Is Tampa Bay pitching overrated?

While Tampa Bay has had plenty of named talent over the last few years from Scott Kazmir, James Shields, Matt Garza and then David Price came along. This along with a top offense and elite talent has led to their recent success in the AL East. Perhaps overvalued is a bit harsh, but they have several pitching changes and again compared to their peers in the division have some flaws.

Departing this year will be the presence of Kazmir at the top of the rotation, but that shouldn’t be a bad thing. His walk rate was always high and with the drop in velocity it’s likely the drop in strikeouts is going to stick around. He is surely not the ace of seasons before.

That leaves James Shields as the team ace and that is a good start. He was the ninth most valuable pitcher in the AL last year based on pitching runs above replacement. There were some cracks in his season though as his walk rate climbed, but not an extreme amount and should regress in 2010.

6/13 G1: Afternoon delight

GAME NOTES: A special shoutout to Alex Gonzalez, who has been unbelievable since joining the Sox. He’s solidified the lineup, hitting .295/.295/.511 with 4 HR and 11 RBI in 24 games. Walks? Who needs walks? Gonzo also stole his first base since 2006 — when he was with Boston.

9/12: Beckett, meet Tampa. Tampa, fear Beckett

GAME NOTES: Beckett was well on his way to Cy consideration before he started channeling 2006 with all these home runs. In his last start, he refused to give up any home runs, and Commander Kick-Ass now lays his fiery eyes on Tampa Bay. Be afraid. Be very afraid.

9/2: No more homers, Beckett!

GAME NOTES: Beckett heads up against a pitcher who has — on the face of it — been pretty similar to him on the year. Can Beckett turn his woes around and be the guy we need to ensure an October dance?

8/4: Battle of the Arms.

Lester faces off against the tough righty Matt Garza.

5/10: Get Garza

Happy Mothers’ Day!!

TAM 14, BOS 5: Torcher

Evan Longoria is being handed the American League MVP award courtesy of the Boston Red Sox pitching staff.

TAM 13, BOS 0: Roadblock

Even though Boston just recently had an 11-game winning streak snapped and beat the Cleveland Indians coming back from a 5-run deficit winning on a Jonathan Van Every homer in extra innings — his first of his MLB career — the Red Sox still have some things to figure out. Matt Garza is one and Josh Beckett is the other.

4/30: Try us now, Tampa

Josh Beckett couldn’t figure out the Yankees last start; one day late due to his five-game suspension. His velocity and movement were there, but his command was way off. It’s Tampa’s second look at Beckett. Garza struggled with control in his last start, but dominated the Sox in the opening series.

BOS 6, CLE 5: Jonathan did Van Every-Thing

Joe Castiglione needs to play the MEGA Millions tonight. So does Jonathan Van Every for that matter.