Red Sox News & Links: MLB not planning to move Sox-Cubs weekend series in face of nor’easter uncertainty

Garrett Crochet was never planning on pitching in a regular season game before the playoffs, so this weekend's storm won't impact him. But he continues to make progress, having faced a live hitter for the first time in his recovery process yesterday. Crochet faced Ceddanne Rafaela , threw 16 pitches, and got his fastball up to the 94-96 MPH range. "I would say the way that live just went, that I could go get outs," Crochet said. "It depends obviously what role they want me in. It's not really for me to say. I know myself, and I know my body, and the biggest thing was that I felt good out there. Felt like I was able to ramp up intensity to a place that I haven't gone yet." (Ian Browne, MLB.com)

That the Sox pitching has held so steady without Crochet is a testement to the staff's overall depth, and to the way Payton Tolle in particular has stepped up this season. Last night, the fans let him know he's appreciated. "Yeah, I think he's won them over pretty significantly," said Chad Tracy. "Obviously, he's been awesome this year." (Ian Browne, MLB.com)

Tolle has won over the fans first by pitching really, really well, and second by appearing to be an all-around great dude, as when he hugs opposing players on the baseline. But, as it turns out, hugging players on the field isn't new for him, as we can see in his highlight video of his high school basketball days: