In two starts this season, Josh Beckett had been disappointing (Yankees) and average (Royals). Tonight, against the Rays, the Red Sox ace looked his usual dominant self. Beckett finished his outing with 106 pitches over seven full innings of work. He allowed just four hits, a walk, and an unearned run, while striking out eight.
In short, this was the Beckett that Red Sox fans expected to see from the start. It's also a good sign because up until now, Boston's only consistenly reliable starter has been the newly signed John Lackey. That's not to say that many Sox fans were concerned. Jon Lester's early struggles are in line with his career numbers and Tim Wakefield is about as hit or miss as they come.
Perhaps Beckett's success can be attributed to the fact that he and Jason Varitek are working together once again. Without saying as much last year, Beckett let it be known that he felt more comfortable working with Varitek behind the plate as opposed to Victor Martinez. It seemed heading into 2010 that the ace would have to deal with throwing to Martinez because of Varitek's demoted role.
However, the role Varitek now should (and likely will) play is one that the Red Sox have had for many years now, the designated catcher. The only difference is instead of having one defensively sound backstop to catch Wakefield's knuckleball, they have a more experienced game caller who's able to satisfy Beckett's preference.
As long as Beckett continues to put up these kinds of results, there's no reason not have Varitek as his personal catcher. The Red Sox have clearly placed an emphasis on their starting pitching this year, and they need to do whatever they can in order to make sure Beckett and the other starters are going full tilt for the full season.
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