Keeping an eye on things - AL East

Looking back over the past week to my prior posts about Russell Martin & Jarrod Saltalamacchia, as well as the Red Sox Preview, the Yankees have now lost their first series to the Red Sox, 2-1.  Hughes pitched batting practice to the Red Sox on Friday allowing Boston to get their first win.  Saturday, the Yankees won with Nova on the mound.  Nova struggled but was able to keep the game in check and allow the Yankee offense to steal the show. Beckett pitched a gem of a game on Sunday night with a two hit shutout.  Saltalamacchia was not behind the plate though, as Varitek got the start.  Following the game, Beckett had high praise for Varitek with the way he called the game, and how calm he was behind the plate.  I wouldn’t be surprised to see Francona to designate Varitek as Beckett’s personal catcher.  Take a look below at Beckett’s numbers since coming to the Red Sox.

Beckett's ERA with Varitek :  3.90 ERA  in 731 innings

Beckett's ERA with other Red Sox catchers:  5.53 ERA in 201.2 innings

I think these numbers speak for themselves.  Varitek needs to catch games with Beckett on the mound. 

After the Yankees series, the Red Sox hosted the Rays.  Dice K pitched the first game and got shelled.  Maybe I am just being an arrogant Yankee fan, but I really think Dice K is going to have a terrible year.  He is 0-2 with a 12.86 ERA.  It didn't help that Saltalamacchia was behind the plate during this blowout.

Russell Martin on the other hand has been doing very well.  In Fenway on Saturday, Martin stole the show with two home runs.  He has been effective behind the plate as well, coaxing AJ through 3 wins.  (AJ has more wins than the Red Sox!)  Martin has played in every game so far, and is hitting .294 with a .333 on base percentage and a whopping .618 slugging percentage.

Tuesday night the Red Sox lost again making their record 2-9.  Varitek started this game with Lester on the mound and called a solid game.  Lester pitched well in this game going 7 innings allowing only 3 ER's.  David Price pitched for the Rays and reminded them that he is an Ace.  Price went 7 2/3 and allowed only 2 ER's.  Kyle Farnsworth, now with the Rays, picked up the save striking out two.  Joe Maddon must be desparate to plug Farnsy into the closer role.  (the Rays did lose their entire bullpen this offseason)  Crazy Kyle is always one pitch away from a meltdown, but it worked out Tuesday against the lackluster Red Sox.

For a team destined to win the World Series by everyone before the season started, it’s pretty funny watching the season play out for Boston.  I don't think the Red Sox will play like crap all season, but they are sure digging a big hole for themselves to work their way out of.