DISQUS

ETBlogs Sports: Beckett, Clemens have something to prove

  • Colin · 2 years ago
    I think Beckett already proved to the Yankees that he is a No. 1, big-game pitcher in the 2003 World Series.
  • Bill Burt · 2 years ago
    Colin
    That was another lifetime ago. I don't want to equate Beckett and Clemens, because right now Beckett is "The Man," but winning games like this now makes winning games like this in October a little easier, I believe.
  • Jonny · 2 years ago
    Tonight matters because it's about momentum for both teams; each team needing to keep it going and kill the others. Obviously.

    Moreover, with Manny and our real right fielder (that guy with red hair) likely out with bad backs tonight, Josh doesn't need to worry about proving anything. He just needs to slow that high-priced lineup down. way down.
  • Bill Burt · 2 years ago
    Jonny
    Good point. Again, don't confuse Beckett with needing to prove himself has a pitcher, but wouldn't it go a long way if he shut out the best hitting lineup in baseball, maybe ever?
    Putting the Yankees out of their misery (and sending millions of Yankees fans toward misery) would be a notch on his belt.
  • Colin · 2 years ago
    Obviously it would be nice if Beckett could dominate tonight, but if he doesn't, that doesn't mean he's not a big-game pitcher. It means he's still an ace who just happened to have a sub-par game.

    Likewise, if Clemens dominates tonight, that doesn't mean he is once again an ace. It means he's still an aging, average pitcher who just happened to have a good night.
  • Bill Burt · 2 years ago
    Colin
    Tonight is not make or break, agree, but if Beckett were to throw an 8-inning, shutout or 1-run gem, and the Sox win 2-1, my guess is Beckett's ascension/confidence climbs. Just my opinion.
  • s1c · 2 years ago
    The team, not Beckett needs to play well. If we get a good pitching performance and the team plays well, then we get the win. Otherwise it doesn't matter.