Epstein took it as a positive sign that the trio reported to camp three days earlier than required.
“I think it indicates they’re highly motivated and feel good about the winters that they just had,’’ he said. “Usually the guys who are 15-20 overweight and didn’t pick up a ball yet aren’t the early arrivers because they’re kind of embarrassed. The guys who had really good winters and want to show off the shape that they’re in and the progress that they’ve made, they show up early.
“It’s nice to see these guys out here. Every single one of them looks to be in improved condition.’’
In All-Stars Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz, the Red Sox had two of the best starters in baseball last season. In Beckett, Lackey, and Matsuzaka, they have three pitchers who have been at that level before but stumbled in 2010.
Beckett had the worst season of his career, going 6-6 with a 5.78 earned run average and making only 21 starts, all after agreeing to a four-year, $68 million contract extension.
“Josh certainly can do better this year than he did last year and he knows that,’’ Epstein said. “Looks like he went out and had a really strong winter, getting in great shape. The biggest thing is at the end of [last] year, he didn’t hide from the year that he had. He took accountability for it.
“He knows there’s more in there, that there’s better in there. I wouldn’t bet against him going forward at all.’’
Beckett, who was married last month, did not speak to reporters beyond saying hello.
Lackey went 14-11 with a 4.40 ERA in the first season with the Red Sox after signing a five-year, $82.5 million deal. He dropped his ERA to 3.97 in the second half of the season with a WHIP of 1.21.
“I feel good. It was a good winter,’’ Lackey said. “I feel like I’m ready to get going.’’
Said Epstein, “John had a stronger second than he had a first half. I think that’s a sign that he’s adjusted to his new surroundings and the American League East. I look forward to a typical John Lackey season from him.’’
