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The Boston Red Sox needed another injury like “Octomom” needs another mouth to feed. A season already marred by numerous injuries to significant players claimed its latest victim: Josh Beckett. This will mark the second trip to the DL for Beckett and if the Red Sox weren’t sick of the maligned pitchers antics yet, this latest “injury” just might do the trick.
Right shoulder inflammation is the official diagnosis and I don’t know about you guys, but I’m officially fed up with this. In a season where guys with far less talent are exerting tremendous amounts of energy to try to make positive contributions in an effort to keep this struggling team afloat, one of the most gifted, highest paid players is content with sitting back and cashing his checks while putting forth the least amount of effort humanly possible.
I haven’t heard any specific rumors linked to a possible trade of Beckett, but if the Red Sox haven’t placed him on the trading block yet, that needs to be priority number one… Well after the incredible pain in his shoulder subsides of course. There’s not a single player more responsible for the poisonous atmosphere that has permeated the Red Sox clubhouse over the most recent parts of the previous and current season.
It’s true Josh Beckett played an integral role in the 2007 World Series for the Red Sox, but those days are long gone. Over the last four years, Beckett has averaged only 25 starts per year. Although no major injuries have occurred, his constant fragility has lead to frequent DL stints over that period of time. Therefore, if there were ever an optimal time to get rid of the guy, now is their chance.
Beckett has made 12 starts this season, and if the law of averages is any indication of what to expect, then he has already provided the Red Sox with about a half-season’s worth of production. Sitting on the verge of the halfway point of the season, the supposed ace has complied a 4-7 record with a 4.14 ERA. Given his most recent history and the tremendous falloff he experienced over the second part of last year, then we may have already witnessed the best of what the 2012 version of Josh Beckett has to offer.
I realize there would be a number of obstacles involved in completing a deal to rid the Sox of Beckett and his healthy contract, but if they wait too long they might find themselves with a another Kevin Youkilis situation on their hands – a fading star with an entirely diminished value. Give me five innings of Franklin Morales. I’d prefer that over a half-hearted, disingenuous performance that Red Sox fans have grown increasingly accustomed to whenever it is Beckett’s turn in the rotation. The Red Sox won a World Series prior to his arrival in Boston and they can certainly win one without him.
You would think a guy being paid close to $16M to play baseball would be more interested in helping his team win games rather than lowering his handicap. Unfortunately that doesn’t appear to be the case with Josh. His unapologetic air regarding the events that transpired last season has not dissipated and seems to be growing with time.
The brazen attitude that was once attributed to his ultra-competitive image has quickly transformed into to the brash personality of an increasingly spoiled and disgruntled superstar. It’s that very transition that has lead to Josh’s welcome being worn out and could eventually lead to his farewell. And if I were Ben Cherington and Bobby Valentine, the goodbye would be quickly followed by a good riddance.
About the Author
Nathan Conley
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