Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here... highlighting the big storyline. Because there's nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
Most everything was like any other first Grapefruit League start for Josh Beckett. Two innings, one hit, two walks, 36 pitches and a whole bunch of change-ups.
“I think it’s just nice to get back out there,” Beckett said. “Get the adrenaline and that’s definitely different than anything we’ve had so far, even with live BPs. I think right now it’s just building up. I felt like I stayed strong through it. I was getting a little bit big out of the stretch in the second inning. Just couldn’t make the adjustment.”
But one thing was missing — Jason Varitek.
[...]
“You’ve got to learn. You work together. That was one thing Jason and I did really, really well. We worked together. There were meetings where I got my way and there were meetings where he got his way. Being able to resolve those differences and making the right call not because one guy’s too stubborn, but making the right decision because that’s what you’ve got to do.
WEEI: Josh Beckett begins life without Jason Varitek (by pitching two innings)
Good for them, these boys are learning to get along. Varitek and Beckett were not firing on all cylinders right from the start, and it took a little bit of time to get it right. It may take a little more time for the Beckett/Salty combo to do so, because Tek had a little more knowledge behind the plate.
One hit and two walks over two innings was not a bad way to get the spring started. With one month left before the beginning of the season, Beckett and Salty should have enough bonding time to get close to the same page.
Oh, by the way, the Sox beat the Twins 8-3 yesterday. Celebrate!
The rest of the links:
WEEI: This just in: Bobby Valentine predicted Tsuyoshi Nishioka's broken leg (sort of) | Herald: Josh Beckett, catchers learning to trust | Providence Journal: Anderson's grand slam lifts Sox to 8-3 win | Controversy surrounds Mayor's Cup
