Something I've yet to see on this or ANY board regarding the trade, which HAS to be a big consideration.
For all of Beckett's downsides, there is the MAJOR upside to him of having the bulldog of bulldogs out there mentoring him, one Mr. Curt Schilling!
Somewhere in my house I have a picture I got in late 1986 or early 1987, of another young power pitcher for the Red Sox being mentored by a great and grizzled veteran of the pitching wars. The kid was some guy name of Roger, the veteran none other than Tom Seaver. I can see a similar picture with Beckett and Schilling next year, and Beckett reaching his potential with that little extra push!
A very good point, and don't forget, he'll be working with the best pitch caller in MLB---Capt. Varitek.