Pump the Brakes

SPORTING GOODS

I am very happy with the Josh Beckett trade. I like Mike Lowell a lot, and Beckett is one of the guys like Prior and Felix who was hyped before he even reached the majors, due to his nasty, nasty stuff. I'm also encouraged that many of the rumoured Manny trade components (Delgado, Cameron) are no longer available, and that the Sox are unlikely to go for a third-baseman (Glaus) now that Lowell is around.

But, before we get too excited about Beckett, here's a list, courtesy of Baseball-Reference.com, of the 10 most similar pitchers to Josh Beckett, through the age of 25.

1. Lynn McGlothen
2. Jack McDowell
3. Jim Lonborg
4. Joel Pineiro
5. Hank Gastright
6. Rick Reuschel
7. Bill Stafford
8. Bob Knepper
9. Rick Rhoden
10. John Denny

A nice solid list, but these aren't exactly hall of famers. Just a little perspective.