Yesterday, Josh Beckett signed a 4- year contract extension with the Red Sox yesterday.  We all knew it was coming, no matter how he performed on Sunday night.  It just makes sense to lock him up for four more years, for what seems to be a really reasonable price, assuming he stays Josh Beckett healthy.  I know I get on the Mike Hampton contract a bunch- the one he signed with Colorado for giving a guy $15 million for 15 wins the previous season, and basically that’s what the Sox have done here- given Beckett a million dollars for every expected win.  But Beckett has the potential to win 20 games each season, even now that he is getting older.  Additionally, though, he accepted a contract lower than he probably could get on the open market because he does have some problems with staying off the DL.  He has a cranky back.  He has had issues with blisters- though that was mostly in his time with the Marlins.   But this Pete Abraham piece shows the great business decision that this signing is.

The Sox virtually have their rotation solidified for 2-3 more years.  They have other pieces coming along to fill in and replace Tim Wakefield and Dice-K.  Because of their wealth of pitching, they also have the pieces to trade to acquire more help in any hole they might have.  Everyone wants young, cheap, talented pitchers so locking up the proven pieces that will make those young players available is brilliant business and very good long-term planning.

On another front, Shaun Marcum opening day pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays took a no-hitter into the 7th.  Marcum was returning from Tommy John surgery and so this makes a great story.  Unfortunately, a no-hitter only means something if it goes through the 9th, and their is a reason for that.  The Rangers were able to take advantage of some mistakes in the 7th, and tie the game.  Two things that make this game important.  The first, of course, is that Marcum after a year away was able to command the game with location with his pitches topping out in the upper 80’s.  He baffled the Rangers by keeping the ball down and controlling movement. The Blue Jays may not have many bright spots this year, but Shaun Marcum might be one of them.

The second important thing is what coming back from being down against a pitcher like this can do for a young teams mental approach.  The Rangers played 9 innings- they stayed fighting and they won- something fans of the Rangers will probably see them do a lot.  But that is what winners do.  They don’t decide early that a pitcher like Marcum will continue to deal all day.  They stay in there and try to make contact- and perhaps with a little help from the wind, they make pull off a win.  This game was a big confidence builder.  Expect to see the Rangers win a lot late in games.  For the best game story, check out this piece by Jeff Wilson.