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...

Red Sox: Road Warriors

Usually this west coast road swing is the kiss of death for the Sox. In spite of the team's improved play recently I still had some trepidation as they headed for the bay area to start this trip. So far, so good. The Sox have won three in a row and are getting ever closer to .500.

Josh Beckett continues to be masterful, and I for one am going to enjoy it until he gets a hangnail or goes on the DL after a paper cut disaster. He pitched eight innings allowing only two runs last night against the Angels. The Sox certainly needed him as they stranded 13 runners. Hitting with RISP continues to be an issue, but Boston was able to push runners across when it mattered most in the top of the 11th. Adrian Gonzalez got it done with two run double.

Another thing that is tempering my enthusiasm is the injury to Kevin Youkilis. He fouled a pitch off his shin early in the game and was forced to leave. The severity of the injury has yet to be released, but TV cameras showed an egg plant colored welt.

The Sox still have a long way to go on this trip. They have three more game in Anaheim then they fly back east to the Charm City for a series with the Orioles. I will hold on to my optimism for now, especially with Jon Lester toeing the rubber tonight.

Dice-Katastrophe

As good as Beckett was on Sunday. That's how bad Dice-K was yesterday. We'll never be able to trade his ass now. I was amazed at Beckett two nights ago. The curve ball looked filthy. When he's can locate the cutter and fast ball and can snap of the curve ball with regularity, he's one of the best. There's just been no consistency in a couple seasons.

I really have no more words about Dice-K. What a waste. They should just cut him. Beckett gives up two hits, Dice-K meanwhile pitches two innings.

At least we still have Lester. After 2 1/3 tonight he's looking pretty strong and just dealt a nasty fastball over the outside corner to get a backward K. Let's see if he can strike out Johnny Damon.

Lackey Looking Good

John Lackey has now looked sharp in two straight starts this spring. Everyone knows that the Sox line up looks formidable heading into April, but the key this year will be for starters Josh Beckett and John Lackey to bounce back from bad seasons. Dice-K needs to bounce back too, but I think you have to actually have been something to bounce back. (Can we just call Dice-K a bust already? I don't think I'm jumping the gun here.)

Having a healthy productive Dice-K would be nice, but really Lackey and Beckett need to be their old selves for the Sox to get back in the post season. Both were inconsistent and got banged around a lot last year. With Clay Buchholz and Jon Lester becoming the underpaid aces of the staff, they don't need to do much. I would take 14-8 with a 3.80 ERA from each of them. I don't think Beckett needs to get back to 2007 form. He just needs to stay healthy and learn to pitch with less velocity. Lackey needs to get back his confidence and be the gamer he's always been.

Beckett Scratched from Scheduled Start

Josh Beckett will continue to take it easy this week after being hit in the noggin on Monday while throwing batting practice. Beckett suffered a concussion. He has started to resume team activities today, but will not start on Thursday. Obviously, you play it super-safe during spring training and hopefully there won’t be any residual effects from this injury. This is not how Red Sox wanted Josh Beckett to start 2011.

Pitching Fails Sox Again

The last two outings have seen the Sox lose games because of their three pitching disappointments on the year. Josh Beckett, Jonathan Papelbon, and Tim Wakefield all contributed to the Sox late inning collapses. I think the Red Sox need to think long and hard about the future of each of those pitchers (except for Beckett who just signed that big extension. How nice for him).

Wakefield has clearly had it. He's been serviceable the past two or three years and has made some positive contributions. But his performance this year has shown that he is absolutely and irrevocably over the hill. Witness his 2003 ALCS reenactment last night.

I'm beginning to think that the Sox need to trade Paps while he still has some value. The fact is that a guy like Mariano Rivera or even Trevor Hoffman are very rare. Most closers are only dominant for a handful of years. Papelbon has two years left on his contract and Daniel Bard is showing legitimate closer ability this season. The Sox could keep both pitchers next year then trade Paps in the final year of the contract. I said trade him this off season before his value plummets. I'm sure they can get some idiot to trade them the farm for Paps. Closers like him are always over valued on the trade market and in free agency.

Ominous Signs for Red Sox

The Red Sox, refreshed and rejuvenated after the All-Star break, just showed how good they're feeling by getting blown out two games in a row at home by the Rangers. This is a series the Sox really needed because after this comes the kiss of death, the ten game west coast road trip (cue the foreboding organ music). I don't see how the Red Sox can survive this trip and still remain a viable contender with the Rays and Yanks. They're just too banged up.

In other cheerful news, is Jacoby Ellsbury going to be a factor this year? Apparently he's going to be back soon, but I've heard that one before. In any case, I'm really sick of these rotating scrubs in the outfield. Josh Beckett is finishing up his rehab too. I don't have high hopes for him and his 7.00 ERA either. Someone needs to give these guys some V a la True Blood.

Beckett's Balky Back

So, this is why Josh Beckett has been stanktastic all season.

Beckett and Sox Working on Extension

In spite of predictions to the contrary, the Red Sox and Josh Beckett are in talks for a possible extension of his present deal. The extension could keep Beckett in Boston through 2014. I like Beckett and keeping him in town through the remainder of his productive years wouldn't be a bad idea.

My only concern is Josh's injury history. While there have been no major problems, it seems like a hangnail can cause a missed start. As I've said before, he needs all the planets in alignment to be at his best. Some guys can gut it out through injuries and still pitch well. Josh isn't afraid to take the ball, but when he tries to pitch through pain, he gets knocked around.

State of the Rotation: Burnett vs. Beckett

In the continuation of my series of Red Sox starters vs. Yankee starters, we will look at two right-handers who match in the rotation and in their history. Both A.J. Burnett and Josh Beckett came up through the Florida Marlins system and during their time in Florida they both had success and injuries. Burnett's injuries came from a problematic elbow that recquired surgery in 2003, while Beckett tended to have less serious hand and other injuries that consistently prevented him from pitching a full season or to his potential.

Both right-handers departed the marlins after the 2005 season. Burnett as a free agent to the Blue Jays and Beckett in a historic trade to the Red Sox. Over the course of their first three seasons in the AL East both pitchers had remarkably similar numbers.

Last season was the first year the two former teammates viewed each other across the great divide that is the Yankee/Red Sox rivalry.

For Burnett the year was not that far off of his career numbers. Though his ERA was slightly higher that normal, his walks and his strikeouts were right around where they normally sit. It is also important to note that the righty managed to stay healthy for the whole of 2009, a feat for Burnett no doubt, considering that he had never pitched 200 innings in back-to-back seasons or in a none contract season. The another thing lacking on Burnett's resume was a postseason performance of note.

Since he blew out his elbow in 2003, Burnett missed his one opportunity to distinguish himself in the postseason until 2009. Remarkably enough Burnett put together impressive performances in three of his five playoff starts, including seven innings of one-run ball in a must win game two of the World Series.

Beckett on the other hand merely did what he has been doing almost every season he has been in red. That, of course, is 30-plus starts and 200-plus innings pitched. His 2009 season was a good bounce back from his 2008 season. Beckett seemed to push through his back problems in 2009 and pitch to his capability to gain back some reputation points he lost after his substandard 2008 season and his poor performance in that year's playoff run.

Beckett's K/9 and H/9 were right in line with what he has been giving Boston in his three previous years with the team, although he pitched poorly in the playoffs again as the Red Sox were swept away by the Angels. Still, Beckett is someone the Red Sox won't hesistate giving the ball to in a big game.

Not much changed between the two pitchers from last season to now, though if any pitcher took a hit in terms of quality of his performance, it would have to be Burnett. While he did come through in some big games, he still had bouts of terrible wildness and uncharacteristic hitability.

Burnett would have really had to step up for my vote to swing his way, but if anything he pushed me further into Beckett's camp. Beckett is just way too reliable to choose someone as inconsistent as Burnett over him. The second match up goes to the Red Sox and we're tied at one.

Beckett Forgets How To Pitch

The struggles continued for Josh Beckett last night. I knew it was going to be a long night when Carl Crawford took Beckett yard in the first inning. Beckett's last handful of starts have been abysmal. A potential 20-win season is quickly coming unglued. The homeruns he's allowing are unbelievable; 12, I think, in his last five starts. He had 10 total on the season previous to that.

Where does that leave the Sox? The fans consolation to this point was that at least we had Beckett and Lester. If we don't have the two of them, it will be an early exit in the playoffs or maybe even no playoffs at all. Josh needs to get himself right and quick.

Yankees Keep Knocking On Sox

So as things go the Yankees ripped on the Sox on Friday and then the Sox got their revenge on Saturday. Sunday was set up to be the rubber match on the series with both teams sending their aces to the mound. Everyone was expecting to see a scoreless duel between the major league leaders in wins, so of course it was another sloppy slugfest.

Well to be fair Sabathia was pretty much on point except for that rough little second inning he had, but really those were the only two runs he should have given up if the Yankees defense had simply remembered how to catch a pop up.

Either way, Sabathia out pitched Josh Beckett by a mile. Beckett was tagged for a career high in home runs, five, as the Yankees attacked him early in the count to avoid seeing any of his nasty breaking pitches. Not much else you can really say about it except that Beckett didn't adjust to the Yanks new strategy, although I'm sure he will have a completely new attack plan by the next time the Yanks see him.

The other star of the game and perhaps of the series (excluding Saturday's performance) was Hideki Matsui. Matsui had his knees drained in Seattle last weekend and every since he has been back to his mid-season form. He slammed four homers this series and has quietly been a big force in the middle of the Yankee lineup.

Obviously Matsui is near the end, but right now he is a big part of the Yankee lineup and he can still make pitchers pay for mistakes. Keeping him healthy for the playoffs will be a priority for Girardi down the stretch.

This win was big for the Yankees. Sure they would have still been safe with a 5.5 game lead, but taking two of three really buts another dagger in the division race and prevents the Sox from gaining any downward momentum towards the Yankees. It also keeps them looking over their shoulder at both the Rays and The even closer Rangers. It will be an interesting final month for the Sox to say the least.

Boston Fights Back

With a 20-11 loss the night before and Junichi Tazawa facing A.J. Burnett Saturday afternoon, I was certainly pessimistic about the immediate future of the Red Sox. However, they broke out the sledge hammer and scored 14 runs in defeat of the Yankees yesterday. Tazawa, being a young pitcher with which the Yankees have no familiarity, baffled the bombers who ultimately scored only one run. The Yankees have such problems with these young pitchers, it makes you want to wheel out a new pitcher every time you play them.

Tonight we get to watch what we've all been waiting for; the match up between C.C. Sabathia and Josh Beckett. They have remarkably similar stats this season. In 24 starts and 162 1/3 innings, Beckett is 14-4, 3.38 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 149 K. Sabathia is 14-7, 3.58 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 140 K in 26 starts and 178 2/3 IP. Both pitchers have pitched well lately save Beckett's last start at Toronto; although, Beckett seems to play better in big games. In any event, these teams have combined for 46 runs in the past two games and today should be much, much different.

Although I am biased, I give the advantage today to Beckett. He loves the big stage, the Sox are at home, and the game means much more to Boston than it does to New York. I don't suspect the Sox will be a real threat in the division from here out, but a cushion in their wild card lead is of the utmost importance.

I will probably watch the game with the sound off though. I cannot bear Joe Morgan and Jon Miller. The last time they did a Boston vs. NY game they talked for 30 minutes without acknowledging the action on the field at all. In fact, ESPN wouldn't even show the field while they were talking. Baseball catered for the casual fan is absolute torture for those of us who actually follow the game.

Successful Debut for Martinez, Sox 1/2 Game Back

Victor Martinez had an RBI single and scored a run in his Red Sox debut, while Josh Beckett continued his Cy Young caliber season in Boston's 4-0 win vs. Baltimore.

I like the Martinez move, although I think it's a move that will really pan out for next season. With all due respect to Jason Varitek, I think Martinez will be behind the plate next season. Youk will move to 3rd and the Sox will push hard for a big bat at first base.

Beckett, who pitched 7 shut out innings, was helped by double plays in the 6th and 7th. Other than that, he faced little trouble. He now has an AL leading 13 wins and sports a 3.27 ERA. Many wondered who was the real Josh Beckett, the horse from 2007 or the floundering, banged up pitcher from last season. So far he is proving he is the former.

The Sox now stand 1/2 a game back of the Yankees and I'm sure the division lead seesaw will continue until the end. Now Jason Page can shut his pie hole about the Yankees standing pat at the deadline because they have a certain World Series contender. They do, but like all the teams in the race the Yanks have holes. A winning streak prior to the deadline perhaps will lead you to turn a blind eye to those weaknesses. Or perhaps New York just didn't see anything they were thrilled about. The reason I hate Page so much (in addition to his ineptitude behind the mic) is that he's such a Yankee homer and claims to be objective. Anyway, the race is on, and if we're honest with ourselves, we all like it that way.

The Red Sox Road Ahead

Josh Beckett had another standout performance last night in a 4-1 against the Braves. He is grooving and looking comfortable in start after start. He threw his curve ball for strikes in 20 of 28 attempts for the game, and when he has control of that pitch, he's as good as anyone in baseball.

After this three game set at Atlanta, the Red Sox upcoming schedule appears to be as favorable as it gets. Three games in Baltimore are followed by a ten game home stand featuring the likes of the Mariners, A's, and Royals. This is a golden opportunity to do some damage and create some distance in the AL East. Of course this probably means that the Sox will go 7-6 over these 13 games.

Jonathan Papelbon continues to look shaky in closing situations. He gave up a solo home run last night in addition to allowing a couple of base runners. Statistically he's getting it done, but I'm wondering how long he can walk the razor's edge.

Beckett Continues to Deal

I spent my last post belly-aching about Daisuke Matsuzaka. Last night Josh Beckett made me feel a bit better. He pitched a five hit shut out against Atlanta in which he gave up five hits, all singles, and no Brave got as far as third base.

The game flew by. Former Sox pitcher Derek Lowe, a ground ball machine, pitched pretty well himself. He's the kind of guy who throws strikes and works quickly. Beckett only needed 94 pitches to get through nine innings. I'll take a game like this over a 11-10, four hour affair any time.

It seems like injuries bothered Beckett more than he let on last season. This year he has returned to form and he looks like the horse he was in 2007.

Beckett Schools Tigers

Josh Beckett went the first 7 2/3 last night without a hit before Curtis Granderson broke up the no-no bid. It's very encouraging to see this return to form for Beckett over his past few starts, especially with the Sox starters floundering a bit so far this season. In the eighth, Beckett looked gassed, but after the no-hitter was broken up and a 25 minute wait as the Sox put up a crooked number in the top half of the inning, it was understandable. Boston held on to win 10-5.

When Beckett can calm down a little and get in a zone, he's as nasty as they come. The thing that prevents him from being in the upper echelon with the likes of Halladay and Santana is his inconsistency. Last night, he didn't over throw and was painting the corners time and time again.

The Sox and Tigers had comparable records entering the series, but Boston has asserted themselves in these past two games. Detroit doesn't look to be on the same level as Boston right now.

It was good to see David Ortiz contribute last night with a two run double. Over the past two games he's had a number of drives get swallowed up by the shift or die at the warning track in that colossal park. A couple of those balls would've been out at Fenway. At least he's been hitting the ball hard.

Long Weekend Part II

Though the Sox swept this weekend, the nation should not be that excited less than 20 games into the season. To counter Dan's post, here are a couple things I didn't like about the weekend.

#1: Beckett and Ortiz are off to slow starts. Beckett did not pitch well on Saturday. He lacked control and the ability to put batters away. I will not overreact, but Beckett has not looked sharp this season. Hopefully, he will get going as the weather heats up. Ortiz continues to struggle, going 2-13 in the series. It might serve the Sox to drop him in the order, especially with Lowell and Bay playing well. I would like to see Francona's line-up card look like this:

Ellsbury

Pedroia

Bay

Youk

Ortiz

Lowell

Drew

V-Tek

Green

#2: What the hell is Francona doing putting Papelbon in the game up by 5 runs after throwing 30 pitches the night before. Papelbon will face the Yankees upwards of 20 times this season, so by all means, let's have him throw in a meaningless ninth inning.

All in all, the Sox had a great homestand going 9-0 and have crept back up to the top of the AL East. Hopefully, Boston will continue their winning streak on the road this week against the struggling Indians and Rays.

Great Weekend for the Red Sox

Sometimes teams can point to defining moments in their seasons when things turned around for better or worse. Friday night's 10-8 comeback victory over Baltimore could be one of those moments for the Red Sox. Although it was not encouraging to see Brad Penny gone after 3+ innings in which he gave up 8 runs, the Sox showed their mettle and came back to win. The bats came alive and the offense woke from it's season long slumber. Hopefully this is the type of game that galvanizes the team.

A similar situation arose on Saturday only the O's and Sox reversed roles. Josh Beckett, who had been sharp, gave up four runs in the fifth allowing the Orioles to close a 6-0 deficit to 6-4. However, instead of caving as Baltimore did the day before, Boston held on. Again the bullpen came through and saved the starter's behind by shutting out Baltimore for the rest of the game. Papelbon came up with a save for the second straight day.

After extensively using the bullpen two days in a row, the Sox needed Jon Lester to have a solid outing to save their arms. He made amends for a his previous subpar start by pitching seven shut out innings while striking out nine. What is most encouraging is the fact that the Red Sox were able to win three straight tough games under some adverse circumstances against a team whose offense was as hot as anyone's in baseball. The Sox can complete the sweep on Monday.

Beckett gets 6 games and Early Woes for Sox

Josh Beckett was suspended for 6 games (In the end, the suspension is only for 1 start)  after throwing over the head Bobby Abreu on Sunday. This action caused a bench clearing shouting match. It seems silly that he was suspended for his actions and not ejected from the game on Sunday. This would create a clear-cut no tolerance policy which would discourage this type of behavior in the future.

On the field, the Red Sox have had a rough start. Usually, I wouldn't worry, but the problem is the Sox haven't been putting up runs and their biggest weakness this offseason was replacing the bat of Manny Ramirez. They never addressed this problem. In 7 games they have only scored 24 runs.

I was discussing early season worry with a well-known supporter of this blog last week and he said you should only worry if a team's fatal flaw manifests itself early in the season. I agree with him and that is exactly what is happening with the Sox. Hopefully, Mike Lowell and David Ortiz will start hitting or they can go get someone before the All-Star break. With the Rays and Yankees you can't get too far behind, even in April.