Terry Francona has announced that Jon Lester will be the opening day starter for the Boston Red Sox this year. It seems that his story just keeps getting better and better. Just a few years ago, Red Sox Nation wondered if Lester would be able to pitch again while he battled cancer. Even after his return, there was a question of how effective he would be, but he silenced the doubters immediately. Since his return, he has been completely dominant and has finally earned his way to being called the “Ace” of the Red Sox. This was no easy task as the Red Sox have four pitchers who would be opening day starters for just about any other team in baseball.
Lester’s story seems like something out of a storybook, and that story just keeps getting better. He made his first start for the Red Sox after battling cancer against the Cleveland Indians in 2007. His parents were in the stands and the Fenway faithful were rooting for him. This game is one that I remember more than any other regular season game in all of history because it seemed unreal. He was amazing and won 6-2. That same year, he started game four (which turned out to be the final game) of the World Series against Colorado and allowed no runs in 5 2/3 innings.
It seems like the story can’t get any better, but it does. In May of the 2008 season, he pitched the 18th no-hitter in Red Sox history. Last season he was so good that he was in contention for the AL Cy Young Award with a 19-9 record and a 3.25 ERA. He certainly has deserved the title of “ace,” and I’m sure there are many more heartwarming moments to come.
This season I predict he will win 21 games and be in the Cy Young race once again. He should be the Red Sox’ ace during the playoffs, and if the Red Sox go deep in the playoffs it will be because he played a key role.
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