Location: Boston, Mass. | Ballpark: Fenway Park (36,336) | Spring Training: Ft. Myers, Fla.
Owner: John Henry, Tom Werner | GM: Theo Epstein | Manager: Terry Francona | World Championships: 7
A year of good health and prosperity has changed everything for Jon Lester.
The Red Sox left-hander was still recovering from cancer and subsequent radiation treatments last spring, but this season the 24-year-old is emerging as a strong pitcher ready to make his mark in the big leagues.
"It is (a big season) for me," Lester said. "The main thing for me is that I want to stay healthy, make all my starts and just go out and pitch.
"I can definitely tell when I throw my fastball (this spring) that I've got a little extra on it and I just feel stronger."
The southpaw added on 10 pounds of muscle heading into this spring and gained strength and effectiveness with each passing start, though he'll need to continue focusing on improved command and cutting down on the bases on balls.
Lester has developed so quickly that he was given the assignment to toe the rubber for the second game of the two-game series against the Oakland A's in Tokyo on Wednesday morning, and he is going to be relied upon as a frontline starter for the Sox this season.
Lester couldn't get the job done in his first start of 2008, as he gave up four runs over four innings in the loss, but the early stumble hasn't tarnished Boston's outlook for the tall lefty this season.
"Lester looks strong to me ... he just looks like a big, strong man right now, and that's changed," Sox catcher Jason Varitek said. "I wouldn't say we're looking for great things, but we're looking for him to grow into who he is and that's all. I don't think we should put expectations on him, but just let him be who he is and he'll be OK."
ATHLETICS 5, RED SOX 1: Manny Ramirez continued his torrid start to the season with a solo home run in the sixth inning, but the big blast accounted for Boston's only run of the day. A's right-hander Rich Harden dominated the Sox hitters, and lefty Jon Lester was out of the game after four innings of mediocre work. Harden fanned nine in six innings.
Copyright (C) 2008 The Sports Xchange. All Rights Reserved.
The Royal Rooters, that's what a should've called my thread! How silly of me! Justa nice little spot for Sox fans to b!tch and moan like most of Bostonites like to do! But be forewarned, the rules are the same, talk of anything you want, speak your mind, just no politics! (or religion)
The best 2 records is the AL play each other this weekend. Pitching Match-ups are Clay Buchholtz v John Lakey, Josh Beckett v John Garland, and Tim Wakefield v Joe Saunders. Looks lik
(POLL)
How many more years will Manny Ramirez play in Boson? Now that were over half way through the season and this is the last year on Manny's contract what do Red Sox fans think hes gonna or want to happen?
