Ever since Josh Beckett slipped off the Yankee Stadium mound on May 18, his return has been one of impending excitement and promise. He will step to the hill Friday night after missing 56 games, so what should Red Sox fans expect?
Better yet, what do the Red Sox need from Beckett now that he's back in the rotation? He returns to the team in a struggling state, so what does he need to bring to the table to push them in the right direction?
Even though we're talking about the long term here, Beckett needs to make an immediate impact in his first appearance back on the mound. No pressure, but after Clay Buchholz's underwhelming return earlier this week, Red Sox fans are longing for one of the DL returners to wow in their first game back.
Think Nomar Garciaparra's return in 2001 gave Red Sox Nation something to buzz about?
The Red Sox also need someone consistent throwing from the rubber. A pitcher that will enter the rotation and take some weight off Jon Lester's shoulders. Sure, there have been great outings by other pitchers in Boston's rotation this season, but besides the southpaw, the arsenal has been erratic and unreliable. To close the gap in the AL East, the Red Sox need someone to pick up the pitching slack. It would be nice if that consistent pitcher is Beckett.
Consistency leads to solid appearances, which is another factor the Red Sox need Beckett to bring down the stretch. It's no secret that the Red Sox' bullpen is struggling, so longer outings from the starters will definitely help ease pressure in the 'pen. This necessity directly correlates with what decisions are made at the trade deadline, but seven-inning appearances can't hurt, no matter who's throwing late in the game.
And finally in the simplest terms, Beckett needs to win. If he stays healthy, Beckett has about a dozen starts coming his way throughout the remainder of the season. To remain a playoff contender, the Red Sox need him to win a majority of those outings. Is that too much to ask?
So there you have it. A laundry list of things the Red Sox and their fans need from Beckett for the rest of this season. Immediate impact, consistency, solid outings and wins.
Will Beckett deliver?
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