October 10, 2008 Francona: Delcarmen will be key against Rays Play video

(NECN: St. Petersburg, Fla) - Red Sox manager Terry Francona spoke to the media before game one of the ALCS at Tropicana Field. He spoke about the importance of pitching in the series.

Josh Beckett will get the ball in game two of the ALCS against Scott Kazmir. Francona was asked what makes Beckett such a great postseason pitcher. "I don’t think that the idea of playing of games of this magnitude are too big for him I think he strives on it and he enjoys it." He says Beckett is fine physically, and he can concentrate on his pitching, instead of trying to heal, he will be alright.

Francona says that both Manny Delcarmen and Justin Masterson will be key to success against the Rays. He says that more likely Delcarmen will be called upon during the middle of an inning, given his success against lefty batters.