As Red Sox Nation awaits a second season of Josh Beckett taking the mound, one can not help but wonder whether the young hurler will bounce back from an up and down season which did see him win 16 games, but also saw his ERA finish over 5.

Boston expected big things from Beckett as the trade sent prospects Hanley Ramirez and Anibal Sanchez to the Florida Marlins. Those who follow baseball closely would know that Ramirez went on to win rookie of the year and Sanchez ended up throwing a no hitter. Therefore it looks like the upside for these young men is very promising.

Alright, exploring his wavy 2006 season, one would notice he gave up 36 homeruns. That is simply far to many for a so called number one pitcher to give up. Control was also an issue for Beckett as he walked a career-high 74 batters. As a fan of the game anyone will realize an ace can not have these type of numbers, even with the Red Sox potent offense.

Being a huge Red Sox fan i want Josh Beckett to improve in every aspect of his game. He needs to effectively use his curveball and not simply rely on the fastball that hitters were destroying last year. He is coming into the prime of his career and must learn the american league hitters tendencies, very quick, if not he may turn out to be the bust the Red Sox mortgaged their future shortstop for.

So as we await his first start against the Royals, everyone is hoping he will find the same groove as the 2003 World Series, when he notched MVP honours beating the Yankees on only three days rest. Should be a good one today folks.

Written by Jordan Adams