Every morning we compile the links of the day and dump them here... highlighting the big storyline. Because there's nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump...
Josh Beckett has broken his silence.
Nearly two weeks before Red Sox pitchers and catchers must report to Fort Myers, Beckett made his first public comments about the team’s historic September collapse in an interview with MLB Network’s "Intentional Talk," hosted by former Sox first baseman Kevin Millar. While fellow starters Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz have addressed the pitchers’ habit of occasionally eating chicken and drinking beer in the clubhouse during games, Beckett explained he has been busy caring for his infant daughter, born at the end of the regular season.
"I think the biggest key is what Lester said to the end that, we stunk on the field and that was the bottom line," Beckett told the show. "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."
Herald - Josh Beckett: ‘What goes on in the clubhouse should stay in the clubhouse’
Beckett nailed it: If they had pitched better, no one would have ever known about the clubhouse antics.
But.. but but but... you didn't pitch better. In fact, you went from having a career year in the first half of the season to being pedestrian in August to pitching like a bum in September, when the Sox needed you most. And while some members of the rotation were having the opposite of a career year (*cough*Lackey*cough*), the staff, and team, as a whole collapsed.
And when that happens, especially on such a grand scale, to a team with such a rabid fan base, people are going to want to know why. They will want answers to simple questions like: Why did you suddenly become terrible at throwing a baseball? You're not a dumb man, Josh Beckett. You know how this works.
And the Millar 2004 comparison? Nice try, but not even close. First off, that didn't stay in the clubhouse. So your entire argument is invalid. Secondarily, taking shots of Jack Daniels on the road to the World Series is a tad bit different than the chicken, video games and beer you enjoyed while the season was crumbling around your team. And lastly, and most importantly, they won. That's really all that matters. Win the games and no one cares what you did behind the scenes. In fact, if you win, we'll laugh about it. Just like we do about the "The Idiots" and the 2004 season.
You do yourself no favors by making statements like this. Just let it go, man. And try to pitch a little more consistently this season. That's all.
On Page 2, if you didn't know already, Edwin isn't coming to town.
The Washington Nationals and right-hander Edwin Jackson have reportedly come to terms on a one year $8-12M deal.
The Red Sox had reportedly offered a one year $5-6M deal, but fell out of the running over the course of the last week.
CSNNE - Sox lose out on Jackson
Realistically we knew Jackson wasn't going to sign with Boston, so this shouldn't be too shocking to anyone.
Aside from the money, this is a smart play by Jackson. When you're a young pitcher willing to take a one-year deal to showcase your stuff in hopes of landing a huge contract next offseason, the AL East is probably a place you'll want to avoid.
Rest of the links:
Herald - David Ortiz resolution far from arbitrary | CSNNE - Schilling not backing Thomas in skipping White House | Globe - A few words from Beckett and Ellsbury | WEEI - Red Sox hire ex-Marlins GM Gary Hughes as pro scouting consultant
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