Philly/Boston Preview

The Boston Red Sox and the Philadelphia Phillies play their last three 2011 games, not including any possible post season action, all in the land of cheesesteaks and brotherly love and it's an important series. With Josh Beckett back tonight and Buchholz due soon (July 4th) , that adds up to six potential starters. Who to move to the bullpen? One's got to go. I'm sure most fans would quickly (instantly?) pick John Lackey but I think Andrew Miller, if he's able to throw strikes, would be a more valuable asset to an already strong 'pen. As for Beckett, here's Boston skipper Tito Francona...

“If he’s running out of gas a little bit, we’ll keep an eye on him. But it’s not like he’s hurt."

That's the important part. He never was hurt. He just picked up a nasty bug of some kind. He took an extra couple days off to make sure he'll have the stamina to go 6 plus innings. The way he was pitching before he was felled was vintage Beckett who hit all his spots with all his pitches. It sure would be great to see more of the same. Here's the man with the plan on just that...

“I should be fine. My arm is good. I just needed to build myself up physically a little bit and I’ve had the time to do that.’’

Kevin Youkilis has a unique way of looking at upcoming contests. In short, it's not who you are playing or when you are playing them, it's HOW you play them that's most important. The best becomes even better. Here's our third baseman, Mr. Youkilis...

“I don’t lose any sleep thinking about the Phillies. I haven’t really thought about it. I didn’t even know who we’re facing or anything like that. When we go out on the field and we take batting practice and prep for the game, then we’ll be ready. I’m not really interested in this series other than going out there and just playing baseball. But until then it’s just a series where we have to go out and play some good baseball and hopefully take two out of three.’’

You sure do, Youk. Let's see what the Boston Red Sox can do on Philadelphia's home turf. You can see the pitching match ups in the post directly below this one. Click on this post's title to be zapped to all the coverage of this important upcoming tilt between, on paper, the two best teams in MLB and as always and forever, BE WELL.

Thanks for stopping by once again, my Constant Readers. Let's say a loud "GO SOX!" Up, up and away!