Well the Sox will finally be able to kick off their season today, after yesterday's opening day festivities were rained out. Beckett will be making his first opening day start for the Sox, since last year he was hurt, and the previous years Schilling had been on the mound. Beckett is looking to bounced back after a very mediocre 2008 season. We have said may times on this site that Beckett is good ever other year, so lets keep our fingers crossed that this pattern continues.
The Rays will have James Shields on the mound, and though he has been very solid for the Rays, he has not had good luck against the Sox in his career. He his 2-4 with an ERA over 5.00. The Rays will also be playing without B.J. Upton who is still out with that bad shoulder. Even without Upton the Rays have a hell of a lineup that can pose some serious issues for Beckett if he is in any way wild. During the offseason the Rays made a very nice pickup that went somewhat unnoticed. All Pat Burrell does is consistantly hit a bout 30 HRs, and 100 RBI, and now the Rays are adding that this this already potent lineup.
Still this is opening day, and Beckett loves prssure situations like this. I expect him to throw a gem, and the rest of the Sox are going to want to avenge the playoff knockout the Rays put on them last year.
Game starts at 4:05pm.
Here is today's Sox lineup:
1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. David Ortiz, DH
4. Kevin Youkilis, 1B
5. J.D. Drew, RF
6. Jason Bay, LF
7. Mike Lowell, 3B
8. Jed Lowrie, SS
9. Jason Varitek, C
SP -- Josh Beckett
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