Terry Francona put out the starting rotations and it was not how any of the fans expected it to be. Most fans expected a line up something like this going John Lester, Josh Beckett, Clay Buchholz, John Lackey and Daisuke Matsuzaka. But boy were they wrong. Last week Tito put out the rotation and it will begin with John Lester as many believed but it just goes wild from there. The number two starter of the staff will be John Lackey followed by Clay Buchholz, Josh Beckett and Daisuke Matsuzaka.
Lackey in the number two spot makes people ask questions and needs an explanation from Francona.
"I think we feel like Lack has a way of matching up with whoever he’s pitching against, whether a guy is a No. 1 or No. 5, you look up in the seventh and you have a chance to win, which we really like. Buck did so good [in 2010], I think we feel like having Buck come out third just enhances our chances to win a little bit. Buck’s numbers would say he can pitch anywhere. I just think Lack’s a veteran, he’s done it. I just think spacing him and Lester, there’s something to be said for that, too. Lack showed up in great shape and looks like he’s ready to go. Ultimately, if they pitch like they should, it’s not going to matter and if they don’t pitch like they should, it’s not going to matter."
The fact of the matter is there is no such thing as a true five man rotation this early in the season. Reason being there will be rain outs and injuries that will change starts throughout the season. Players will miss starts and that will change it for the rest of the season.
The thing that surprised me the most is how last season Josh Beckett was considered the ace of the staff and has moved down so low. Out of a sign of respect the last couple of seasons he has been the opening day starter and some thought that may happen again this season. Last season Beckett had an off year and suffered several injuries. He even got paid big time and that shows favoritism was no play putting him in the fourth spot.
When ask how Beckett felt he said, "Those are his decisions. Just like I would always feel like he would back me up, I back him up on his decision, as well. It is what it is. I don't get paid to make those decisions. Tito makes those decisions. I don't want that job. I never want that job. I'll let him make those decisions and I'll go out and do the best I can to put us in the best position to win."
Let’s hope Beckett has a bounce back year and doesn’t let this effect the way he is pitching since he has a long term deal with the Red Sox.
No comments:
Post a Comment