No shortage of storylines in Boston these days. Where shall we start? How about Josh Beckett who was forced to skip his last start due to back stiffness. In the midst of explaining to the media that he's ready to pitch tonight, Beckett tried to
about the team's alleged dysfunction.
“We traveled late in from New York (two nights before) and I didn't sleep particularly well, had a lot of anxiety and stress things going on, exterior distractions,” Beckett told WAAF. “I don’t think that a lot of it was great for my back. And going out and pitching on that mound, it was very wet, and my back just locked up on me."
On the notion that the Sox are like a dysfunctional family, Beckett insisted “it’s the exact opposite,” suggesting it is the media that creates that perception.
(5.36 ERA) who has thrown just one quality start in his last six outings. The Red Sox rotation has the 4th worst ERA in the American League.
“Especially Lester,” said Adrian Beltre, who has faced Lester every year since 2006 except the year they played together with the Red Sox in 2010. “We know what kind of stuff he has. He’s a workhorse. It’s weird seeing some of the struggles he’s had this year. We all know what he’s capable of doing. Who knows? Maybe it’s more mental than anything else. It’s surprising, knowing he’s struggling a little bit this year.”
“I just come to work and try to do the best that I can do. I can’t control (others’) thought process,” Valentine said Monday afternoon, before the Red Sox and Texas Rangers opened a three-game series at Fenway Park.
Boston enters tonight's game against Texas with a 55-56 record. They are 4.5 games back in the Wild-Card standings.
