Sox-Yanks Notes; Red Sox-Rangers (June 9, 10, & 11)

Usually when the Red Sox drop 2-of-3 in the Bronx, my mood is more sour than Shaq's free throw shooting. However, the what transpired in Yankee Stadium this past week has me excited for the summer. First, Josh Beckett's terrible performance on Monday could be the start of something special for the righty. This should be the wakeup call for the talented hurler; now it has to be clear to him that pitching in the American League is an every pitch job and he has to be ready every time he rears back to throw. Young Beckett has too much pride to get whacked around after two embarassing starts -- I wouldn't want to be in the Rangers lineup Saturday night. Another thing that has me excited for the Sox is the state of the Yankees. Yes, the Bombers are an impressive team with the likes of Jeter, A-Rod, Damon, Rivera, Giambi, Mussina, and Johnson but how long can this team survive the absence of Hidecki Matsui, Gary Sheffield and a quality bullpen? Andy Phillips and Melky Cabrera are playing over their heads right now and when they come back down to reality, the Sox will be there to ride on past the Yankees. You want another positive? How about rookie David Pauley allowing on 2-runs in 6-2/3 innings on Tuesday. Pauley isn't exactly thr second coming of Roger Clemens but he could provide a boost to the sagging bullpen. And finally, there is Curt Schilling's performance last night. Cy Schilling (9-2, 3.81) went 8 innings and allowed 3-runs on just 4-hits (all were scored on solo homeruns). Schill stepped up when it was needed -- a true ace -- and led the Sox to victory. However, as happy as I am, the Sox aren't exactly the favorites to win the World Series. They need David Ortiz (.260 BA) to start hitting like an MVP. They need Jason Varitek (.247) to start hitting like the Captain. They need to develop a stronger path in the bullpen on the way to Papelbon (could he be Cy Young, Rookie of the Year and MVP?). And they need at least two more reliable starters to complement Schilling and Beckett. Until then, the AL East is a race to the finish between Boston, New York, and Toronto. One more thing before I get to the pitching matchups for the Rangers series. How is Jack Welch -- CEO of General Electric -- the "voice of Red Sox fans?" He may be the voice of millionaire Sox fans but he doesn't speak for me. In that same light, Ben Affleck isn't the face of Red Sox Nation. I love what the Henry/Werner/Lucchino ownership has done but the Hollywood-ification of the Red Sox is sickening. Now, for the Rangers. Is that rain in the forecast? Weather permitting, Tim Wakefield (4-7, 4.05) will face Vicente Padilla (5-4, 5.29) in the opener of this four game weekend series at 7:05 on NESN and WEEI. The AL West leading Rangers can smash the ball so Wake's knuckler needs to be floating tonight. At 1:05 on Saturday, Red Sox pitching prospect Jon Lester (0-0, ---) makes his eagerly anticipated MLB debut. The highly touted hurler is considered to be the left handed mirror of Papelbon. He will be opposed by John Rheinecker (2-0, 1.77). Rheinecker is another young lefty who has had success because he is around the plate (he's walked just one batter in 20-1/3 innings). This is a FOX national broadcast and will also be on WEEI radio. The second half of Saturday's doubleheader is an 8:05 start on NESN and WEEI. Josh Beckett (7-3, 5.27) tries to get back on track against Way Back himself, John Wasdin (0-0, 0.00). This could be a multiple homerun game for Manny Ramirez. In Sunday's finale, Matt Clement (5-4, 6.68) will try to build on a solid outing last week in Detroit as he faces Kevin Millwood (7-3, 4.65). Sunday's game starts at 2:05 and is on NESN and WEEI.