2009 Red Sox Review - Starting Pitchers

Infielders and DH on Monday, outfielders and catchers on Tuesday, what say we do those pesky starting pitchers today?Josh Beckett – 17-6, 3.86, 8.4K/9, 2.3 BB/9Interesting Stat – 64% of first pitches were strikes, best among startersBeckett posted his third consecutive solid season while delivering a career high innings total. He hit a bit of an odd stumble in the second half but righted the ship in September. If you ever want to start a fight at the Baseball Think Factory suggest that Beckett is an “Ace” and I promise you won’t be disappointed.I’m not sure if I’d term him an “Ace” but in the last three years he is 13th among all pitchers in ERA+ (min. 486 IP) and 21st in innings pitched. Of the 20 pitchers with more innings than him only seven have a better ERA+. I think it is fair to say that combination puts him in the top 15 of all pitchers at least and whatever label you give him that’s a pretty darned good pitcher.Early 2010 Outlook – Despite the reputation for lack of health ...