Josh Beckett and John Lackey had been consistent front-end starters for years, and Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz were poised to get better and better. The latter of those expectations held up, but the former took a surprising turn to the contrary.
If it hadn't, things would be very different for the team — even considering all of the injuries.
Looking back on the season, is there one thing in particular that surprises you?
–James, Woodstock, Vt.
The inconsistencies of Josh Beckett and John Lackey are the biggest surprises for me. Injuries are out of your control and obviously that has been the biggest issue. However, I really thought that the combination of Beckett and Lackey would be the best one-two punch in the AL East. It actually turned out that Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz were that tandem. If the two veterans had been near what I expected, then this would be an entirely different stretch run, and the team would have been composed ideally for playoff success.
Why are the Orioles so much better with Buck Showalter than they were under their other managers?
–Len, Cheshire, Conn.
I think the players realize that Showalter is going to be there long-term and that he has the 100 percent backing of the upper management. He is a manger who holds players accountable for their performance, and really was hired at this particular point not only to immediately change the atmosphere, but to also see what he has for his team in 2011 — who will stay and who will go. So for guys trying to make an impression, now is the time. When there is a change at manger, there is usually an initial burst of good play, but this extended success by the Orioles gives you an idea of what they were supposed to be all year. I really thought they were going to be good.
Did you see the Mike Lowell retirement coming?
–Kai, Yarmouth, Maine
No, I did not. I knew he was not pleased with playing time or with how things have gone here, but I thought he would go somewhere else and be a DH. I think he can still hit. He can't run, but that has never been a part of his game. From listening to Mike, his family has a lot to do with this, and I think he is hurting physically. Still, I would have a hard time walking away for life knowing you could hit somewhere and continue to play. I will say his return after the trade deadline to hit a home run in his first at bat was my favorite moment of the season.
What will be Tim Wakefield’s Role in 2011?
–Garrett, Boston
That’s a tough one. If the Red Sox make a trade that involves a starter, then maybe it opens a spot in the rotation for him again. He has proven that he can come in from the pen and get guys out as a reliever, so he could also return in that capacity. This year, however, it really never looked like he had a defined role in the bullpen. He was mainly mop-up guy. He has another year on his deal, and he is very serious about surpassing some of those Red Sox milestones which are in reach. I just don’t know if he wants to go through another year like this one.
Explain your suit and tie rotation that Jerry refers to?
–Natalie, Kansas City
I was asked about this by Joe Girardi when the Yankees were last here. Each year, I get one new suit and two sport coats. The great people at Eastern Clothing help with the combinations. I generally keep a rotation going so that none appear too close together, but — sadly — three seem to get hidden. The burlap sack jacket, the powder blue, and the bright yellow kind of got pushed to the back. This year, the yellow one made an appearance after Labor Day, which was a fashion no-no. Some of the thought process does involve travel days. There are just some suits that are better to travel in and are more comfortable. Lastly, I only wear a tie once each regular season. After it has been worn, it goes to another part of my house, and I will not be seen again until the playoffs or next year. I started this my first year. I have no idea why — perhaps I have a few issues.
