Daisuke ... Not So Good

No game preview today and it's a good thing because I would be killing myself right now if I had shown some misplaced confidence in Daisuke Matsuzaka. The Japanese righty has officially imploded, allowing seven runs on eight hits (including two homeruns) in just two innings of work. I would be shocked if Terry Francona stuck with Matsuzaka after tonight's atrocious performance. Anyways, while I'm here, here are the Three Strikes for today:

1. Josh BecKKKKKKKKKKett looked as good as he has since his career defining 2007 season. He had the Yankees baffled all night long with his well placed fastball, sharp curveball, and deceiving changeup. If Beckett can pitch like that, he will give the Red Sox an excellent third starter to go along with Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz. Those kind of nights also make it easier to accept having the mediocre John Lackey in the rotation.

2. Dustin Pedroia's impressive 9-for-13 weekend series against the Yankees reinforces his place as the leader of this team. Pedroia put the offense on his back and also made several spectacular defensive plays at second base to help his team take 2-of-3 from the Yankees.

3. Adrian Gonzalez is settling in nicely and I expect Carl Crawford to do the same during this homestand. The 2-7 start (which will probably be 2-8 by the end of tonight) will soon be a distant memory as long as the pitching does not serve as an anchor.