Beckett by the numbers — They’re better than good
May 2nd, 2007 by Bill Burt
First off, let’s get something straight. Josh Beckett is not only a very good pitcher, with an World Series MVP Trophy to prove it, but April has annually be one of his better months.
Now 62-45 for his career, his 7-inning, 6-hit and 3-run performance tonight was better than solid. In fact, for a while — through four innings — he didn’t allow a hit.
He is now 18-9 over his first six starts each season since his rookie campaign in 2002.
But now at 6-0, with beginning-to-look-scary numbers, it’s time to take notice. He is on the cusp of having a great season, which is something he has never done. His best season was in 2005 when he finished 15-8 with a 3.38 ERA, but he only pitched 179 innings.
Let’s take a statistical look at each season of his career through six games. While they aren’t bad from 2002 through 2006, they aren’t 2007.
The most notable stat in 2007 is that Beckett has walked only seven batters and allowed only one home run. A year ago it was 16 walks and six HRs. His 5-to-1 strikeout to walk ratio is mighty impressive, too.
Year - Rec. IP Hits ER R HR BB K ERA
2007 - 6-0 38.2 33 13 12 1 7 34 2.79
2006 - 3-1 37 32 22 20 6 16 23 4.87
2005 - 4-2 35 28 14 10 1 14 34 2.57
2004 - 2-2 40.1 32 18 16 3 12 45 3.57
2003 - 2-2 34 32 18 15 4 16 37 3.55
2002 - 1-2 36.2 30 18 14 6 13 35 3.44
On another note, in case you were wondering about the importance of pitching (I realize that ended somewhere around Roger Clemens second or third year here), the Red Sox currently have five of the starting nine hitting .250 or less. They are Jason Varitek (.240), Julio Lugo (.245), Coco Crisp (.250), Dustin Pedroia (.172) and Manny Ramirez (.227). You could add in J.D. Drew, who has dropped nearly 200 points off his average over the last 20 days, from .472 to .275.
The Grade A pitching continues tonight at Fenway Park with the Sox sending Dice-K (3-2 with 4.36 ERA) to the mound, facing Horacio Ramirez (2-1, 4.41).
2 reader comments to “Beckett by the numbers — They’re better than good”
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1John said:
Looks like John Lester had a set back in AAA Pawtucket when he got a cramp in his arm in the third inning of his rehab start. I hope this turns out to be nothing more than a cramp and he can get back to the Red Sox soon. Burt when do you see him returning?
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2Joe from Methuen said:
I love the Beckett stats. Looks like Bradford rubbed off on you a bit.
Also, I agree on Randy Moss. What the hell are people concerned about. This really is a no-brainer.
