The most important news involving the Red Sox yesterday came from 3,000 miles away – bigger than Opening Day II, bigger than any player on the current roster.

Beckett was deemed ready to start his season after pitching a final intrasquad game at the minor league complex in Fort Myers, Fla. Beckett missed Japan. Who cares? He missed Oakland. No big deal.

He apparently is ready to pitch, according to manager Terry Francona, against Toronto Sunday, opposing Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay – one of the most formidable pitchers and teams the Sox will face this season.