When I think of an Ace I think of a guy who when his team isn't playing well and needs a good outing he is always there to stepup for his teammates. Today the Sox need a good outing from Beckett. There are some signs that Beckett has turned the corner this season, and could be back on track to becoming the pitcher he was in 2007. Last time out Beckett pitched 8 scoreless innings against the Mets only to be let down by a Papelbon blown save.
On the other side of things the Sox will be going against Twins younster Anthony Swarzak. Swarzak sprinkled five singles over seven shutout innings, walking two and striking out three, which was good enough to get his first win in his MLB debut. It will be interesting to see how the Sox do against this guy. On one hand he is inexperienced, and if the Sox get on him early this game could get ungly quick. On the other hand the Sox really don't know much about him, which could really work in Swarzak's favor.
The Red Sox have had a tough time solving opposing pitchers over the last week, scoring 3 runs or fewer in 4 of their last 6 games. Ortiz has batted sixth in the order the last two games, going 1 for 7 to drop his average to .193. Boston is really going to need to get at least Ortiz or JD Drew going, so that the offense can get it going.
Game is at 1:10 on NESN.
**UPDATE**
Jason Bay is getting a scheduled day off Thursday at Minnesota. Jeff Bailey replaced him in the lineup instead of Rocco Baldelli (hamstring)
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