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Less heat, same success

Email|Link|Comments (5) Posted by Adam Kilgore, Globe Staff September 5, 2008 08:52 PM

Josh Beckett used his full arsenal in the third inning to achieve the same stellar results -- no baserunners, two strikeouts of Gerald Laird and Brandon Boggs. It took him only 10 pitches, six of which were off-speed, five curveballs and one change-up.

Beckett's pitch count is up to 40, and a fascinating decision could be brewing for Terry Francona. The Red Sox are obviously going to be ultra-protective of Beckett tonight. The health of his arm is paramount in their postseason chances. Tonight is a night for caution.

But what if Beckett has thrown his allotted 60 pitches or so through five innings and has a perfect game? Is he still taken out? What's more important in your mind -- preserving Beckett's health, or allowing a chance for history?

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5 comments so far...

Health!

Posted by Dave in Maine September 5, 08 09:07 PM

Oh My GOD, what are you talking about? You obviously know nothing about baseball.

First of all, Beckett pitching tonight is not fascinating. It is a start. Second, why would you even talk about "a chance at history" when there is no CHANCE that will happen.

I guess you just have to fill space. And if your caliber of writing is what the Globe has come to, I am totally annoyed.

Posted by Susan Nicoll September 5, 08 09:10 PM

You aren't really asking that are you? I don't think anyone is going to be talking about a perfect game with Beckett on the DL and unavailable for the post season...

Posted by Jay September 5, 08 09:31 PM

Thanks for the feedback, everyone. The overwhelming response I suppose means that was a pretty dumb question. I'll try to cut back on those, but offer no promises.

Posted by Adam Kilgore September 5, 08 09:56 PM

Don't feel too stupid. I thought about something similar: it really figures that on a night where Beckett is throwing no-hit stuff he is on a pitch count. But I never expected they would not stick to the pitch count and I'm sure Beckett feels the same. You play for the rings, not for the other stuff.

People need to have patience with the Globe writers. For crying out loud, they can't all be Shaughnessy...now, see? It could always be worse.

Posted by CatsDuck September 5, 08 10:40 PM