One major-league advance scout’s view on Friday’s pitching matchup:
FREDDY GARCIA
(14-8. 3.87 ERA)
“He’s a guy, for years, just by looking at the way he throws and the way he puts so much pressure on his shoulder, we thought he would get hurt. But he has turned out to be a solid workhorse. He has pitched in big games before, so he should be used to the setting at Fenway. And it looks like he has his sinker back. He’s going to need it against that lineup. There were some concerns last month because his velocity was down.”
TIM WAKEFIELD
(16-12, 4.15 ERA)
“The Yankees noticed Wakefield didn’t seem to look comfortable out there last weekend. They also noticed they hit a lot of fastballs off him. That’s a pretty good sign right there. But he also was working on three days’ rest. Anyone who says a knuckleballer pitching on three days’ rest won’t be affected is wrong. He didn’t seem the same. I don’t think Wakefield knows what’s going to happen until he steps on the mound. The White Sox have hit him pretty well, so I’m curious to see his approach this time.”
Upcoming Sox schedule
Game 4: Saturday
Chicago (Garland 18-10)
at Boston (Schilling 8-8), if necessary
Game 5: Sunday
Boston at SOX, if necessary
