As southpaw posted recently, Lester IS the new ace of the 'Sox staff....no doubt about it.
With Lester and Buch pitching so well, 'Sox would be wise (for once this season) to take their time with Beckett. Assuming his back is not to the point of requiring surgery, changing his mechanics to compensate could cause other injuries, like a shoulder and oblique problem (as with discussed in today's Globe).
A series split with KC having spotted them the first two games sure beats a sweep by them.
Big Papi continues to swing a big bat. Cam had a good game, too. If Theo would ask me (which he won't), I would rest Ells and Beckett until after the All Star break, which is about a month away. Theoretically, they will be healthy and rested for the 2nd half. Why rush them back? They have gained ground in the division without them. Just play "rope 'a dope" and hang close. That would be my advice.
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Maybe Theo should ask you! Maybe Theo should ask all the fans. I think this is the smart course for the Sox. As Tito said yesterday, they've got Beckett for a number of years going forward. If they screw up with him now, that only means problems for them down the road. Changing delivery style only develops bad habits in a pitcher. Management has already seen what can happen when a player is rushed back before he's ready. Honestly, it's really going to take some time for Ells to be completely healed. Let's not make the same mistake twice.
ReplyDeleteOnce again, a good job done by Lester. He didn't look as sharp in the early innings, but I've heard that he's a slow warm up and really doesn't find his A-game for maybe the first few innings. Good to see the offense prop their starter up.
It's unthinkable that the team gets a day off!! Now what am I gonna do tomorrow without my boys??