We all know Joshy didn't have a great time last year. He struggled through some injuries and says he was also dealing with some personal issues as well. Whatever was going on caused him to lose his status as an ace.
Since a lot of pitching is mental, it was a good idea to position Beckett to have his first start against the Indians. Having seen how the Rangers can mash, it's good they didn't throw him out there to face them. That could have destroyed his confidence.
Being 0-3 is no fun. Everyone on this team (and every member of Sox Nation) wants to get a win. We need one so we can all lower our panic level a little bit, take a step back from the ledge, and instead just sit there on the edge with our legs hanging down. Josh Beckett is capable of stepping up during big games. I'm pretty sure you could categorize this as a big game. While that might seem a bit silly so early in the year its true. With all the improvements this team made over the season people want to start seeing the benefits.
We don't need Josh to try and make the Hall of Fame tonight. Just six innings of solid work will get the job done. If he can keep himself out of trouble, control the strike zone, and not give up any long balls than he will have done his job. As far as I'm concerned.
Besides our offense is about ready to explode. We're going up against some poor soul named Josh Tomlin. It's his first full year in the big leagues. If Beckett can hold the Indians to around 4 runs then our big bats should take care of the rest. Carl Crawford has got a little bit of momentum going after his 2-4 day last time out against the Rangers. Gonzo will be Gonzo. Should finish with a few RBI's. Big Papi is doing his best to prove that he won't be having his somewhat traditional April slump this season.
But as usual I think the X factor has to be Jacoby Ellsbury. Opening Day against the Rangers he looked fantastic. Carved out 2 hits and was on base 4 times. He does such a great job of working the count and understands a walk is as good as a hit. He definitely serves as our catalyst. I'd like to see him steal a few bases tonight.
I'm also interested to see what sort of lineup Tito decides to go with tonight. Will Gonzo be 4th or 5th? Where will Crawford end up? I'd actually really like to see him hit number 2. I think that would be pretty exciting having him and Ellsbury back to back like that. Speed followed by more speed. Or more speed followed by speed. However you want to look at it. Why not give it a try. Hasn't Lil Dusty always thrived in the 3 spot anyways? I don't have any stats to back that up but I seem to recall he does well there. I should coach.
I see the Sox getting a win tonight. Then again I never don't see them getting a win.
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