Scout: Beckett was the worst I've ever seen him

DETROIT -- Other notes, quotes and gloats before the third game of the season:

* One major-league scout watching Saturday's game said that was the worst he had ever seen Josh Beckett pitch. "He topped out at 92,'' the scout said. "And he must have thrown 15 center cuts -- you can't do that.'' Center cut is jargon for cut fastballs that ended up over the middle of the plate.

Three different scouts wondered why Beckett relied so heavily on his cutter. "What's wrong with fastball, curve?'' said one scout, recalling the days when Beckett was a power pitcher who relied on a 95-97 m.p.h. fastball and a terrific 12-to-6 curveball.

The article goes on to talk about the fact that Beckett only topped out at 92.5 on the day which I don't neccesarily think is a problem considering it's his first start and he has been running around trying to get that thumb looked at and probably missed some workouts. But the fact that he is not only throwing so many cut fastballs and he can't spot them is certainly a warning sign that this thumb issue could be serious. I mean 18 cutters? That is not a sign of someone who is confident in their ability to throw a straight fastball.

Beckett has already had 3 opinions on his finger which in itself is never a good sign. If the thumb was healthy then there would only be a need for 1. There may be no way to restart the season but hopefully Beckett and the Red Sox can right this ship. Although it's pretty tough to steer with a banged up thumb.