Josh Beckett finished his bullpen throwing, throwing close 60 pitches, which is a bit ahead of most of the other pictures. Dusty Brown is Beckett’s catcher, with pitching coach John Farrell looking on. Jon Lester followed with a session of his own.

Also in attendance is Beckett’s personal trainer, Randon Hayes, who reported that the pitcher’s shoulder tested stronger than at any time last season. According to Hayes, Beckett started his shoulder exercises earlier than usual this offseason, starting just more than a week after the season. 

Heading into spring training last season Beckett was using six-pound dumbbells for his workouts and this year he had built himself up to using nine-pounders.

Beckett, who is about at 228 pounds (his normal weight), also focused heavily on more rotational exercises this offseason after having to deal with his injury at the end of the 2008 season. While it was initially thought that Beckett’s oblique muscle was to blame for the pain he endured throughout the playoffs, further examinations after the season revealed the problem centered more on his intercostal muscles (closer to the rib cage).

Also on the field are Javier Lopez, Brad Penny, Tim Wakefield, and Manny Delcarmen.

More in a bit …

3 Comments for “Beckett and Lester throw bullpen sessions”

1. wacknstack Says:
   February 12th, 2009 at 8:55 am

   Beckett in 2007 form? That is a true season changer. If Beckett is 2007 and Lester 2008 that is as good a 1-2 punch anywhere. Then Dice-K, Masterson and Wakefield. Starting pitching looks good. Put Bucholz in the bullpen and see if he can work his way back and be ready for the first injury.

   The pen is set.

   Chemistry looks good from afar.

   Defense is also excellent with Kotsay ready to replace JD when his first bubonic plague episode strikes. He also backs up the infield corners well (move Youk to 3rd if needed).

   Hitting will be the big surprise this year. Papi never fully recovered from his wrist injury last year. His swing was different than in years past. I bet he straightened it out in the off season. Petey and Youk are All-stars. Mike Lowell will drop off but Bay will deliver. I don’t like Jacoby’s swing. It looks desperate….like alot could go wrong. He needs to play like he did in the first half of last year and adjust more quickly to pitcher’s adjustments. But when he gets on, look out. JD will be the same when he is healthy. The funny thing about JD is he plays great when he is the man but disappears into the shadows when the stars are in the lineup. It’s a mental thing that won’t change. Lowery will hit for average and hold his own. The captain will shorten his swing and do better than the 2nd half of last year but from a hitting perspective….he is done (.225). Overall the top and middle parts of the order will excell producing plenty of fireworks to support an outstanding pitching staff.

   2009 will be fun. Diet now because the brats and beers aren’t that far away.

2. Chris Says:
   February 12th, 2009 at 4:11 pm

   Great that Beckett’s shoulder is strong, but how is the tear in his spare tire holding up?

3. Alejandro Pasquarello Says:
   April 2nd, 2010 at 12:03 pm

   interesting matter, i by no means seen something about this before

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