Beckett's 1.69 ERA is tops in the American League, as he's only surrendered 12 runs in 64 innings pitched. Beckett is 4-1 overall, and boasts a respectable 58 strikeouts, as well as a 0.95 WHIP, which is good for fifth in the American League.
The 31-year-old fireballer has been particularly good as of late, only allowing two runs in his last 30 innings — a span over which he has not lost a game. The right-hander likely would have more than four wins right now if he had received the necessary run support from the Red Sox offense.
The Sox offense is hitting full stride now, though, which Beckett and the rest of the pitching staff should benefit from.
Beckett isn't the only Red Sox pitcher excelling this season. Teammate Jon Lester leads the American League with seven wins, while compiling a solid 3.36 ERA.
Oakland's Trevor Cahill, Seattle's Michael Pineda and the Angels' Jered Weaver are among the seven American League pitchers with six wins. Tampa's James Shields and Seattle's Felix Hernandez — the reigning Cy Young Award winner — have been excellent in 2011 as well.
But with Beckett's minuscule ERA and return to dominance, it's difficult to make a case against him not being an All-Star. But how does he compare with the league's other pitchers?
Will Josh Beckett be the American League's starting pitcher for the 2011 All-Star Game?
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Will Josh Beckett be the American League's starting pitcher for the 2011 All-Star Game?Market Research
