In a lot of ways, Josh Beckett became public enemy number one when the Red Sox went through their meltdown last season. Many believe he was the main force that pushed Terry Francona out the door, and it wouldn’t shock me if that was true. Beckett knows that, and he knows he will need to get along with Bobby Valentine this season in order for the Red Sox to be successful. That’s why when Curt Schilling said things weren’t going well between Valentine and the Boston players, Beckett was not happy.
“I haven’t seen him around this year,” Beckett said during an interview with WEEI Thursday. “Is he one of our pitchers? Like I haven’t seen him around this year. I didn’t know he was going to be one of our pitchers. I haven’t seen him around here. I’d think if somebody knew that much they’d probably be a little closer to it.
“Game’s a lot easier from over there (as a media person), I think. As far as him speaking about how things are being run, I haven’t seen him around here to where he would know that much.”
Beckett also added that things are going “great” with Valentine and that he likes some of the adjustments he has made with the pitching staff and their preparation. He said his legs have never felt this good coming out of spring training and credited it to the stretching and workouts Valentine has put into place.
Even if there were problems, Beckett wouldn’t admit it. The last thing the Sox want is the media feasting on perceived clubhouse issues before an inning of the regular season is in the books. There may be tension already and there may not be, but I think we can all agree that it will take a little more than the opinion of Schilling for us to believe Boston is in trouble.
Photo credit: Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE
