Okay so every night is different. Who's to say that if Josh Beckett had pitched one day earlier, his effort would have had the same result. But after some seeing him pitch Wednesday, I feel comfortable sending it to the jury.

This is what I expect from my No. 2, soon to be a the "ace" of the staff. Beckett was awesome. He caught the corners, buckled knees and threw some heat (consistently hitting 95, 96 and 97). His location was perfect, especially against some tough lefty bats.

There were times when I had to hold my breathe, but he got out of every jam. It was quite enjoyable watching him work the count. I was a bit concerned about his pitch total (109) but he did not seem the least bit tired. Power pitchers will have high pitch counts; it's the nature of the beast. He's challenging hitters and opponents are going send some to the stands, hopefully foul and out of play, like Wednesday.

He's the future.

Is Papelbon? In what I would call a surprise move, Terry Francona decided to go with Jon Papelbon to close. Surprise because he made the right call. Typically speaking, this would be an opportunity to show Keith Foulke that the manager still believed in him, even after a rough outing opening night. But Francona didn't do that. Instead he put his faith in Papelbon. And Papelbon didn't disappoint. He blew fastballs right by the three batters he faced (one resulting in the pop-up) on his way to record his first major league save. The Rangers simply could not catch up to the heater. A thing of beauty.

Francona's decision is certain to send a message to Foulke. How he responds will be interesting. He'll get other opportunities; he's paid too much not to.

Jon Papelbon has the tools to be the everyday closer. Is that the best role for him? I'm not sure. There are some other guys, most notably Craig Hanson, who is being groomed for the position. Besides I'm drooling over the possibility of a Schilling, Beckett, Papelbon and Lester rotation as early as 2007.

But The Boston Globe's Dan Shaughnessey has a different opinion. (Imagine that). By reading his column, you'd think Papelbon is the present-day and future closer.

One thing he is correct about: this was a "Belichickian move."

Get the job done, record the "W."

Message to baserunners: Do not underestimate Manny. In the eighth inning, Manny Ramirez threw a relay to Mike Lowell who sent a laser to Tek. East out. Manny is probably the most underrated outfielder in the game. With 17 assists to his credit last year, runners should heed the warning.

A correction: Kameron Loe had eight starts last year. I was looking at his 2004 numbers when I posted two. Last night he was impressive in size and command. At 24 years-old, the Rangers have something to look forward to. It was tough to see past his 6-7, 240 lb. frame. He's not going to amass the Ks that a Beckett will, but he should develop into a pretty decent pitcher.

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