for love of the game

my brother and sister in law are at the hospital right now awaiting the birth of their first child, a girl to be named Paige. I am sitting at my desk trying to act casual when inside I am super excited to be an Auntie! But the events of the weekend still keep my mind racing. I just read an article about Beckett that was basically about how he says he is feeling fine physically, his pitches are just missing. My thought is this: Where is his head? In high school my coach used to tell me, “Softball (baseball) is 90% mental”… I am wondering what is on Beckett’s mind that is standing in the way of those pitches falling where they are supposed to as opposed to hanging over the plate. When is it Varitek’s turn to take some of the heat? A lot has been made over the fact that Varitek is the best catcher in baseball because he puts in the time, he knows the pitchers, he knows the hitters, he knows the game…but if he is so great at what he does, why can’t he get Beckett back on track when he starts to slide? Don’t get me wrong, I haven’t jumped on the Varitek bashing bandwagon just yet, but I am concerned that as the Capitan and leader of this team it seems like it’s his job to take charge and say, hey listen, get your head out of your ass and pitch the damn ball. I am glad that other members of the team are stepping up. Pedroia has finally broken through the glass wall that was holding him back. Youuuuuk has really stepped up…I have faith in these Sox, I have faith in this team. I am happy that Lester is starting tonight. A little worried about Wakefield tomorrow night. But what could be worse then the Beckett we have seen lately? So here it is:

Dear Mr. Beckett;

You have created a fan base here in Red Sox Nation that is very concerned about you. We defend you to the less faithful, we keep our fingers crossed that today is the day you come out of your funk. But how long do you expect us to hold on? You aren’t trying to pull a Manny are you? Please tell me you are just going through a dry spell and you will be back on top of your game in the next couple of games. I know that this is a team sport, but you have emerged as one of the leaders of this team and it’s your job to hold up your end of the deal. We need you to be Mr. October…We know you can bounce back and do what you do best. We need you Mr. Beckett.

Sincerely,

Bethany