NESN

Jarrod Saltalamacchia’s Defensive Presence Major Factor in Success of Josh Beckett, Red Sox Pitching (Podcast)

At the start of the season, it was the Red Sox pitching staff that was seen as the team's achiles heel. Now some 44 games into the season, and that very same pitching staff appears to be one of Boston's greatest assets.

Josh Beckett and Jon Lester have been lights out during the Red Sox most recent hot streak, and Felix Doubront has seemed to settle into a nice groove out on the mound. The bullpen has also taken on a whole new reputation, as the once maligned relivers are now being praised as maybe the best group in baseball.

While the pitchers will receive the majority of the glory and accolades for their accomplishments, it's been another member of the roster who's really had the biggest impact on the staff.

Jarrod Saltalmacchia has been hitting at a scorching pace for the Red Sox recently, but it appears to be his work behind the dish that is having the biggest impact. Salty is hitting .273 with seven home runs and 19 RBIs on the year, but he's also utilizing his cherished time with veteran Jason Varitek over the past two seasons to improve his work in his defensive duties.

NESN's Luke Hughes sat down with Red Sox/MLB beat reporter Didier Morais to talk about the improvements of the pitching staff as well as Boston's recent winning streak. The discussion covered just about everything Red Sox, including Adrian Gonzalez time in the outfield, Kevin Youkilis' return and even David Ortiz role as leader in the clubhouse.

Listen in the player below, or subscribe on iTunes to download it there.