Beckett Had a Down Year As Leader

Looking back this time last year many people was questioning Josh Beckett’s contract extension because of ending 6-6 and this year so people are questioning the extension for a different reason.

Beckett had an amazing first half the season leading to him being on selected as an All-Star. After the break his numbers began to decline ending the season with 1-2 record in the month of September but ending the season with a respectable 13-7 season with a 2.89 ERA.

So why are so many people upset? Reports have come out about starting pitchers drinking in the clubhouse on their off days. Beckett’s name has be mentioned over and over since these reports have come out, more so since Terry Francona left the team.

Beckett has been the leader of the pitching staff on and off the field but according to an anonymous Red Sox player saying, "Josh has some real leadership qualities, but this time he didn't lead left, he didn't lead right, he led wrong." It’s a shame because the managerial staff has look as him as a leader to the point where they sent Clay Buchotlz to learn from him when he was called up to the bigs.

When Francona left he mentioned not being able to lead and influence players that he once was able to influence. Beckett was one of those players once easily worked with him in the past and now many people believe that is not the case this past season.

Beckett is a veteran in the clubhouse and many of the younger players look up to him. The pitching staff lead by him had a poor season and over and over have caused some problems with media. Beckett has been tied with John Lackey who has been a basket case for the Sox all season.

Many people also question Beckett’s preparation coming into the season being 20 pounds overweight and his conditioning was poor. His conditioning also affects the whole bullpen because of his lack of ability to go long in games as he did in the past. Which could have lead to the over use of the pen. 

Beckett needs to step up next season and become the leader of this team in a positive way. He has the ablity to lead the younger guys on the staff to a win. If the rumors of drinking in the clubhouse are true he needs to drop the crap. Even if you are not playing that day there is no reason to be drinking in the clubhouse period! You should be using the off time that you have to be preparing for you next start or in the dugout cheering on your guys. It is completely unacceptable to behave like this and hopefully he will go back to the 2007 Beckett that joined the Red Sox and became an instant leader worried about winning games. To some players big money contracts effect their play let’s hope Beckett is not one of them.

I am not saying that this whole season is on the shoulders of Josh Beckett but I am saying he is a part of what happened.

For those of you who want to know how much the Red Sox pitching staff like beer take a look: