"It's no secret that 2010 did not go the way Josh Beckett wanted.

He posted a career-high 5.78 ERA. He won just six games, his lowest total since 2002. He dealt with back pain that caused him to miss nine weeks of the season.

His struggles didn't come only against the rival Yankees, but those seemingly stand out more than the others. The Yankees are the measuring stick for any Red Sox pitcher.

So how did Beckett do against them last year? A 1-2 record and a 10.04 ERA in five starts.

Ouch. Especially for a guy who had defined himself as a premier pitcher against the Yankees in the 2003 World Series while with the Marlins.

But his disappointing outings in 2010 seem light years away from the 2011 version of Beckett, particularly against the Yankees.

In three starts this season, Beckett is 3-0 with a 0.86 ERA.

"Probably the biggest thing is he's healthy,'' Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "His velocity is back. I think his curveball has been outstanding against us this year.''

Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek - who has caught Beckett more than anyone else in the pitcher's career - agreed that Beckett's change in performance this year started with his improved health.

"He wasn't the same pitcher last season and it was a constant battle,'' Varitek said. "This year, he's been able to throw all of his pitches for strikes and finish them off."