RSS Center
| The importance of Josh Beckett’s shoulder | 02.09.10 at 10:12 am ET |
Josh Beckett's work ethic cannot be overlooked. (AP)
His between-starts regimen has not only left an impression on the coaching staff (strength and conditioning coach Dave Page identifies Beckett as the hardest-working pitcher he has been associated with) but also other members of the starting staff. Jon Lester saw what Beckett was doing, saw how it translated, and now approaches his craft in a similar manner. And two years ago, when the Sox wanted Clay Buchholz to learn the same lessons, they encouraged an offseason get-together with the two pitchers to get the process rolling.
There won’t be the stand-on-the-table proclamations from Beckett, but when an organization full of young pitchers can learn from how a staff ace handles himself in ever nook and cranny of a professional hurler’s job description, that goes a long way, and don’t think the Red Sox aren’t acutely aware of it.
That said …
When it comes to Beckett’s next contract, the tipping point isn’t likely going to revolve around work ethic, big-game productivity, favorable comparisons or clubhouse importance. It’s not going to even revolve around whatever time the pitcher has missed due to injury since arriving in Boston. Perhaps the most critical piece of the puzzle when it comes to getting a deal done for Beckett could be something that hasn’t once surfaced as a talk radio topic of conversation in any of the past four seasons — the pitcher’s right shoulder.
The notion that you haven’t heard anything in regard to Beckett’s pitching shoulder is another check on his side of the ledger. He has worked hard to make sure this hasn’t become a hot-button topic. It can, in fact, be identified as one of the biggest reasons the 29-year-old’s professional approach has morphed into what it is today.
There’s been a skin avulsion, back problem and oblique/intercostal muscle ailment. But at no time has Beckett lost time due to his right shoulder, which, if you know the backstory, amps up the intrigue appreciably.
The first time Beckett’s shoulder was diagnosed as being a potential problem was back in 2000 when a doctor affiliated with the Marlins was telling the then-19-year-old that labrum surgery was inevitable. For a player just kicking off his career, the procedure (which is far less advanced than it has become) would have been a severe setback.
But at the urging of his agent, Michael Moye, Beckett sought out a second opinion from Dr. James Andrews, who steered the pitcher away from surgery, paving an entirely different kind of career path. It also made him very aware of how important it would be to do everything he could to prevent the issue from getting worse.
“I probably would have had surgery on my labrum, and that was back when they were still shrinking capsules, so it wouldn’t have been good,” Beckett said back at the end of the 2008 season. “But my agent said we should get a second opinion before we do anything. That’s when I saw Dr. Andrews and he told me to rest it. He always took the cautious route first. ‘Let’s rehab this thing to see if we can get it stronger, and if it doesn’t we’re not losing anything.’ He spoke my language, too, and a lot of doctors don’t. When I went to the rehab clinic (after seeing Andrews in 2000), that’s when I knew.”
While blisters proved the biggest stumbling block for Beckett throughout his time with the Marlins, the shoulder concerns wouldn’t go away. After Beckett missed his final start of the 2005 season with shoulder stiffness (although there was some debate as to if the absence was related to injury or the team saving potential bonus money), the company Beckett was attempting to secure insurance from informed him that they would insure every part of his body but his shoulder.
By the time the Red Sox approached Beckett with a contract proposal midway through the 2006 season, the insecurity of not locking in insurance still was weighing heavily on the pitcher.
“I think if I had that insurance policy it would have been a little easier to go to [the Red Sox] with a hard number,” Beckett said in 2007. “The way it happened was that we both sat down and hammered out something that made us both happy. I got that insurance with the contract.”
While the subject of his shoulder never exited Beckett’s psyche, there has been encouraging signs since coming to the Red Sox. He was told after the initial rejection by the insurance company that he could get insurance if he pitched 600 innings from the time of his arrival in Boston if there were no shoulder issues. (He has pitched 792 regular-season innings for the Red Sox.) Beckett also underwent an MRI following the 2007 season as part of the process to potentially getting insurance, which he also identified as not raising any new red flags.
So, he has done his part and kept the shoulder intact. But now comes the part Beckett can’t control: How will the Red Sox view the long-term prognosis?
Most are jumping to the conclusion that, barring any physical or performance setbacks, Beckett’s payday will begin with the number just dished out to John Lackey (five years, $82.5 million). When it comes to going strictly by the numbers (and age), the two are extremely comparable. But, because of all of the aforementioned bits of intrigue, these are far from two identical negotiations.
It might simply come down to the simple question of whether or not the Red Sox are willing to have faith that Beckett’s approach toward his shoulder is good for at least another five years. Answer that and you’ll most likely decipher where the starter will be pitching in 2011.
19 Comments for “The importance of Josh Beckett’s shoulder”
Leave a Reply
- QA with Miles Head
- Chang's explosive night leads Portland to victory
- Reviewing past deals
- Lowell launches three bombs in PawSox win
- Players of the Week, July 19-25; Kyle Weiland and Chih-Hsien Chiang
- Dening leads the way in Salem's victory
- Bates outrighted, Brown optioned in latest roster moves
- Killeen comes up big in first Greenville start
- QA with Casey Kelly
- Lowell snaps losing streak
- jt on Ranaudo still mulling decision to turn pro or return to LSU
- Mike the Tiger on Ranaudo still mulling decision to turn pro or return to LSU
- John C on Lucchino: Sox ‘aggressively’ approaching trade market
- ken stalls on Ranaudo still mulling decision to turn pro or return to LSU
- James Klenk on Lucchino: Sox ‘aggressively’ approaching trade market
- Danny on Ranaudo still mulling decision to turn pro or return to LSU
- Joanne RIchards on Lackey: Boos ‘won’t be forgotten, for sure’
- Matty on Lucchino: Sox ‘aggressively’ approaching trade market
- Edmond Herimann on Outfielder Reddick awaits call to arms
- fenway magic on Lucchino: Sox ‘aggressively’ approaching trade market
February 9th, 2010 at 11:35 am
Nice article Rob. I think the signing of Lackey was the writing on the wall for Beckett. He will obviously require a contract similar to Lackey’s-and he should really. That being said. I doubt the Sox go there with him. A lot will depend on what Clay does in the bigs this year and what Kelly does in the minors. If they trade Clay though I could see them giving Beckett a similar deal as Lackey. One more thing. The “ACE” thing gets thrown around a lot. I do feel that Beckett is a very, very good pitcher. But for me, Lester is the “ACE” of this staff…
February 9th, 2010 at 11:52 am
David G. Your an idiot … Beckett is the ACE!!!
February 9th, 2010 at 12:25 pm
The Red Sox will not want to be on the hook for another longterm(five years) contract of $80 million plus for a 30ish power pitcher with wear and tear due to future luxury tax issues. If they can sign him for three years I think they would be interested.
February 9th, 2010 at 1:09 pm
Ironic that someone who doesn’t know the difference between “your” and “you’re”, calls someone an idiot for a completely valid opinion, even if he disagrees.
February 9th, 2010 at 1:21 pm
Hey TimmyT… David G. wrote a well-thought comment, closing with “But for me, Lester is the ACE”… clearly his opinion, which is certainly his right to express. Your response “Your an idiot” lacks any rational thought or substance.
BTW, Timmy, it’s “You’re” instead of “your” for you are. Maybe a little more study time & less tv & computer time will help prevent you from making further “idiotic” comments.
February 9th, 2010 at 1:59 pm
I am not ready to call Lester the “ace” – will see what this year brings. I don’t really think there is an ‘actual’ ace on the team… we have several good pitchers. That being said… I think it would be crazy for the sox not to sign Beckett. He is a solid pitcher who is only 29 years old. He had some poor games last year in Aug but still had 17 wins. I’ll take that any day. Put that with Lester and now Lackey and you have a great rotation – one that should be in place for the next few years. If we let Beckett go – who will replace him… please do not tell me a minor league player – no where near where Beckett is now. Plus if the sox want to improve in offense they are going to have to give up a good pitcher – probably Clay.
February 9th, 2010 at 2:01 pm
IMHO, I can see the Sox giving Beckett a similar contract as Lackey or Drew ,as far as the same protection within the contract if the shoulder is a problem..They seem to be leaning toward defense and the kids in the minors..A good balance of “Big” contracts and minimum salaries..Dice is locked up til 2012 w/28mil over 3 more years..Buch is years away from a truly “Big” contract..Lester is locked up at a great price, and Now Lackey..That way they dont have to rush a 20 yr old Kelly to the majors or use him in a big trade..Lots of options with about 40+mil coming off the books after this season..Bottom line is, If your gonna pay someone 15+mil a year,you gotta protect yourself in case something should happen..
February 9th, 2010 at 2:55 pm
I think this year’s winter dealings have pointed to a reluctance to overpay for players. Teams have let players go elsewhere even when they apparently wanted to resign them–over money. Pitchers with vulnerable arms are going to have trouble getting long contracts from here on in. I think the Sox will offer Beckett a fair deal but for one or two years, or a longer contract with a health opt-out clause, and I doubt if he will take it. Like a lot of other players recently, I think he will test the free agent waters and may get an unpleasant surprise.
February 9th, 2010 at 7:43 pm
gordon is so right on the nose. theo is gonna offer beckett a low ball offer and josh will balk at it . pun intended . theo got lackey for a reason . and that reason is to co-ace with lester .let josh explore the free agent waters and become a met .
February 10th, 2010 at 8:58 am
I will be sure to try to fit some more study time in … It will have to wait until I get back from Europe though. Have fun in the snow!
February 10th, 2010 at 9:42 am
Timmy. You are clearly a buffoon. It was an opinion man. Fact of the matter is Lester has been much better than Beckett for two seasons now. I think he’s the better pitcher right now.
February 10th, 2010 at 2:41 pm
Beckett is going to be a free agent, there is no doubt. The sox will not offer a 5 year 80 million dollar contract. So when they say they made a offer and he says goodbye the sox will spin it the way they do with all the people they let walk away. Im sure the yankees will be happy to sign him so he can stick it to the sox. Don’t think Beckett is as good as Lester right now i think the last two years is has declined some what, he has allowed alot of homes and is not as effective as a couple of years ago. This will be his last big contract, so he will look for as big a deal as he can get.
February 11th, 2010 at 8:53 am
Next year, there will be some interesting SP free agents unless they re-sign with their current teams. One comes to mind: Cliff Lee.
I, believe, the #1 option is Beckett. I’ve read 3 or 5 year contract offers: 3-years @ approx $18m or more/yr or 5-years @ approx $17m/yr. The avg will be greater than Lackey, but less than Halladay. I’m guessing an additional year will be thrown in similar to Lackey’s deeal in the event he goes on the disabled list for his elbow/shoulder. If the Sox can’t get it done with Beckett, I think they will pursue Lee with a similar deal offered Lackey this year. Plus, Lee would give the Sox another top-tier lefty to go with Lester.
Other interesting 2011 SP free agents will include the following: Ted Lilly, Duchscherer (If healthy), Sheets (If healthy), Bedard (If healthy), Bonderman (If healthy), Blanton, and Matt Cain.
February 11th, 2010 at 8:56 am
… Of course, if the Sox can’t re-sign Beckett and regardless if they are able to land Lee, this will then open the door for the Yankees to sweep up Beckett. I doubt the Mets will because of their current financial situation. The Angels could be another possible landing spot as well as Texas. Can’t discount the hometown angle. Houston doesn’t have the funds to compete with Texas.
February 11th, 2010 at 12:01 pm
Mr Beckett pulls his arm forward with his Pectoralis Major muscle. (look at the picture). Therefore he will hurt the front of his shoulder. It’s a matter of when not if.
February 13th, 2010 at 11:25 am
Not worth worrying over at this point. He will be pitching for the Sox in 2010 and will be on the salery drive. A ton of things could happen to him and others that would change this situation and the approach of both parties.
February 13th, 2010 at 12:37 pm
Hey TimmyT, did you know that Sweden is part of Europe and gets more snow than us? Check back in after your sex change operation. Then you can go by TimmieT. People like you should stay off of these forums.
February 13th, 2010 at 12:39 pm
They’re not going to offer Beckett anything long term because he’s broken down at the end of the last two seasons. He’s a great pitcher and has been fun to watch but it looks like his better days might be behind him.
February 16th, 2010 at 2:53 pm
this is his last year next year he goes to the nationals