CENTER FIELD :: BeckettWatch

« Random Spring Training Photo(s) of the Day | Main | Jacoby! Jacoby! Jacoby! »

BeckettWatch - Day Three

BeckettWatch (or should that be BeckettBackWatch?) continues in earnest, and I'm stuck in a town with no hourly NESN updates on the TV. So this means I'm forced to imagine my own news updates. You know, things like:

BECKETT YELLS AT HIS OWN BACK - THREATENS TO 'KNOCK IT INTO NEXT TUESDAY'
JOSH CUSSES IN THE DUGOUT; SAYS HIS BACK ISN'T 'PLAYING THE GAME THE RIGHT WAY'
BECKETT TATTOOS 'EXECUTE FUCKING PITCHES' ON HIS BACK AS PUNISHMENT

I hear that there was one helluva rip-roaring Beckett press conference yesterday, and that the Beckett we all know and love seems to have returned-- leaving a slew of cusswords in his wake. Oh, Josh- how we've missed you. I'm just sorry it took some loose dirt on the pitcher's mound to piss you off and bring you out of your HappyHappyJoyJoy state. I wonder how long it will be until we see that smiley Josh again? Over/under on two years?

In the meantime- NO SPOILERS on the press conference. I'm hoping I have video of it duly stored away on my TiVo at home, and I'm avoiding reading any press accounts or transcripts. I'm saving that like other people save the newest Lost episode or basketball game. Don't tell me your favorite quotes - because if I know Josh, I'm pretty sure the conference was full of deep and meaningful thought-out answers, and full and frank discussion about his feelings and emotions. Also, lots of big words.

Do, however, feel free to discuss the latest BeckettWatch developments- and tell me how awesome he is. Like, on a scale of 1 to 10 of Awesomeness, is he an 11... or merely a 9.99999?

Comments (12)

[ mhcranberry ] says:
on March 11, 2008 3:50 PM

Why would anyone go anywhere without minute-by-minute Sox updates? Geez.

[ Bethie ] says:
on March 11, 2008 3:59 PM

I have a feeling Beckett is getting ready to blow away the scale of awesomeness. On a scale of 1 to 10 he's probably about 14.5 right now. I'm waiting to see if he can get into the triple digits. :) I think the longer he goes without being able to pitch the more goodies we will get out of him. I don't think you'll be disappointed once you get to hear the press conference.

I just want him to get better so he come out of the box kicking ass. Cause that makes me happy. :)

[ Liza ] says:
on March 11, 2008 4:35 PM

I bet Beckett's one of those adrenaline junkies who's in a good mood so long as he's doing something active. The reason he's been so sugary sweet is because he's been playing ball. Now that he can't, he's pissed.

Also, that'd explain his regular season cussfests--he only gets to pitch once every five days! And the way he managed to pitch so clutchly in the '03 series especially. I guess that'd explain a lot...

(This is only half joking.)

[ Ian ] says:
on March 11, 2008 4:50 PM

It appears as though Beckett isn't going to Japan now..

Nice pics of Ellsbury at the bottom of the post as well.

For those of you who missed the game today, the backend of the bullpen was simply awesome. Papelbon and Delcarmen combined for 4 perfect innings. And the Sox offense finally showed some signs of life.

[ starr4 ] says:
on March 11, 2008 8:26 PM

Ah, TG, you'll have manna from heaven when you read the Beckett Press conference transcript. It's special.

Man does not like to be kept from pitching, from his responsibilities. That's good for all of us.

[ kate ] says:
on March 11, 2008 9:04 PM

josh beckett's first f-bomb of the 2008 season music to my ears

[ christa ] says:
on March 12, 2008 11:15 AM

speaking of josh...check out his new player picture on the red sox website. in the words of mr beckett, its pretty f'ing bad.

http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=277417

[ Lyndsay ] says:
on March 12, 2008 11:47 AM

ouch. coming off a bender much?

he still does scare the shit outta me with that staredown, even when hungover. and that's why he's Josh Beckett, and we're not.

[ Lyndsay ] says:
on March 12, 2008 11:50 AM

also, I feel for his situation. It sucks to be training for something and have your body just betray you like that, especially when you're anxious to play. I've been on an ice and ibuprofen regimen for my back the past few days, and it blows. (of course, nobody pays ME millions of dollars to make unnatural movements with my body for 20 wins a year, but still.)

[ Trish ] says:
on March 12, 2008 6:25 PM

I know he's doing this so I can see him pitch when I'm in Boston for Yanks/Sox. Or to see if I get killed if I wear a Yankees cap and a Beckett t-shirt into Fenway.

PS--Josh, sweetie, I speak from experience when I say tequila + a bad back = trouble.

[ Lyndsay ] says:
on March 13, 2008 9:06 AM

how much would we now love to see Beckett bean Shelley Duncan, causing a mound charge, resulting in a Tek FACE GLOVE! :-)

[ Beth ] says:
on March 14, 2008 9:28 AM

No offense, but smooshing your glove in someone's face and then grabbing their balls......not so cool. He would have earned some "Cool Fighting Points" if he hadn't done that. Carlton Fisk would not have shoved his glove in someone's face and then grabbed their balls in an attempt to try and pick them up/flip them over/see what balls feel like. He would have just hauled off and punched them in the face. Which is why my dad loves him so much.

Furthermore, if Josh is going to hit any of our batters (and I can't control that), I prefer he not hit them in the head. That's a bit tasteless, no? Hate the Yankees all you want, but don't advocate someone doing a Tony C. on one of our guys. Seriously, that's to the far, far left of wrong.

online