awww maybe the Tin Man found his heart :-)

that first pic is adorable. I'd like to think that Tek had something to do with it. "When Joshie has a good game, I take him to Chuck E Cheese."

This is a bit alarming, but pretty neat. I still want him to cuss on live interviews, though!

As for the video, I think Beckett's one of those endorphin junkies who gets all happy when he does anything physical. But then how do you account for the post-game press conferences...?

This did occur to me the other day. It's a bit confusing.

Maybe it's the journaling... he gets all his feelings out.

He's a new age, sensitive guy...

Maybe he's confusing us on purpose. Like setting bait for naive young reporters, to make them think they can ask him really stupid questions, and then WHAM the old Josh comes back. Maybe it's a misdirection aimed at scouts from other teams.

I also want to point out that in the picture from the White House, he's not just smiling, he's CRINKLING HIS NOSE!

His demeanor does seem much friendlier this year...I hope NESN still has to put his post-games on delay though, even it's cause he goes "We played really fucking well!" or something else positive:-P My dad has a theory that maybe he is trying be nicer to the media now since some of them vote for a certain pitching award that he narrowly missed out on last year...

But I do think he just gets really giddy when they goes to the White House. Case in point: Joshie at the WH after the Marlins won:

Upon watching the video... and on a serious note... I do think there's a degree of poise and maturity that is nice to see. He's relaxed and calm. In my opinion, that shows a degree of confidence that all the salty language in the world can't express.

Anyone else notice that his voice is just a smidge higher in this interview too? That's what happens when you're comfortable, when you're not feeling defensive.

As much as I love the old Josh, the new one is very nice too. I suspect this is more the guy that his teammates know.

Someone said what I was going to say, it's the journaling, really it is.

I like this Beckett, along with the other Becketts as well. =]!

He's having a JD Drew like turn-around.

i just don't know what to make of that video..no fbombs no snarky comments..no executing pitches statements with an angry flourish...its alright as long as there's at least a few post game fbombs and at least one journalist that asks a stupid question or two i'll be fine.....but nice to see the other side of our angry texan (kind of a shock) but as always thanks for the video keep'em coming...

Wait till he's in a game. A real game. I don't think 'old Josh' has gone anywhere. He'll be there when we need him.

I agree. Opening day will be like waving a red cape in front of a bull for Josh. Flared nostrils and everything!

That's a great video just because it's so rare to see him that relaxed on camera. And he revealed the "purposes" of his neck jewelry! Ha!

See, I'm not the least bit weirded out by this behavior. I've long had this theory that Beckett's got a split personality. There's the generally affable and charming guy, then there's the steely-eyed, cocky, cursing SOB. And the two sides often blend in varying percentages.

So, since it's Spring Training and there's still a bit of World Series hangover in the air, we're seeing more Dr. Josh. The liberal use of "execute" and the phrase "one of those deals" assures me that Mr. Beckett has not gone anywhere. Well, that and his pitching line from today's exhibition game.

Actually, it's not just Beckett. Don't ask me why but it seems like a lot of the guys on the team are going through like personality changes. I mean I submit to you JD Drew and Jason Varitek as well. I think it's something in the water.

So this just made me laugh-I just typed in "Josh Beckett" on youtube and, along with the search results, it said "also try: f bomb" HA! Just thought I'd share...

oh no...invasion of the body snatchers...pod people...i know i like the fact that the sox players were a little rough around the edges...it makes it different from the same old interview the players cliche statements although the sox players have that its just the presentation is differant maybe he's doing it for the fans of the sox but i like the snarky one better i have to say.or its just so shocking seeing our man beckett play nice...

Lo - that? IS HILARIOUS.

Also, I really don't think Josh has changed -- I think Josh is just very relaxed and finally letting the real Josh show. More relaxed because (a) the Sox are on a post-WS high, (b) he knows these guys better and has settled into the team and city more, and (c) he's proven himself. Also (d) he's older. And maybe (e) his girlfriend is keeping him happy.

All of his teammates have always said how relaxed and joke-y he is in the dugout -- he just never really showed that side to the Boston media. He definitely will NEVER show that on the mound.

I was going to say the same thing. Josh is now part of the group on the team that have proven themselves and are guaranteeds - they have the team's trust, their teammates' trust, and the city/fanbase's trust. This is the season that Dice-K, JD, Lugo, Coco, have to all prove that they weren't bad signings by Theo. Dustin's gotta prove he's more than a flash in the pan, and the rooks have to work their way into starting positions.  Josh is the only starting pitcher who is either a) not a rookie b) didnt cost $52 mil to bring here or c) not working on a bum shoulder that could end his career at any moment.also, that picture of him behind Bush is pure genius. he looks like he just put a nasty sign on Bush's back. either that, or Manny being generous is passin the weeeed all around. looks like they were all daring eachother to do something like "i dare you to do the bunny ears behind Dougie's head!" "I double dog dare ya!" cute...I love when the boys are just bein boys.

did any reporters get pics of the guys at Walter Reed? those are the ones I really want to see. I've only seen one so far and it was in the Metro this morning and it was Tek signing for a guy with no legs in a Sox shirt and hat - that would nearly made me tear up on the T. I wanna see how the other guys reacted - and I really hope Kyle Snyder did not tell the vets his "falling off a missile" story.

Well, we'll have to hope TG can find the video cause I saw a clip of the guys at Walter Reed last night on NECN, I think.
One gentleman noted he hadn't been out of bed in a while but when he heard the Red Sox were coming, he knew he had to be there. That, in and of itself, makes the trip a resounding success.

I have a rather jarring thought - what if Josh actually DANCES tonight!

I mean, old Josh would have said "I don't fuckin dance!" but NEW Josh could totally be cabbage-patchin it out there. scary? or appealing?

Appealing....definitely appealing!
So, my 8th grade literature students told me today that they thought I had an unhealthy obsession with Josh. I think they were only 1/2 kidding! They asked me if my husband knew of my obsession! HHHMMMM...........

Dear Imposter Wearing 19:

Who are you and what have you done with Josh Beckett?

Sincerely,
Trish

In all seriousness, I like seeing a happy Josh.

I said it last October and I'll say it again. As far as the promised dance duet between Papelbon and Beckett is concerned.....THEY OWE US ONE!!! I've been waiting months for this, guys.

its all about the dance off.

"why don't you just go with the best dancer."

so did anyone notice this comment in the Globe from one of the BC players on facing Josh Beckett?:

Eric Campbell, the Eagles' cleanup batter, flied to center against Beckett to start the second.

"I hit a 1-2 curveball against Beckett," said Campbell. "I don't think he was at the top of his game, but he's pretty good."

Man, the next pitcher that faces this kid needs to knock his ass in the dirt. that takes some balls to say you didnt think Josh Beckett was "at the top of his game" in a 24-0 beatdown. you do NOT speak that way about Commander Kickass of the F*&k Yeah Brigade! (to quote Surviving Grady)

it's simple. 1) he likes that reporter. he doesn't like most of the reporters doing his press conferences. 2) he's not talking with a bag of ice on his arm just after finishing a game with his adrenaline still pumping.

although i will say i was distracted the whole interview wanting him to just hum one over to the reporter, just to see what would happen.