The Rise and Fall of the Beckett Empire

Josh Beckett from Spring, Texas. The name and birthplace combine as if from a book of tall tales: Josh Beckett, the man who saddled a tornado and rode it to the ground. The reality isn't all that far from the truth. Beckett is the rare individual who elevates his performance when he is most needed to perform. His postseason numbers - 1.73 ERA in 72.2 IP with an almost 6/1 K/BB ratio - show ample proof of this claim. But Josh Beckett is unfortunately human, and his humanity is shown through his complete representation of his birthplace. The Texan has the steely glare and unflappable resolve under duress, but also suffers the wild swings of prosperity only found in the Lone Star State.

Beckett's tale is an easy yet powerful one to tell because he is simply the latest in a rich history of hard-nosed gunslingers. Buzz Bissinger, fearful rants aside, has written some very powerful words, including his description of the Texas economy in Friday Night Lights. Through his eyes, we see the Wild West still exists, but the confrontation isn't between the sheriff and the outlaw; it's the oil men against the world. Their fortunes rise and fall and rise again, but the fear of destitution always lingers. Beckett exists in the same metaphysical space: despite his two World Series rings, he will never be able to escape his injury-plagued past. Blisters are his dry oil wells.

For this reason Beckett's career will not be defined until he decides it is ready for definition. His early struggles, set against the backdrop of lofty expectations, have framed the scene. Beckett has already steered his story arc away from The Mark Prior Tragedy but the spectres of Potential and Dominance remain central characters. Beckett has only pitched more than 200 innings twice in his career and is not on pace to do so in 2008. But he averages more than a strikeout per inning and an almost 5/1 K/BB ratio, an almost unspeakable combination. His current comparables don't predict a bright future, but none of them have (or had) his natural talent. It's properly Texan of him to succeed or fail so spectacularly with no in between.

The Legend of Josh Beckett will make a great bedtime story someday. He's the man who singlehandedly ended The Yankee Dynasty, then fulfilled his destiny by cementing the ascension of the Red Sox. Or he's the man who had a momentary grip on greatness, only to fall to an inglorious end. So, like every great legend, it will leave out the most interesting parts.