Red Sox and Rays: What I've Learned So Far

  As I watched the 11 inning, five hour and 27 minute, back and forth affair between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Boston Red Sox in game two of the ALCS I learned quite a bit about both squads. Here's what I've come to conclude. Josh Beckett = Huh? - What has happened to Beckett? He was given an early lead from the Sox offense and he managed to give up that lead... wait for it... three separate times (see Francona's Follies below). Beckett was the 2003 World Series MVP for the Florida Marlins. Just last season he was the easy choice for MVP for the Red Sox in the ALCS over the Indians. 2008 has obviously not been Beckett's year and he showed his mortality throughout the season as he followed up last year's 20-7 record with a disappointing 12-10 record this season in 27 starts. This season also marked only the second time in his career that he has finished a season with an ERA over four. However, one thing that has been as consistent as facial hair on Kevin Youkilis is Beckett's ability ... (link)