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Dice-K, Beckett, Lester and Wakefield: You like?

Oct 8th, 2008 by Bill Burt

Red Sox manager Terry Francona was questioned a few times today during his press conference after announcing the rotation for games one through four of the ALCS.
And he didn’t like it.
The rotation goes like this …
Game 1: Daisuke Matsuzaka (18-3, 2.90 ERA) vs. James Shields (14-8, 3.56 ERA)
Game 2: Josh Beckett (12-10, 4.03) vs. Scott Kazmir (12-8, 3.49)
Game 3: Jon Lester (16-6, 3.21) vs. Matt Garza (11-9, 3.70)
Game 4: Tim Wakefield (10-11, 4.13) vs. Andy Sonnanstine (13-9, 4.38).
Anyway, Francona was asked about Lester going in Game 3 when he could be ready for Game 2.
He implied that this was the best way to get all of the pitchers an equal amount of rest rather than Beckett being pushed back two more days.
He didn’t like the questions, which were legitimate. But he did have good answers for them.
The point he made is that if it goes seven games, Lester, Beckett and Dice-K will pitch twice. And that Beckett “isn’t too bad of a pitcher.”
Other than it was uneventful day at Fenway.
What is your opinion? Would you put switch Lester and Beckett? To be honest, I would go Lester in Game 2 because he’s the best pitcher on the Red Sox right now. That being said, Beckett will take that game personally against Kazmir. If the series is tied 1-1 going back to Boston, Lester will be in position to take control of it for the Red Sox.

Posted in Red Sox | Comments

  • Marcel
    I don't really think it matter too much. Neither Beckett or Kazmir are pitching at the top of their respective abilities right now (Beckett being hurt right now and Kaz basically pitching without his slider all season) so that game could wind up being a battle of the bullpens. Speaking of which, why hasn't more been made of Beckett's velocity in his past start? He can get away with so-so command with his normal 95-97mph fastball, but 92-93 just isn't going to cut it. Especially since he seemed to be throwing more 4-seamers than 2-seamers.

    The biggest match-up is definitely going to be Wake vs Sonny. It is absolutely ridiculous that Sonnanstine has been so utterly dominant against the Sox this year. I really hope they can figure him out this time around.
  • Marcel
    I agree this isn't a big deal Beckett or Lester, but my inkling is to pitch my best pitcher as much as possible. Sometimes you need a guy to get one out the game after he starts. Very rarely, but it happens. The fear is Beckett getting too much time off. Everything though is moot if Dice-K is dominant. Then Lester can get that extra day.
    I will say I like the fact that Beckett is up against Kazmir. That will get him up sky-high, wanting to beat their best.
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