Josh Beckett Has Been ‘Aces’ in Spring for Red Sox

In what proved to be a dramatic end to the ball game that saw the Red Sox walk off in victory over the Miami Marlins, it was another solid outing from Josh Beckett that is the positive to be read between the lines.

For Beckett it was his third start of the spring and while he did find trouble in the first inning, he was solid for the final three innings, retiring the final seven batters he faced.

As mentioned, the first inning was trouble for Beckett as he fought to control his fastball, evidenced by two hits batsman and then walking in a run.  He also surrendered his only hit in the first inning, a one-out double.  But then Josh settled down and produced another solid outing, shedding light on that perhaps he is for real when he says he wants redemption this year.

After tossing 21 pitches in the first inning, Beckett would only need 36 over the final three frames, all of which were hitless and walk free.

So far this spring, the former World Series MVP has worked in 9.0 innings, giving up just the one run that came in today’s ball game.  All the while he’s struck out three and walked two and given up just four hits.

While his command was questionable early today, he showed the resilience to battle back, find the control and became un-hittable, something that was Beckett-like for most of last season.  So far all indications point to a renowned Josh Beckett, someone who could battle for the title of “staff ace.”  With a few more starts guaranteed this spring, Beckett should only build on his successes early on and carry that over into April.

Considering that last spring training Beckett had an ERA over 5.00, I’d say he’s on the right track so far this year to becoming a leader, something this team so desperately needs.

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