I don't think it's hyperbole to say that tonight's game is huge. Beckett needs to come in and pitch like he's capable of pitching and shut down the Rays. Someone needs to turn this team around and he's only pitcher on our staff that's capable of doing this (being the proverbial "stopper"). Lester's the only one who might be close but I just have no faith in his ability to pitch big in big games.
In other Sox news, this is interesting: sounds like Buchholz will be throwing a bullpen session this weekend with an eye towards becoming a long reliever in the playoffs. If this really happens, then we could use a combo of Aceves and Buchholz as a starter, which I like MUCH more that Miller and Weiland.
I haven't heard any news on Bedard? Is he still hurt?
As the schedule would have it, Beckett is going to be facing James Shields, who is not exactly a slouch - 210 strikeouts this year, a 2.87 ERA vs. Boston, and a 2.70 ERA overall.
ReplyDeleteBiggest game of the regular season for both teams.