'08 Outlook: Josh Beckett

During the slow part of the off-season I will feature a preview of the '08 season for Red Sox players starting with the pitching staff.

'07 Season: Josh Beckett had a near Cy Young year leading the American League with 20 wins and was lights-out in the playoffs. He pitched over 200 innings for the second year in a row and had much better control with only giving up 40 walks vs. 74 in '06.

'08 Outlook: Beckett has become a true ace and will be the opening day starter. His shoulder problems seem to be a thing of the past and he has adjusted to American League batters. He should be able to win 20+ games and reach 200 K's unless the Sox go with a 6 man rotation. Beckett would benefit from the extra rest to limit the blister problems he can sometimes have. Look for a Cy Young Award winning season from the 27 year old pitcher who is entering his prime.