“Without a Curse” Episode 500: “Josh Beckett Is Entangled In Yet Another Controversy” (5/10/12)

by Alex Reimer | Posted on Saturday, May 12th, 2012

Hosted by: Alex Reimer

It is episode 500 of “Without a Curse,” and Alex opens the show by thanking all of the listeners for tuning into the show over these past 7 years. Alex also thanks executive producer Dylan Richardson for all of the hard work he’s put into the show over the past several years.

Then…the evisceration of the 12-18 Red Sox commences. It goes from bad to worse with the perception of the team, as Josh Beckett was reportedly spotted golfing with Clay Buchholz last Thursday, two days before he missed his scheduled start due to a sore lat muscle. It has also been reported that Beckett refused to listen to trainers over the last home stand. Has Beckett gone rogue? Even though he’s been the best starting pitcher on the team this season, has the time come to consider moving on from Beckett?

Alex discusses this past series against the Royals, as the Red Sox dropped 2 of 3 games. Will Middlebrooks is one of the few bright spots, as he continues to perform offensively. Is it premature to begin discussions about Middlebrooks replacing Youkilis at 3rd base? Also, when will Bobby Valentine beginning managing this pitching staff to actually win games instead of treating these games like extended Spring Training?

Adrian Gonzalez has been under a lot of scrutiny for his persona this past week. Is that criticism warranted, or has Gonzalez been a problem for the Red Sox?

In the “Around the League” segment, Alex looks at the AL East standings and how David Robertson has struggled thus far in the closer’s role. It’s been another bad week for closers, as the Blue Jays recently replaced Francisco Cordero as closer in their bullpen. Alex also talks about Cole Hamels’ decision to intentionally hit Bryce Harper last weekend, and whether or not it was warranted.

Thanks again to all who have listened to “Without a Curse” over these past 500 episodes. Post on the message boards at www.thesportsstuff.com/boards. Email Alex atAlexredsox076@aol.com, and follow him on Twitter @AlexReimer1.

RIP to Carl Beane…what a tragedy. He and his voice will be missed throughout Fenway Park.

Josh Beckett Entangled In Yet Another Controversy

Alex Reimer

Alex Reimer has been hosting the critically acclaimed Red Sox podcast, “Without a Curse”, since July of 2005. Alex has also been profiled in The Boston Globe, and has been a guest on both “The Today Show” and “The Tonight Show” for his work on the podcast. “Without a Curse” can be found on www.thesportstuff.com, and www.youcastr.com. Alex can be reached at alexredsox076@aol.com.