Josh Beckett would normally be the Red Sox' starter in game 1 of any playoff series, if they had the chance. He has the best postseason track record of any pitcher in the postseason right now, and he has multiple postseason awards, including the 2003 World Series MVP, and the 2007 ALCS MVP.

Beckett's postseason record is 6-2, with a 1.73 ERA. Even in his two losses, he pitched well, racking up 19 K's and only allowing 3 runs in 14 1/3 innings in those two games. He has only had one bad outing ever in the postseason, when he gave up 2 HR and 6 runs total in 6+ innings in game 1 of the 2003 NLCS against the Cubs. But his Marlins still won that game, 9-8 to bail him out.

Beckett won't be available for the Red Sox in game 1 against the Angels, so they will start Jon Lester. Lester has been great this year, but he is still relatively unproven in the playoffs, with only 1 career playoff start.

The Red Sox were an atrocious 1-8 against the Angels in the regular season. To turn the tables in the playoffs, they will not only need to win on the road, but they will need all of the help that they can possibly get. The Angels are the best team in baseball, and the Sox need guys like Beckett who are consistent performers in the playoffs. The problem is, they don't just need Beckett, they need him healthy.

Josh Beckett has already missed a few starts this year to injury. Although he has pitched reasonably well, he hasn't been anywhere near as good as he was last year. He has pitched less innings, but has given up more runs and he hit almost twice as many batters as he did last year. His ERA also jumped by .76, nearly one earned run per game.

If the Red Sox can count on Beckett for at least one start, and a possible relief appearance late in the series, they may have a chance to beat the Angels. Lester and Daisuke Matsuzaka are good, but the rest of the rotation is inconsistent at best, and simply doesn't match up well with the guys that the Angels will be sending to the mound.

Will Josh Beckett be healthy enough to pitch? We'll see. But one thing is clear. The Red Sox' playoff future depends on it.