Josh Beckett has finally responded to the Boston Globe story that called out some Red Sox pitchers for their poor clubhouse behavior during games. Appearing on MLB Network’s Intentional Talk, Beckett said that what goes on in the clubhouse should stay in the clubhouse.
“I think the biggest key is what [Jon] Lester said, we stunk on the field and that was the bottom line,” Beckett said on the show, which is hosted by Chris Rose and former Red Sox player Kevin Millar. “If we would have pitched better, none of that stuff would have even been an issue. And it shouldn’t be an issue anyway because what goes on in the clubhouse should stay in the clubhouse.
“I don’t care who says that or whatever. I’m not saying we don’t make mistakes in the clubhouse. (Millar) will definitely respond to that because, hell, they were drinking Jack Daniels and they won the (2004) World Series. It’s just what goes on in the clubhouse, it’s supposed to stay in the clubhouse.”
Beckett’s probably right that personal team business should have remained private. However, just because it shouldn’t be out in the public doesn’t mean what Beckett and his teammates did should be excused. Their clubhouse behavior was inappropriate and disrespectful to his teammates who were playing during those games. He’s also overlooking the point that maybe they would have pitched better had they been better prepared.
I’ve been a big Josh Beckett fan for a long time, but I have to wonder how much more he could have accomplished if he had a better work ethic. He’s had far too many down seasons and missed too many starts for a pitcher with his talent.
Below is a video of the interview:
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