of clubs fighting for division leads will square off in an Interleague showdown on Friday night, when the D-backs open a three-game series against the Red Sox at Fenway Park. The D-backs, making their first trip to Boston since 2010, are trying to keep pace with the Dodgers in the National League West. The Red Sox are a game ahead of the Rays in the American League East, on the strength of their 37-20 home record. The D-backs are 25-29 on the road.
Homers haunt Spruill as D-backs downed by Darvish | dbacks.com
In a 7-1 loss to the Rangers, the 23-year-old rookie Spruill struggled against lefties -- allowing solo homers to A.J. Pierzynski, Mitch Moreland and David Murphy -- and could only watch helplessly from the dugout as Darvish mowed down D-backs hitters inning after inning.
Thatcher excited for opportunity with D-backs | dbacks.com
"I'm excited to be here, to jump into a division race is always exciting," Thatcher said. "I've got a lot of respect for this organization. I'm glad to be here, I've been with Kevin Towers before -- he brought me into San Diego. I'm just grateful for the opportunity to be here and help out any way possible."
Curacao represented well by Gregorius, Rangers' Profar | dbacks.com
The small Caribbean island of Curacao was represented in a big way Thursday as both the D-backs' and Rangers' starting shortstops hailed from the semi-autonomous part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Arizona Diamondbacks' Cody Ross wants revenge against Boston Red Sox
"The difference-maker is the starting pitching," Ross said. "Last year it was atrocious and this year it’s outstanding. It’s kind of crazy how (Clay) Buchholz and (Jon) Lester have turned it around back to where they should be."
Ian Kennedy’s fall accentuated by LA brawl | azcentral.com
Ian Kennedy did a lot of things wrong in 2013. His worst offense might’ve been waking the sleeping giant in Los Angeles.
Today in Baseball
The 1866 Cincinnati Red Stockings
Looking more dapper than you can ever dream of becoming.
Mariners Accidentally Bring In Wrong Pitcher, Blow Huge Lead | deadspin.com
With Eric Wedge recovering from a mild stroke, bench coach Robby Thompson has been Seattle's acting manager. Last night, Thompson learned the hard way that managing isn't all sunshine and daisies. Sometimes you have to know your right from your left.
Fenway Park Homer
"I think I'll just stand here and look at the scenery..." /gets hit in the kneecap
If A-Rod Is Banned, Rangers Will Still Owe Him Over $40M | CBS New York
If Rodriguez is indeed banned for life, the Yankees will likely be freed from the roughly $100 million that he's owed until his contract expires in 2017. Texas, on the other hand, would still be on the hook for over $40 million, according to the Dallas Morning News.
Minor league pitcher Nick Tropeano somehow recorded a one-pitch strikeout | Yardbarker.com
Yes Virginia, one-pitch strikeouts do exist. Just ask Corpus Christi Hooks pitcher Nick Tropeano, who pulled off the ultra rare feat against the Midland Rockhounds in Double-A action this past Thursday