Josh Beckett- I think it's time we had a talk.
No, not "the talk" -- I think you're probably covered on that front. I mean that we need to talk about what's going on with you lately. Eight earned runs in 2 and 1/3 innings, Josh? That's just not you. That's the most runs you've served up to an opponent on a platter in a long while, and in the shortest inning span by far.
Even more troubling than the stat line, is your post-pitching reaction. Josh Beckett does things like this and this and this when he sucks wind on the mound. There's lots of kicking and/or punching things, and always a hailstorm of cusswords from you. There are also impatient and condescending looks at reporters and snippy answers to dumb questions. Josh Beckett does not, after being pulled in the third inning, pull off his jersey and then gather his things together rather calmly and exit the dugout for the clubhouse without any temper tantrum or dramatic flair. But that's exactly what you did. And the post-game interview?
One cuss word? One f-bomb? That's it? Who are you and what have you done with Josh Beckett?"It was frustrating," said Beckett. "Give up eight [fucking] runs - pretty frustrating. That's what it is."
But I think I have you figured out, Josh. Your sucktastical performance against the Jays prompted me to go back in time and figure out when the last time when you sucked that bad. And that's when it dawned on me: it's my birthday. I'm the jinx.
Ever since you joined the Sox, there has been a fantastically sucky belly flop (to varying degrees) on and around my birthday. 2006? August 19th versus the Yankees - 9 earned runs and a loss. 2007? I was at that game on August 17th versus the Angels - you left the game with 1 earned run, only to see Gagne blow the save in epic fashion. (that was the water bottle game.) And now 2008, the day before my birthday... the Ocho Incident. Yes, I've given it a name, Josh.
Listen, I know today is my birthday and all - but you don't need to stress out about trying to impress me. Remember what happened when I was down in Florida for spring training? Or against the White Sox in Chicago last year? Or versus the Yankees and Roger in the Bronx in '07? It seems like you always seem to do better when I'm not there, Josh. Well, not always.
From now on, how 'bout you just pretend every August 18th (or thereabouts) is Game One? And feel free to kick a water cooler, take a bat to the dugout bench, or cuss in the postgame press conference. It'll probably make you feel better than just about anything - short of being allowed to drink beer in the dugout or take target practice in between innings.
on August 18, 2008 11:43 AM
Happy Birthday, Texy!!! Many happy returns and best wishes for a fabulous year.
Thanks for having 'the talk' with Josh. I generally watch his first few innings, and then get on with errands, and life, and such. However, yesterday, after such a strong outing on Monday, I felt comfortable leaving on his own. BIG mistake. I'll be watching from now on.