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| Height: 6-2
Weight: 190
Throws: L
Bats: L Born: Jan 7, 1984, Tacoma, WA Contract: Signed through 2008 |
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| Profile | Player News | Articles | Split Stats | Game Log | Player Comparison |
| 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 |
| Player Notes |
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October 9, 2009 According to the Boston Globe, the Red Sox are considering pitching Jon Lester on short rest if they can force a a Game 4 in the ALDS. Our View:Lester pitched very well in Game 1 aside from the three-run homer he served up to Torii Hunter, and threw around 100 pitches. Manager Terry Francona says that ideally he would go in Game 4 and if it came down to it they would use Josh Beckett once again in Game 5. Looks like they're straying from having to pitch Dice-K. |
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October 8, 2009 Jon Lester allowed only four hits in six innings on Thursday, but unfortunately for Boston, one of them was a three-run Torii Hunter home run. Boston would go on to lose 5-0 in Anaheim. Our View:The strikeout artist struck out five. Boston will now turn to Josh Beckett on Friday to try and even the series at 1-1. |
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October 4, 2009 The Boston Globe reports that the Red Sox have named Jon Lester as the Game 1 starter for the AL Division series. Our View:Lester will be followed by Josh Beckett and Clay Buchholz in Games 2 and 3, but the Sox did not announce who would go in Game 4 (if necessary). Dice-K is the obvious option, but if Lester dominates in the opening game he could be brought back on short rest. The Angels will combat that order with John Lackey, Jared Weaver, Scott Kazmir and Joe Saunders respectively. |
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October 1, 2009 After being forced out of his last start with a knee injury, Jon Lester threw six shutout innings on Thursday, picking up his 15th win, as Boston blanked the Indians 3-0. Our View:Lester finishes 2009 with a 15-8 record, 3.41 ERA and 225 strikeouts in 203 innings pitched. He is now unquestionably one of the best left-handed pitchers in all of baseball. |
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September 29, 2009 MLB.com reports that starter Jon Lester has been cleared to make his next start on Thursday. He threw a successful side session on Monday while recovering from a line drive that hit him in his right knee on Friday night. Our View:Francona nad Lester both expressed plenty of confidence after the side session, so it sounds like there's no reason to be concerned. Lester remains a good start as this will be his final tune up before throwing Game 1 of the ALDS for the Red Sox. |
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September 28, 2009 Jon Lester, who is recovering from a knee injury, threw a bullpen session Monday, according to the Boston Globe. Our View:Lester reportedly looked good during his session, without any issues regarding his right plant leg. The Sox are hopeful that the young hurler will be able to take the hill for Thursday's scheduled start against Cleveland. |
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September 26, 2009 Jon Lester is day-to-day with a knee injury and is expected to make his next scheduled start against the Indians on Thursday, according to MLB.com. Lester was roughed up by the Yankees on Friday and taken out of the game after being hit in the knee by a Melky Cabrera line drive. Our View:Lester owners, and to an even greater extent, Red Sox fans, can breathe a collective sigh of relief. Lester's injury looked like it had the potential to put his playoff availability in doubt, but Boston was able to dodge a bullet. He appears healthy and makes for a fine play next week in his final regular season start against the Indians. |
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September 25, 2009 Jon Lester was rocked for five earned runs on eight hits over 2.1 innings in Friday's 9-5 loss at New York. He had three walks with three strikeouts. Our View:As previously reported, he was forced to exit early after being struck on the right knee by a Melky Cabrera line drive. Lester was credited with the loss, and fell to 14-8. The young hurler was 4-0 over his previous four starts this month. |
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September 25, 2009 Updating an earlier report, Jon Lester's X-rays came back negative, according to Tyler Kepner's (New York Times) twitter page. Our View:Lester was struck on the right knee by a Melky Cabrera line drive in the third inning of tonight's game against the Yankees, but only sustained a contusion, and is considered day-to-day. |
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September 25, 2009 Jon Lester exited tonight's start against the rival Yankees in the third inning after being struck on the right knee by a Melky Cabrera line drive, according to the Associated Press. Our View:Lester fell to the ground in pain, and was assisted off the field. His injury status is yet to be updated. |
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September 19, 2009 Jon Lester got another win Saturday despite not having his best stuff. He allowed three runs on ten hits over six innings in Boston's 11-5 blowout of the Orioles. Our View:Lester only struck out four in this one, his lowest total in a game since July 30, but he didn't walk a batter (a feat he's accomplished five times this season) and improved to 14-7. |
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September 13, 2009 Jon Lester dominated the Rays on Sunday with eight shutout innings in Boston's 4-0 win. He allowed just two hits and three free passes while striking out seven en route to his 13th win of the season. Our View:Lester now has eight quality starts in a row and has baffled opposing hitters with regularity since the beginning of June. He has now won his last five decisions and has his ERA down to a sterling 3.29. |
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September 11, 2009 Tonight's game between the Rays and Red Sox at Fenway Park has been postponed due to rain, according to the Associated Press. Our View:The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader on Sunday. |
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September 6, 2009 Jon Lester struck out eight in seven shutout innings on Sunday, as the Red Sox handled the White Sox 6-1 in Chicago. Our View:Lester is now 2-0 with a 1.38 ERA in two September starts. |
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September 2, 2009 Jon Lester mildly "tweaked" his groin in his win over the Rays on Tuesday, according to the Boston Globe. Our View:The hard-throwing lefty has already said that he does not expect to miss any starts, however. In 27 starts this season, he is 11-7 with a 3.58 ERA and 196 strikeouts. |
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September 1, 2009 Jon Lester only surrendered two earned runs on seven hits over six innings in Tuesday's 8-4 win at Tampa Bay. He had two walks and racked up nine strikeouts. Our View:Lester allowed two or less earned runs in four of his last six starts. He should remain a solid hurler down the stretch for fantasy owners. |
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August 25, 2009 Jon Lester gave up three earned runs on four hits over 6.2 innings in Tuesday's 6-3 win over the White Sox at Fenway Park. He had two walks and six strikeouts. Our View:Chicago was leading 3-2 when Lester exited, so he ends the night with a no-decision rather than a win. Lester had a decent outing, and allowed one earned run in three of his last five starts, meaning he should continue to pitch well for fantasy owners. |
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August 20, 2009 Jon Lester was in control from the hill in Thursday's 8-1 win at Toronto, as he only issued one earned run on three hits over eight innings. He had two walks and five strikeouts. Our View:Lester claimed his 10th win of 2009, and trimmed his ERA to 3.58. He only allowed one earned run in three of his last four starts, but earned his first win over that span tonight. |
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August 14, 2009 Jon Lester gave up three earned runs on six hits over six innings in Friday's 8-4 win at Texas. He had three walks and racked up 11 strikeouts. Our View:The Sox were trailing 3-2 when Lester exited the game, so he ends the night with a no-decision rather than a win. Lester has not taken a loss over his last five starts, and should remain active in fantasy lineups for his next turn in Boston's rotation. |
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August 9, 2009 Jon Lester only surrendered one earned run on five hits over seven innings in Sunday's 5-2 loss at rival New York. He issued no walks and fired seven strikeouts. Our View:Lester had a strong outing, but was dealt a no-decision due to a lack of run support from his teammates. He has only allowed one earned run in back-to-back starts, and should remain active in fantasy lineups for his next trip to the hill. |
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August 4, 2009 Jon Lester only surrendered one earned run on three hits over six innings in Tuesday's 4-2 loss at Tampa Bay. He issued two walks and racked up 10 strikeouts. The battle took 13 innings to decide a winner. Our View:The Sox were leading 2-0 when Lester exited, so he takes a no-decision rather than a loss. He pitched well tonight, and allowed two or less earned runs in five of his last seven starts. Keep the young hurler active in fantasy lineups for his next turn in Boston's rotation. |
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August 2, 2009 Jon Lester was bumped up a day in Boston's rotation, swapping spots with Brad Penny and now due to start Tuesday at Tampa Bay instead of Wednesday, according to the Boston Globe. Our View:The move gives Lester a second start on the week and allows him to pitch in the team's four-game series against the Yankees. Still, the fantasy implications here are minimal, as Lester was a must-play regardless, while Penny probably should have been avoided despite the original two-start status, and now certainly should not be played. |
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July 30, 2009 Jon Lester did not factor into the decision on Thursday in the Red Sox' 8-5 win over the A's. Lester went 5.2 innings and allowed four runs on seven hits while walking three and striking out two. Our View:This was a very disappointing outing for Lester, who was up against a very mediocre A's lineup at home. The four runs aren't terrible, but only two strikeouts has to make this a letdown for Lester owners. He has been great over the last two months, and even guys like Lester are allowed a start like this every once in awhile. Expect him to come out firing in his next start. |
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July 25, 2009 Jon Lester held the Orioles to just two runs on eight hits and two walks over 7.1 innings on Saturday. He earned his ninth win and struck out nine as the Sox won 7-2. Our View:Lester has been brilliant since May 31st after a horrible start to the season. He has now rattled off six straight quality starts and is racking up strikeouts like they're going out of style. |
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July 19, 2009 Jon Lester had a solid outing on Sunday, striking out six Blue Jays in seven innings, but took his seventh loss as Boston fell 3-1 in Toronto. Our View:After a bad start to 2009, Lester has been one of the best pitchers in baseball since May 31, and after having a huge second half in 2008, seems poised to continue his tear through the end of the season. |
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July 10, 2009 Jon Lester only surrendered four hits over eight scoreless innings in Friday's close 1-0 win over the Royals at Fenway Park. He had two walks and racked up eight strikeouts. Our View:Lester is 3-0 over his last four starts, and allowed one or less earned runs in each of his last three. The rising star shall remain active in fantasy leagues for his next turn in Boston's rotation. |
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July 5, 2009 Jon Lester allowed four runs (one earned) on eight hits over 6.2 innings in Sunday's 8-4 win over the Mariners at Fenway Park. He issued three walks and racked up nine strikeouts. Our View:Lester did not earn a win and gave up three walks, but at least he was a solid contributor in the strikeouts department for fantasy owners. Though he wasn't great on the day, Lester did drop his ERA to 4.16, the seventh straight game that number has gone down. |
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June 29, 2009 Jon Lester only allowed five hits over seven scoreless innings in Monday's 4-0 win at Baltimore. He issued no walks and racked up eight strikeouts. Our View:The rising star now has a winning record at 7-6, and has given up two or less earned runs in five of his last six outings. |
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June 24, 2009 Jon Lester allowed three earned runs on six hits over six innings in Wednesday's 6-4 win at Washington. He had two walks and fired six strikeouts. Our View:It was not a strong outing for Lester while facing one of the worst teams in the majors, but his teammates provided enough offensive support for him to even his record to 6-6. He is 2-1 over four starts in June. |
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June 18, 2009 Jon Lester allowed two earned runs on eight hits over five innings in Thursday's 2-1 loss to Florida at Fenway Park. He had no walks and four strikeouts, and was tagged for two homers. Our View:Lester was dealt a loss, and now has a losing record at 5-6. The game was called in the sixth inning due to rain. He has allowed two or less earned runs in each of his last four starts, and should remain active in fantasy leagues. |
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June 12, 2009 Jon Lester was solid in Friday's 5-2 win at Philadelphia, as he only allowed one earned run on two hits over seven innings. He had two walks and 11 strikeouts. Our View:He held a 2-1 lead when he exited, but the Phillies tied the game at 2-2 in the ninth inning, leaving Lester with a no-decision. The game took 13 innings to decide. He did not claim a win, but fanatsy owners should still be pleased with his outing tonight. |
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June 6, 2009 Jon Lester put together an astounding performance on Saturday in the Red Sox' 8-1 win over the Rangers. Lester threw a complete game and allowed one run on two hits while walking two and striking out 11. Our View:Lester took a perfect game into the seventh inning tonight, and in his last two starts he has given up two runs in 15 innings while striking out 23 during that time. It looks like he has everything figured out, and he should be considered one of the top fantasy options for the rest of the season. |
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June 1, 2009 The Boston Herald is reporting that Jon Lester feels like he is heading in the right direction after his 12 strikeout performance on Sunday. Lester feels like he has been trying to do too much, which may be the reason he has underachieved so far in 2009. Our View:Whatever the problem was, it sure looked to be fixed yesterday. In addition to striking out 12 in just six innings, Lester limited the Jays to one run on only three hits. He has been infuriating fantasy owners this season, but when he puts it all together, like he did yesterday, he is elite. Now he just needs to be consistent. |
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May 31, 2009 Jon Lester was outstanding on Sunday as he picked up the win for the Red Sox. Lester went six innings and allowed one run on three hits while walking three and striking out 12. Our View:This is what Lester owners have been expecting to see all year. 12 K's it amazing for a guy who only went six innings, but it just goes to show you how good he really is. Hopefully he uses this start as a springboard for the rest of the season, because he has the stuff to do this every time out. |
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May 26, 2009 Jon Lester had one rough inning on Tuesday, and it proved to be his downfall as he fell to the Twins 5-2. Lester went six innings and allowed five runs (all in the fifth)on six hits while walking three and striking out four. Our View:Lester has been wildly inconsistent this season, and he is driving his fantasy owners crazy. He has all of the tools to be one of the better pitchers in baseball, but he isn't showing it every night out. Stick with him, and hope he finds a way to put it all together. |
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May 21, 2009 Jon Lester allowed just one run on eight hits and two walks over 6.1 innings in Thursday's 5-1 win over the Blue Jays. Lester upped his win total to three. Our View:Lester has been in a funk this season, but Thursday's outing was a good sign. He looked sharp, and while he only struck out four, his walks were limited and he kept the ball in the yard. Expect him to build off of this, as he is a very talented young pitcher. |
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May 9, 2009 Jon Lester got rocked on Saturday as he allowed eight runs on ten hits and a walk over just 4.1 innings. He took his third loss of the season as the Sox got blasted by the Rays 14-5. Our View:Lester has one thing going for him this season, his K/9. Other than that he's been a miserable starter. Many people expected bug things from this young hurler, but he has not been on his game at all this season. His 6.31 ERA will attest to that. |
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April 24, 2009 Jon Lester pitched very well on Friday but did not factor into the decision as the Red Sox came back to beat the Yankees in ten innings. Lester went six innings, allowing two runs on seven hits with three walks and seven strikeouts. Our View:Lester pitched well, but his bullpen didn't help him out much. The team still pulled out the victory, but Lester didn't factor into the decision. Another decent start for Lester is good news for owners, so expect him to keep getting better. |
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April 19, 2009 Jon Lester got back on track Sunday, picking up a win over Baltimore after seven scoreless innings with four hits, two walks and nine strikeouts. Our View:Lester's fantasy owners can breathe a sigh of relief. He had gotten rocked in each of his first two starts but was back to top form on Sunday; hopefully you didn't deal him away when his value almost certainly the lowest it'll be all year. |
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April 14, 2009 Jon Lester went six innings while allowing 10 hits, including two home runs, and six earned runs as Oakland beat Boston 8-2 on Monday. He struck out five in the outing. Our View:Lester has simply been very hittable through two starts. He has allowed 18 hits in 11 innings while surrendering 11 earned runs. A lot of fantasy hopes have been tied to the young southpaw, but his start this season has been a severe disappointment. |
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April 8, 2009 Jon Lester allowed five runs over five innings on Wednesday as the Red Sox fell to the Rays 7-2. He was touched for eight hits, walked a pair of batters and was handed his first loss of the season. Our View:ESPN's Peter Gammons recently said that he thinks Jon Lester is the best pitcher in the American League and that he's not alone in thinking that. Well, he certainly didn't show it in his first start of 2009. He was very good last year, but he'll have to do a lot better this season to live up to Gammons' hype. |
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April 3, 2009 Jon Lester allowed one run on three hits in four innings against the Mets at Citi Field on Friday. Our View:Though he allowed just the one run, Lester was uncharacteristically wild, walking five batters and needing nearly 85 pitches to get through four innings. |
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March 29, 2009 Jon Lester allowed one earned run on six hits over five innings in Sunday's 3-1 win over the Phillies, with four walks and five strikeouts. Our View:Lester is slated to hold the No. 2 spot in the rotation behind Josh Beckett. He should be a solid fantasy starter, but may leave a little bit to be desired in ths strikeouts department. |
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March 24, 2009 Hurler Jon Lester tossed 91 pitches in a minor league outing on Tuesday. He allowed 10 hits and four runs, but the key was to get in extended work. "You don't have the intensity that you would normally for a game, but you know you have to put that aside and get your work done," Lester informs the Boston Globe. "It was a struggle today, but I got up and down six times, got my pitch count up, so I've got to look at it that way. I can't look at the results and worry about all that." Our View:As with Lester, we're not too worried about the results. The lefty will have two more spring outings to correct his glitches and get ready for the real thing. |
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March 19, 2009 Jon Lester remained sharp this spring while throwing 4.1 innings and allowing just one run on three hits and a walk in Thursday's 9-1 win over the Reds. He struck out six in the outing. Our View:Lester was able to regain his velocity and control last season and he was a very effective pitcher because of it. In 10.2 innings this spring, he has allowed just two earned runs while striking out 11. |
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March 15, 2009 The Red Sox officially announced their five-year contract extension with left-handed starter Jon Lester on Sunday, according to the Boston Globe. Our View:Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but at least one other source is reporting it is worth $30 million with a $13 million team option for 2014. |
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March 14, 2009 Jon Lester has been scratched from today's start with Baltimore, and he will instead pitch in an intrasquad game at the minor league facility in advance of an announcement regarding the pitcher tomorrow, according to the Boston Globe. Our View:Lester will be taking a physical this weekend to finalize his five-year deal with the Red Sox worth $30MM. Lester should be a solid starting pitcher in fantasy leagues this season, but his strikeout totals may leave a bit to be desired. |
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March 13, 2009 Jon Lester is slated to take a physical this weekend, according to the Boston Globe. If he passes, his new five-year, $30 million contract will become official. Our View:The Sox were smart to lock up Lester early. He was an exceptional fantasy starter last year and all signs point to him getting even better. Lester shined down the stretch posting a 2.95 ERA after the All Star break, pitched phenomenally at home and should have no trouble racking up wins with the lineup behind him. If you can snag him on draft day, do so. He won't last too long. |
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March 9, 2009 Jon Lester didn't look so hot for Boston just one day after signing a new contract with the Red Sox. He allowed four runs on a walk and four hits in 2.1 innings. However, only one of the runs was earned and he struck out a pair. Our View:Lester went 16-6 last year with a 3.21 ERA and we think that the best is yet to come. He should be expected to win at least 15 games again in 2008 and could approach 200 strikeouts after fanning 152 in 2008. |
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March 8, 2009 Jon Lester has agreed to a five-year extension with the Red Sox worth $30MM, according to Yahoo Sports. The deal includes a $13MM club option for 2014. Our View:Lester is off to a strong start in the spring, as he is yet to allow a run over two outings. Lester is worth drafting highly as one of the better left-handed starting pitchers in the American League after a season of 210.1 innings and 16 victories. |
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March 3, 2009 Jon Lester threw two hitless innings in Tuesday's 9-8 loss to the Reds, with two strikeouts on no walks. Our View:He is off to a strong start, as he is yet to allow a run over two spring outings. |
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February 26, 2009 Jon Lester threw well in his first outing of the spring Thursday against the Pirates. In two innings of work, he allowed two hits and struck out a man while keeping the Bucs off the scoreboard. Our View:With a top-notch rotation in place, the Red Sox don't necessarily need Lester to exceed last year's numbers, so anything more than 16 wins and an ERA below 3.50 will be a fantastic bonus that could make the rotation truly dominant. |
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February 21, 2009 The Boston Red Sox and starting pitcher Jon Lester are considering negotiating a long-term deal, Joe Haggerty, of the Boston Metro, reports. "It's one of those deals where hopefully when and if they approach me we can work something out to not only be a Red Sox for the next four or five years, but for my whole career," Lester said. Our View:A long-term deal for Lester would be similar to the four-year, $30 million contract Angels starter Ervin Santana recently signed. It is believed Lester is seeking at least a five-year deal. |
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January 21, 2009 MLB.com reports that Red Sox starter Jon Lester was named as the recipient of the Hutch Award, which is given every year to the Major League Baseball player who best exemplifies the dedication to team, family, and community and best symbolizes the honor, courage, and perseverance of former big-league pitcher and manager Fred Hutchinson, after whom the award is named. Our View:Hutchinson, who coached in a World Series with the Reds in 1961, died of cancer at age 45 in 1964. His brother, Bill, founded the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, which is now known throughout the world for its leading research. Less than nine months after being diagnosed with anaplastic large-cell lymphoma, Lester entered Spring Training with the Red Sox in the spring of 2007 after undergoing extensive chemotherapy at the Hutchinson Center. |