Gordon Edes posted a round-up of quotes from pitching coach Juan Nieves about the five expected starters in the Red Sox rotation. It is...effusive. For example, check out just some of his thoughts on Red Sox whipping boy John Lackey:
"Ohhh, he's awesome. He's in great shape. What I've seen right now, I know John [Farrell] spoke to him, was able to see him [this winter] when I was somewhere else, I am thrilled about this guy. Really thrilled. Great guy, great sense of humor, fearless."
I highly encourage you to read the rest of what he has to say, mostly because you will immediately think we have five 20-game winners and are World Series bound.
As an aside, the 180 the press has done on John Lackey is fascinating. Just goes to show that everyone loves a redemption story. And I include myself...once it became known that Lackey's injury was so severe and he needed Tommy John surgery, his Red Sox story completely changed. No longer was he merely fat and happy, or someone who couldn't take the pressure in Boston. At least part of the situation now has to be attributed to his elbow. There is hope.
