While there is no photographic evidence of Josh Beckett, Jon Lester or any other pitcher actually taking part in these activities during a Red Sox game, the Boston Globe has gathered some photos suggesting several of Boston’s players had gained a substantial amount of weight in their faces and necks during the latter part of the season.

Here is a comparative look at each of the Red Sox’s five starting pitchers.  The images on the left were taken prior to the start of the season, while the images on the right were taken in September.

Shouldn’t they be getting skinnier as the season goes on?  That obviously isn’t the case in the Red Sox clubhouse.

Hat Tip – [Boston Globe]

Yeah, Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Josh Beckett just came up to you and personally handed you a ball.  That’s great kid, but I’ve seen 12-year-old girls hold it together better than that while getting a kiss on the cheek from Justin Bieber.

This emotional moment took place following Beckett’s warm-up session prior to today’s game between the Sox and the Kansas City Royals at Fenway Park.  It was a classy move by the All-Star righty, who was looking to make it five wins in a row for the Sox in his last five starts…

And for those of you who believe in karma, you’ll be disappointed to hear that Beckett allowed four runs against in the fourth inning and earned the loss.

Here is a look at how the emotional moment unfolded.

Hat Tip – [MLB.com]

Entering the game with a 2.27 ERA, Beckett improved that number with eight shutout innings of one-hit ball.  During those eight innings, he would also strike out six batters and walk none, frustrating the Rays bats throughout the entire evening.  Unfortunately for him, the only thing he wouldn’t come away with in this game was the win, as it took until the 16th inning for the Sox to score their first run, via a Dustin Pedroia RBI single.  That was all they needed, en route to the extra innings 1-0 victory.

As for Beckett, he’ll have to wait to record his ninth win of the season, but if it is any consolation, he did earn “The Stat Line of the Night” for Sunday, July 17, 2011.

Beckett was on target all day, seemingly retiring the Royals batters with ease as he headed towards his league leading 11th win of the season (tying him with teammate Tim Wakefield and the Rockies Jason Marquis).  He did it in fashion with a complete game shutout, allowing only three hits and no walks while striking out seven.  Such a performance was enough to earn him “The Stat Line Of The Night” for Sunday, July 12th, 2009.

With the win, the Red Sox secured a three-game lead over the Yankees in the AL East heading into the Summer Classic.  Along with a series sweep of the Royals, their position in the standings was aided by the Los Angeles Angels sweep of their own against the division rival Yankees.  With the Tampa Bay Rays heating up over the past month, the second half promises to be an entertaining one in baseball’s toughest division.

The Game: New York Mets @ San Francisco Giants (MLB)

The Pick: New York Mets

The Reason: This game features one of best pitchers ever (Randy Johnson) up against a rising star (Johan Santana).  I’ll take the much younger star and Mets in this one.

The Game: Boston Red Sox @ Seattle Mariners (MLB)

The Pick: Boston Red Sox

The Reason: Josh Beckett has had a relatively sow start to the season by his standards, but I expect that to change very soon.  I’ll take the Sox on the road any day when Beckett is on mound.

Overall Record: (113-77-3) – Winning Percentage (0.59)

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Beckett’s start has been good, but not great, so at this point its probably difficult to say how the move has worked out.  His numbers after three starts include a 2-1 record, 3.79 ERA and 20 Strikeouts in 19 innings pitched.  Not too shabby, but that’s a tough woman to give up, but i’m sure he’ll get over it.  Just look at his track record.

So now Whitney joins the ranks of Leeann Tweeden, Alyssa Milano and Danielle Peck, as those who have “shown Beckett their catchers mit”, if you will.  Which would you say was his top prize so far.

Hayes (Left, in black) – Milano (Right)

Tweeden (left) – Peck (Right)