Post by Scott on Apr 4, 2007 10:11:30 GMT -5
On the heels of Curt Schilling's sub-par performance on Opening Day, Josh Beckett is the first Red Sox pitcher with the chance to play stopper.
Granted, it's only a one-game losing streak. But with Schilling's 7-1 loss to the Royals followed by Tuesday's off-day, the Red Sox will be eager to ride Beckett's strong right arm by the time they take the field on Wednesday night.
"I think we have a good chance every time he takes the mound," Red Sox shortstop Julio Lugo said of Beckett. "I think he's one of the best in the league. He's a power pitcher, he throws strikes, he has good command."
During the six weeks of Spring Training, Beckett looked primed to have the breakout year many scouts have been projecting for years. By refining his fastball command and rediscovering his offspeed stuff, Beckett appears ready to break out to a fast start.
"All spring, he's been so good," said Red Sox manager Terry Francona. "I think he and [pitching coach] John [Farrell] established a relationship early on which was a positive. They certainly seemed to hit it off together. He's been a pretty good pitcher. He's thrown a lot more offspeed pitches than he has in the past and he's commanded them, he's kept his fastball down when he wanted to. He's been a very good pitcher."
Beckett will be opposed by left-hander Odalis Perez.
Though Schilling was the focal point of the Opening Day disappointment, the Red Sox also didn't hit. Only Dustin Pedroia had a multi-hit game.
"Don't panic," said Sox third baseman Mike Lowell. "We'll be fine."
Pitching matchup
BOS: RHP Josh Beckett, 16-7, 3.97 ERA in 2006
Beckett is hoping to be more consistent in his second year in Boston. Still, he did achieve career-highs last year in wins and innings. Beckett pitched his best game of last season against the Royals, firing eight shutout innings. On the road, he was 9-5 with a 5.21 ERA. Beckett's 31 wins over the last two seasons rank eighth in the Major Leagues. Beckett has limited opponents to a .239 average over his first five seasons.
KC: LHP Odalis Perez, 11-8, 4.48 ERA in 2006
In his lone start against the Red Sox last season, Perez gave up three runs, two earned, on five hits in six innings, while striking out a season-high 10 batters in a no-decision. He left with a 5-3 lead, but the bullpen couldn't hold on to the lead.
Players to watch
Royals second baseman Mark Grudzielanek is a .364 hitter in 20 career at-bats against Beckett. ... Sox slugger David Ortiz is 4-for-6 against Perez with a triple and a homer.
Granted, it's only a one-game losing streak. But with Schilling's 7-1 loss to the Royals followed by Tuesday's off-day, the Red Sox will be eager to ride Beckett's strong right arm by the time they take the field on Wednesday night.
"I think we have a good chance every time he takes the mound," Red Sox shortstop Julio Lugo said of Beckett. "I think he's one of the best in the league. He's a power pitcher, he throws strikes, he has good command."
During the six weeks of Spring Training, Beckett looked primed to have the breakout year many scouts have been projecting for years. By refining his fastball command and rediscovering his offspeed stuff, Beckett appears ready to break out to a fast start.
"All spring, he's been so good," said Red Sox manager Terry Francona. "I think he and [pitching coach] John [Farrell] established a relationship early on which was a positive. They certainly seemed to hit it off together. He's been a pretty good pitcher. He's thrown a lot more offspeed pitches than he has in the past and he's commanded them, he's kept his fastball down when he wanted to. He's been a very good pitcher."
Beckett will be opposed by left-hander Odalis Perez.
Though Schilling was the focal point of the Opening Day disappointment, the Red Sox also didn't hit. Only Dustin Pedroia had a multi-hit game.
"Don't panic," said Sox third baseman Mike Lowell. "We'll be fine."
Pitching matchup
BOS: RHP Josh Beckett, 16-7, 3.97 ERA in 2006
Beckett is hoping to be more consistent in his second year in Boston. Still, he did achieve career-highs last year in wins and innings. Beckett pitched his best game of last season against the Royals, firing eight shutout innings. On the road, he was 9-5 with a 5.21 ERA. Beckett's 31 wins over the last two seasons rank eighth in the Major Leagues. Beckett has limited opponents to a .239 average over his first five seasons.
KC: LHP Odalis Perez, 11-8, 4.48 ERA in 2006
In his lone start against the Red Sox last season, Perez gave up three runs, two earned, on five hits in six innings, while striking out a season-high 10 batters in a no-decision. He left with a 5-3 lead, but the bullpen couldn't hold on to the lead.
Players to watch
Royals second baseman Mark Grudzielanek is a .364 hitter in 20 career at-bats against Beckett. ... Sox slugger David Ortiz is 4-for-6 against Perez with a triple and a homer.