OOTP Developments Forums - View Single Post - WIN AT ALL COSTS! The 2004 Boston Red Sox

AZTarHeel · 05-24-2004, 08:55 PM

Josh Beckett: 'I'd love to pitch for Boston'
Marlins hurler 'frustrated' at Florida's downfall this season

MLB.com * June 8, 2004

Florida pitcher Josh Beckett, the star of the 2003 World Series, created quite a stir on the Marlins off-day, saying he wouldn't mind "getting out of here" sometime this season to play for a contender.

"I'd love to pitch for Boston," Beckett said Monday when asked about the defending World Champions' struggles, which include a 25-35 record. "I like Jack (McKeon) but management just doesn't seem to have a long-term vision for winning here. I've got to play for a winner."

Beckett was outspoken against the Marlins during the off-season for letting catcher Pudge Rodriguez go. Many tab Rodriguez as the heart and soul of the '03 team, which upset the Yankees in the Series in six games.

Even though Beckett's having another banner season (8-3 record, 2.38 ERA), the rest of the team isn't following suit. Florida is currently languishing in the back of the NL East and is 11 games out of the wild card hunt.

"I am frustrated being in last place," Beckett said. "I must admit I'm envious of what the Red Sox have this year and would love to pitch alongside Schilling and Martinez. Who wouldn't?"

The Internet rumors have heated up big time since Beckett's outburst. The 24-year-old Texan is in the final year of his contract.

Observers believe Boston is trying to shop right-hander BK Kim, who is 2-5 despite having a good off-season and spring training.

"If you package him with a few prospects, somebody like Florida might be willing to part with a player of Beckett's caliber," one MLB scout said. "BK has the potential to be a great pitcher. He's just not fitting very well in the big lights of Boston. Somebody like Josh, meanwhile, would thrive there."

Red Sox management has been mum on any trades.

"We're always looking to upgrade and refine what we have," GM Theo Epstein said. "We've had no contact with Josh or Florida, but heck who wouldn't want the reigning World Series MVP on their roster?"

05-24-2004, 08:55 PM	#140 (permalink)
AZTarHeel All Star Starter Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,488 Thanks: 9 Thanked 9x in 8 posts	Josh Beckett: 'I'd love to pitch for Boston' Marlins hurler 'frustrated' at Florida's downfall this season MLB.com * June 8, 2004 Florida pitcher Josh Beckett, the star of the 2003 World Series, created quite a stir on the Marlins off-day, saying he wouldn't mind "getting out of here" sometime this season to play for a contender. "I'd love to pitch for Boston," Beckett said Monday when asked about the defending World Champions' struggles, which include a 25-35 record. "I like Jack (McKeon) but management just doesn't seem to have a long-term vision for winning here. I've got to play for a winner." Beckett was outspoken against the Marlins during the off-season for letting catcher Pudge Rodriguez go. Many tab Rodriguez as the heart and soul of the '03 team, which upset the Yankees in the Series in six games. Even though Beckett's having another banner season (8-3 record, 2.38 ERA), the rest of the team isn't following suit. Florida is currently languishing in the back of the NL East and is 11 games out of the wild card hunt. "I am frustrated being in last place," Beckett said. "I must admit I'm envious of what the Red Sox have this year and would love to pitch alongside Schilling and Martinez. Who wouldn't?" The Internet rumors have heated up big time since Beckett's outburst. The 24-year-old Texan is in the final year of his contract. Observers believe Boston is trying to shop right-hander BK Kim, who is 2-5 despite having a good off-season and spring training. "If you package him with a few prospects, somebody like Florida might be willing to part with a player of Beckett's caliber," one MLB scout said. "BK has the potential to be a great pitcher. He's just not fitting very well in the big lights of Boston. Somebody like Josh, meanwhile, would thrive there." Red Sox management has been mum on any trades. "We're always looking to upgrade and refine what we have," GM Theo Epstein said. "We've had no contact with Josh or Florida, but heck who wouldn't want the reigning World Series MVP on their roster?"