He's motivated
Some people are motivated by money. Others pride. In Curt Schilling's case, both may apply. Though, I doubt money is truly a factor.
Seems that Schilling has the most success when paired with a pitcher perceived to be better.
When in Arizona with Randy Johnson, Schilling posted a 22-6 record in 2001 (winning the World Series) followed by a 2002 record of 23-7 (making the playoffs). In 2004, his first year with the Sox and Pedro Martinez he posted 21-6 (also winning a World Series).
Now, unbeknownst to him, Josh Beckett is the motivating factor. The result an impressive 4-0 start, 1.59 ERA, a more impressive 0.82 WHIP and 30 Ks in 34 innings.
In a 9-1 game Wednesday, Schilling produced every pitch as though the game was on the line - even getting upset with a couple of umpire calls in the fifth and sixth innings.
I expect, barring injury, Schilling will post another 20+ wins - easily a Cy Young candidate.
As long as Beckett pitches every fifth game, Schilling will do his best to outshine the "competition."
Is it ego? Perhaps. Regardless, it's proving to be effective.
A friend and I were debating the merits of Kevin Youkilis' play. In the course of the debate a comparison was made between him and J.T. Snow. Now, while I like Youkilis, especially after witnessing his stellar start, I do not think it completely fair to compare the two in today's game.
J.T. Snow has been in the league for 14 years. During that time he has produced some quality seasons. He has earned six consecutive Gold Gloves from 1995-2000. His career fielding is a whopping .996.
So instead I would compare seasons. In Snow's third year (1995) as a major leaguer, when he as 27 years-old (the same age as Youkilis today), he posted these numbers:
G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB CS AVG OBP SLG OPS
143 544 80 157 22 1 24 102 52 91 2 1 .289 .353 .465 .818
and on defense:
G Inn. TC PO A E DP FPCT
143 1249 1221 1161 56 4 106 .997
Don't get me wrong, I like Youk and always have, but we can only hope he comes close to those numbers. He is well on his way.
And Snow may be a contributing factor in Youkilis' success. Who better to learn from?
I've mentioned Mike Lowell a few times already this year, but watching him has been fun on both sides of the plate. While he can't seem to get the ball up over the Green Monster, he has to enjoy the sound it makes against that wall. Seven of his eight doubles have come in the friendly confines of Fenway Park. Nice!
Something to look forward to: Josh Beckett vs. his former teammate A.J. Burnett. It is expected to happen Friday night in Toronto. Burnett's debut with Toronto, was less than stellar. Granted, it was after returning from injury and against the World Champion White Sox, who have a propensity for hitting the longball.
Talk about motivation. This event should be more than interesting. I know the Sox got the better of the two. We'll see how it plays out.
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Snow has had a solid, above-average career, we can all agree. But would you start the 38-year-old Snow over Youkilis today? Before 2006, Snow's career Batting Average was .268, his OBP .357. In Youkilis' limited ABs in the last two seasons, he hit .265 and his obp was .376. This is an easier discussion now 20 days into April. But even before Youkilis' stellar start there was a pretty good argument to play him for his upside vs. Snow's historical offensive mediocrity. Unless you knew Youkilis would be necessarily a liability in the field, I think you go w/ Youkilis April 1st.
This is no claim, however, that Youkilis will certainly be better over his career than Snow. That, we will have the pleasure of observing for years to come.
Posted by
HatterApril 20, 2006 04:33 PM
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