Thursday, June 16, 2011

Beckett Tosses One Hitter

After Kevin Youkilis failed to make a tough throw to first on a grounder to third in the third inning last night, Josh Beckett didn't allow another base runner for the rest of the night. Beckett went the full nine, earning the third shutout of his Sox career. Youkilis would make up for his play in the field later by providing the margin of victory with a three run homer in the seventh. The fact that it came against the Rays, for whom I have the most contempt, makes it all the more sweet.

Beckett is emerging as a Cy Young front runner. These things are always debatable of course, but he is leading the AL in ERA (1.86), batting average against (.174), and is tied for the lead in WHIP (0.92). Now if he can keep from getting a blister or some slight indigestion that puts him on the DL...

5 comments:

Dennis said...

I think you would have to say Verlander is the AL front-runner, but Beckett is in the conversation among others.

It really is the year of the pitcher part 2. 6 AL starters have a WHIP under 1, and 9 have an ERA under 3.

Dan said...

Verlander is certainly a more glamorous choice, and he's a bit more of a likable personality. His numbers are excellent as well. The second half usually settles these things.

Dennis said...

Of course, they may all be left behind by James Shields. You mentioned in this original post that Beckett threw the 3rd shutout of his Red Sox career the other night. James Shields threw his third shutout OF THE SEASON last week, and his fifth complete game today.

Dan said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Dan said...

Shields is pretty good. A few years ago I thought Matt Garza would end up being the star of that staff. You never can tell I guess. We'll see how Shields continues to fair. Last season he allowed the most hits, most ER and most HR in the AL.