Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here... highlighting the big storyline. Because there's nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
If you want to trade Jon Lester [stats] for a prospect, all I’ll say is this: It had best be one hell of a prospect. The Red Sox [team stats] will listen on anyone, and that’s fine. After losing 93 games, they’re short on untouchables.
But they shouldn’t even consider dealing Lester unless they’re blown away by the return, because if history is any indication, his days as a top-of-the-rotation starter aren’t anywhere near over.
Lester’s 2012 (9-14, 4.82 ERA) was abysmal on a number of levels. He didn’t win his first game until April 28. He allowed at least five runs seven times. Counted on to anchor the rotation as a bona fide ace, he instead underachieved as badly as any player on the team.
But judging Lester solely on 2012 would be a giant mistake, because that discounts what he did from 2008 to 2011, which, believe it or not, was borderline historic.
During his age 24 through 27 seasons, Lester won 65 games with a 3.33 ERA and 8.7 strikeouts per nine innings. Making the criteria even more inclusive (60 wins, 3.50 ERA, 8 K/9 from age 24-27) should yield an extensive list, right?
Except it doesn’t. Turns out it includes just 12 names, led by Hall of Famers Nolan Ryan, Tom Seaver and Sandy Koufax, and including potential enshrinees Roger Clemens, Pedro Martinez and CC Sabathia.
Herald: Trading Lester might be historic gaffe
I have to agree with this. I am having trouble coming to terms with the talk of trading Jon Lester. No because I am a fan of the Red Sox and a fan of Jon Lester, because of what they could get in return. Trading an established left-handed starter with good numbers with the exception of 2012 for an unestablished prospect in what is supposed to be a rebound year could be devastating. The team needs pitching and they need it now.
Jon Lester and company are re-united with Jon Farrell, which paints a very good picture of a rebound season. The discipline is back, along with the comfort and familiarity of a good staff. I am not saying that Jon Lester is going to have a Cy Young season, but the odds for an improvement are very good.
Unless Jon Lester is part of a trade that would be too good to be true, I am not on board with trading him.
The rest of the links:
Herald: AP Source: Indians, Reynolds agree to 1-year deal | Give up on Jon Lester? Not so fast | ESPN Boston: Latest signings could impact Sox, Youk | Sizing up rotation options for Sox
