Mirabelli's hitting what, .180? Two points - first the A's are not a big offensive team - they win on pitching and defense so holding them to 2 runs is nice but not a huge feat. Second there has been talk that Beckett was holding back on some of his pitches for fear of getting blisters and going on the DL and that now late in the year he is using all his stuff.

Expect the same tonight with Schilling pitching - the Sox lose 3-1 with no offense.

I agree Veritek isn't tops in defense and offense. But I think the Sox have missed his leadership and example the past month as they have been lifeless without him. Remember it was Veritek that started the fight with ARod in '04 that sparked the Sox - that spark hasn't been there lately.

You don't need offense from your catcher when your team is constructed the way this year's Red Sox were. Varitek not calling for Beckett's best is very much the point.

OJ - After Manny and Ortiz Sox had little consistent offense.

As for catching there have been stories all year long that Beckett would shake Veritek off a lot - perhaps Veritek was calling for Beckett's best and he wasn't complying.

Who won the game?

No, there haven't. There have long been stories about Varitek being more interested in pitchers liking him than making them throw their best pitches. And, of course, Javy only calls for fastballs because that's all he can catch.

If Crisp doesn't make that extraordinary catch Beckett would have given up 4 runs in 7 innings, right in line with his low 5 ERA.

He wasn't facing Wee Willie Keeler. Make them hit em where they is and you win.

According to Curt Schilling, Beckett is doing well now because he's decided to throw 93 mph fastballs with command on the corners rather than 97 mph fastballs that often find the middle of the plate.

You're making it rocket science. Mirabelli has caught Beckett three times this year and all were good starts.

Plus Beckett is too good of a pitcher for his slump to continue.

Somewhere in S. Fla, on a playoff bound team, Messrs Sanchez and Ramirez are laughing.

The Marlins have done an exemplary job rebuilding. One would certainly prefer their squad to the Yankees, Red Sox or White Sox over the next five years. But you wouldn't trade Beckett for Sanchez.