Beckett Outduels Danks

The Sox needed a big performance out of Josh Beckett Monday night. Not just because the Sox were in danger of losing yet another series on the road, but because they were up against White Sox Ace John Danks.

Danks had the upper hand for most of the game. Given a 1-0 lead in the 3rd, he retired the first 17 men he faced until hitting Jacoby Ellsbury with a pitch in the 6th. Youkilis broke up the no-hitter with 1 out in the 7th inning. This seemed to fluster Danks a bit, as he then walked Mike Lowell. After striking out Bay, JD Drew doubled deep to center to put the Red Sox ahead 2-1.

The 2 runs would be all Beckett would need. But it wouldn't be all he would get. Jed Lowrie hit a 2 run double in the 9th, and Ellsbury pitched in with an RBI single to make it 5-1. Game over.

The Red Sox split their 4 game series in Chicago, which is far from a bad result considering how good the White Sox are. Coupled with a 2-1 series victory in Kansas City, the Red Sox had their first winning road trip since interleage play. It was the first winning road trip against AL teams since April, and only the 3rd winning road trip all season.

My favorite part of Josh Beckett's pitching line (apart from 8 innings and 1 run, of course): 8 strikeouts, and 0 walks. This was a performance by 2007's Josh Beckett.

The Red Sox return home to face the Rangers. As I predicted, Charlie Zink will make his Major League Debut in Tim Wakefield's spot, facing 4-5 Scott Feldman.

-The Commodore

Possible Replacements for Wakefield

The Sox are going to place Tim Wakefield on the 15 day DL with shoulder stiffness. With Justin Masterson pitching 2.2 innings of relief in Sunday's game, Bartolo Colon still weeks away, and Wakefield's spot coming up on Tuesday... Who should fill it?

Charlie Zink



A 29 year old undrafted career minor leaguer, Zink is 13-4, with a 2.89 ERA at AAA Pawtucket this year. He's a knuckle baller, which is probably why the Sox haven't brought him to the Majors yet. But if Wakefield really is out for 2 or 3 starts, why not give this guy a shot?

Another possibility is David Pauley, who is also 13-4 but with a slightly higher ERA of 3.32. Pauley last pitched in the Majors in 2006, making 3 starts and struggling big time. But he's doing well in Pawtucket, and could get the nod on Tuesday.

-The Commodore