Dodgers 2013 End-Of-Season Player Evaluations: Josh Beckett
Starting pitcher Josh Beckett came over to the Dodgers in 2012 from the Red Sox in the mega-trade that also welcomed Adrian Gonzalez, Carl Crawford and Nick Punto. Beckett went 2-3 with a 2.93 ERA for the Dodgers in seven starts last season after the trade. He came into the season as a member of the rotation and looking to prove that his days as an effective starting pitcher weren’t over.
Regular Season Grade: D
Beckett started the season 0-5 with a 5.19 ERA before hitting the disabled list with a groin injury. In eight starts, Beckett gave up 30 runs and 50 hits in 43.1 innings. He would also allow eight home runs in those eight starts.
While on the DL, Beckett began feeling numbness and tingling in his hand that would eventually lead to season-ending surgery. The right-hander was diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome, a syndrome involving compression from excess pressure on certain nerves.
Originally, it was thought that the injury could be career-ending; however, Beckett underwent surgery in July and said he’s ahead of schedule in rehab. The 33-year-old hopes to be ready by spring training and will try to work his way back into the Dodger rotation.
Playoff Grade: Incomplete
Beckett was in the dugout for the postseason and was seen cheering on his teammates multiple times. Known for his postseason success, it’s unclear whether a healthy Beckett could have made a difference in the playoffs and it may remain to be seen depending on Beckett’s recovery.
Overall Grade: D
Regardless of the injury, Beckett wasn’t pitching well before he went down and it’s not guaranteed that he would have lasted the entire season in the rotation. Beckett is in the last year of his contract, which could be beneficial to the Dodgers having a pitcher in a contract year.
If Beckett returns at full strength in spring training, he could have a chance at cracking a rotation that only has three spots filled up. Depending on the offseason moves, Beckett could work himself into the number four or five slot in the rotation.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
In case you missed it, here’s the Dodgers pool celebration, PLUS Yasiel Puig’s celebration dance off!
http://youtu.be/LknQOqL7uME
