Jon Lester

Jon Lester is back. First of all, he’s healthy. He’s only twenty-three and lymphoma is not the chicken pox. So to be declared cancer-free, and to be feeling well enough to play, are the most important things. Second, although he had some decent outings with the PawSox, he wasn’t really dominating the International League. So it wasn’t at all clear how he’d perform back in the majors. But two runs over six innings, with six Ks, is a pretty good performance for anyone, let alone a kid who’s back in the majors after suffering a serious illness. Pitching out of a couple jams, mixing his fastball in the low 90s with a very good curve, and beating the Indians at Jacobs. That’s about all anyone could ask for.

This also means the Sox have four solid starters in their 20s – Beckett, who’s been the anchor of the rotation this year; Dice-K, who’s been brilliant at times, but inconsistent over the course of the season; Gabbard, who’s had four very good starts in a row, and now Lester. Hard to believe that the pitching is what looks best for the future; what a change.

Now let’s see Schilling recover from the shoulder injury; and as long as we’re asking for a healthy roster, let’s get Papi back in the line-up. Manny’s been picking up the pace these past few games, but we need these two guys three and four. And imagine if Coco keeps hitting. We haven’t had anyone setting the table much this year. So some base runners on board for Papi and Manny can only help.

It’s a short wish list, but if we have to have a single wish, one above all others, it’s for Lester to stay healthy. Go Sox.