Boston Red Sox: Why They Shouldn't Trade Josh Beckett

As most of you already know, Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reported that Josh Beckett was placed on waivers yesterday morning. Of course, this move means nothing in itself.

However, it does open up some intriguing questions as to whether or not Beckett might be on the move out of Fenway.

At first glance, this seems like a pretty good idea. He is owed an awful lot of money for the remainder of this season as well as the next two. Even if the Red Sox have to eat a substantial portion of the leftover money, at least they will not be paying as much as they would if they kept him in Boston.

They could spend that money on rebuilding the franchise, which is something they could desperately use right now.

On the flipside, it may not be smart for Boston to sell on thier pitcher so quickly. Yes, Beckett is having a difficult season—he is 5-11 with a 5.23 ERA—as are the Red Sox as a whole.

These numbers definitely do not match up with his career norms, so could this year simply be a fluke? After all, in 2010 he battled with similar ineffectiveness, and rebounded to have a very strong 2011.

When a team is falling out of contention, it is normal to put players on waivers and be prepared to trade them if an overwhelming offer comes in. That is the only thing I think should move Josh Beckett.

He has been a strong pitcher throughout his career, and he has had valleys before. In the stock market, you never try to sell a stock when it is worth the least, and that is what the Red Sox would be doing if they actually decide to trade Josh Beckett.

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