CURRENT THOUGHTS ON THE LESTER SITUATION

As you may recall, I don't think Jon Lester is an ace.  Does he typically give his team a chance to win?  Yes.  Is he a workhorse?  Yes.  Did he have perfect timing with his career best 2.46 ERA?  Yes.  Was I glad to see the Red Sox trade him?  Yes.  Would I like to see the Red Sox get him back?  Yes.  Even if they had to overpay him?  Yes.

Some people may read that opening paragraph and think I don't know what I want.  Well, that's just not true.  I still do not think that Jon Lester is an ace.  Is he a solid pitcher who has proven he can play well in Boston.  Yes, he has.  Does the team need a veteran pitcher for the upcoming season and immediate future?  Absolutely.  While I didn't want the Red Sox to go out and overpay Lester last winter, I would not be opposed to it this winter.

So, why have I changed my stance?  First of all, the Red Sox had several veteran starters in their lineup last season.  Obviously, that changed drastically when they went hogwild at the trade deadline.  Second of all, by trading him at the deadline they received something in return.  While that deadline trade initially looked like an addition to the outfield and offense, it may end up being something else when all is said and done.  Regardless of what happens between the Red Sox and Yoenis Cespedes in the long run, the Lester trade earned them some collateral.  For that he deserves some extra coin.  

While all along I thought the Red Sox' best opportunity for signing Lester long term was to trade him, I'm getting a little nervous that it may not happen.  As much as I am disappointed that the Red Sox signed run of the mill third baseman, Pablo Sandoval to a multi-year contract, I may be even more ticked off if the Giants end up picking up Lester with their newfound money (what they saved since we completely overpaid for the Fat Panda).  I guess we will find out where Lester will land by this weekend.   

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