Lester takes the mound

AutomatedTeller · 03-05-2007, 06:58 PM

Lester's take - Extra Bases

He threw 8 pitches to live batters. Highlights:

He had some nerves, managed to throw a 1st pitch strike anyway.
Leg strength is 85-90%.
He next pitches in the pen on wednesday, then a simulated game on sat.

It's good to see him back on the mound!

Zen653 · 03-05-2007, 07:19 PM

Does Lester figure into the 2007 plans at all? We already know that our starting rotation will look something as follows:

1. SP Curt Schilling
2. SP Daisuke Matsuzaka
3. SP Josh Beckett
4. SP Jon Papelbon
5. SP Tim Wakefield

The bullpen will probably include two pitchers who are accustomed to starting, in Julian Tavarez and Joel Pineiro. Kyle Snyder is out of options and might have an outside shot at being the 12th pitcher. If so, that's three potential starters in the bullpen, for a total of 7 or 8 on the active major league roster.

Our Pawtucket rotation will likely look something like this:

1. SP Jon Lester
2. SP Devern Hansack
3. SP Kason Gabbard
4. SP David Pauley
5. SP Abe Alvarez

If Snyder doesn't make the team, but clears waivers, then we have six AAA starters. If Clement is ready for a rehab stint as soon as the doctors say he is, then we have seven AAA starters.

Now Lester clearly ranks ahead of Alvarez and Pauley on the organizational depth chart, but I think he's about even with Hansack and Gabbard, and behind Clement (because of financial considerations.) If we don't need a starter - which will be the case if (a) the top 5 remain healthy all year, (b) Clemens decides to sign with us, (c) Clement returns, or (d) one of Tavarez/Pineiro converts to starter - then when would we see Lester at all?

In short, if we need a starting pitcher, Lester could be as low as sixth on the call-up list, and more likely a second or third option. If we need a relief pitcher, he probably ranks below a lot of people simply because we don't want to convert him into a bullpen guy.

Drury77 · 03-05-2007, 07:39 PM

That rotation is just plain sick!! Man this is gonna be a fun year.

I just hope I'll be able to afford my MLB package this season. I've been thinking bout getting the Dish, so I can get the Pre/Post game stuff, but I've heard that they are blacked out. So I'll have to keep pondering which way I go.

Either way I'll be riding the boards, looking for as much info from those who can see, so I can watch what this team can do.

Zen653 · 03-05-2007, 07:46 PM

Drury, I don't expect this to happen because the need simply isn't there for it, but let's say that we have a comfortable lead in first place at around the time that Clemens decides to make his return. The Yankees are 8 back and sputtering, and the Astros are languishing well behind the Cardinals, Cubs and Reds in the NL Central. John Henry said that whether we need him or not, he would find a spot for Clemens if Clemens decides he wants to pitch for the Red Sox. Can you imagine sliding Clemens into this rotation mid-season (and probably pushing Wakefield into the bullpen)? That would possibly be the best pitching staff of all time.

ingagi · 03-05-2007, 09:55 PM

I'm sure Lester will get his chances, people always get hurt, or slump, or get traded--he's a lefty and a good pitcher. Should be some room for him.

AutomatedTeller · 03-05-2007, 11:59 PM

He will probably show up, but may pitch out of the pen - that's ok - long relief is good for a young pitcher, too.

But I don't see the Sox pushing him in any way.

bedir than average · 07-22-2007, 03:03 PM

Boston Red Sox, Jon Lester, Julian Tavarez, Major League Baseball - CBS SportsLine.com

Lester to make his return to the MLB mound on Monday @ Cleveland

Quote:

Francona said the decision to recall Lester made sense from a baseball perspective and wasn't influenced by emotion.

"We didn't let it be, or he would have been here three months ago," Francona said. "I wouldn't apologize to be crazy about a kid like Lester -- I'd be crazy not to. But I wouldn't ever let that get in the way of making decisions."

Francona said there will be no pitch counts or limitations on Lester, who allowed three runs and seven hits in seven innings against Ottawa on Wednesday.

I'm so glad he made a recovery, and I'll probably pay more attention to that game than any other without the Mariners involved.

Zen653 · 07-22-2007, 05:53 PM

It'll be interesting to see how the Red Sox handle the pitching staff over the next fortnight. With Lester getting called up for tomorrow's start, Gabbard pitching lights-out, and Donnelly and Schilling a rehab outing away from returning, the team needs to make some major decisions. Who will go? Who will stay? And in what capacity?

It's safe to say that Tavarez has been bumped from the rotation for good. He'll be in the bullpen for the foreseeable future where he can likely contribute as a long reliever. Even in his recent atrocious outings, he still pitched quite well his first time through the lineup.

Guys who could be on the way out: Javier Lopez (still has minor league options), Kyle Snyder (not used much, no defined role), Joel Pineiro (the $4 million bust we all predicted.)

Jon Lester could also be sent back out after he makes just one or two starts for the Red Sox. I'm not sure if he's back for the long haul or as a stopgap solution because of Tavarez's struggles. Kason Gabbard and Manny Delcarmen are two other guys who could get demoted but I have a hard time believing that the Red Sox would send either one of them back to the minors with the way they've been pitching the last couple weeks. Then again, it would be tough to send Lester down after everything he's gone through to make it back to the majors.

The scenario I'd like to see: Tavarez and Wakefield to the bullpen, with Gabbard and Lester to the back-end of the rotation. After a hot start, Wakefield has been a lackluster starting pitcher for this team. He seems to be quite similar to Tavarez in that he does a great job the first time through a lineup and then gets knocked around his last couple innings of work. On the other hand, Wakefield does have 11 wins, the veteran status, etc., and there's no guarantee that Lester (who did not pitch particularly well at Pawtucket this year) would be any better. So I suppose we could see Lester converted into a relief pitcher for the rest of this season. With Lester and Tavarez working out of the bullpen, and both easily capable of going 3-4 innings at a time, Francona would have the luxury of being very quick on the trigger with Wakefield. Our senior statesman could be used as a 5 inning starter, which probably suits him, given his recent struggles to get through the 6th and 7th innings unscathed.

It'll be fun to see how this all unfolds. Hopefully, Lester will remain completely healthy, will pitch great for this team, and will make the roster-juggling that much more difficult. Too much pitching is always a nice problem.

Zen653 · 07-22-2007, 06:10 PM

To make room for Jon Lester, Joel Pineiro has been designated for assignment.

Boston Red Sox - Extra Bases - Red Sox blog - Boston.com

bedir than average · 07-22-2007, 06:12 PM

He shouldn't be missed. Though some team desperate for pitching is likely to pick him up

AutomatedTeller · 07-22-2007, 09:12 PM

Wonder if the Sox can ship Piniero and WMP and get something decent in return, if just a good prospect.

03-05-2007, 06:58 PM	#1 (permalink)
AutomatedTeller Moderator Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 544	Lester takes the mound Lester's take - Extra Bases He threw 8 pitches to live batters. Highlights: He had some nerves, managed to throw a 1st pitch strike anyway. Leg strength is 85-90%. He next pitches in the pen on wednesday, then a simulated game on sat. It's good to see him back on the mound!

03-05-2007, 07:39 PM	#3 (permalink)
Drury77 Hockey Community Mod Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Clarksville, TN Posts: 881	That rotation is just plain sick!! Man this is gonna be a fun year. I just hope I'll be able to afford my MLB package this season. I've been thinking bout getting the Dish, so I can get the Pre/Post game stuff, but I've heard that they are blacked out. So I'll have to keep pondering which way I go. Either way I'll be riding the boards, looking for as much info from those who can see, so I can watch what this team can do. __________________ Visit Traci's Card Place \| Stop by the Bruins Forum \| Stop by the Predators Forum

07-22-2007, 06:12 PM	#10 (permalink)
bedir than average Administrator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Starbucks Posts: 8,256	He shouldn't be missed. Though some team desperate for pitching is likely to pick him up __________________ US Men's National Team World Cup Qualifying \| Democracy in Sports Meets My First Campaign "You're only so sure you're right because they're so sure you're wrong." Orson Scott Card in Xenocide

03-05-2007, 07:19 PM	#2 (permalink)
Zen653 Hall of Famer Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 6,636	Does Lester figure into the 2007 plans at all? We already know that our starting rotation will look something as follows: 1. SP Curt Schilling 2. SP Daisuke Matsuzaka 3. SP Josh Beckett 4. SP Jon Papelbon 5. SP Tim Wakefield The bullpen will probably include two pitchers who are accustomed to starting, in Julian Tavarez and Joel Pineiro. Kyle Snyder is out of options and might have an outside shot at being the 12th pitcher. If so, that's three potential starters in the bullpen, for a total of 7 or 8 on the active major league roster. Our Pawtucket rotation will likely look something like this: 1. SP Jon Lester 2. SP Devern Hansack 3. SP Kason Gabbard 4. SP David Pauley 5. SP Abe Alvarez If Snyder doesn't make the team, but clears waivers, then we have six AAA starters. If Clement is ready for a rehab stint as soon as the doctors say he is, then we have seven AAA starters. Now Lester clearly ranks ahead of Alvarez and Pauley on the organizational depth chart, but I think he's about even with Hansack and Gabbard, and behind Clement (because of financial considerations.) If we don't need a starter - which will be the case if (a) the top 5 remain healthy all year, (b) Clemens decides to sign with us, (c) Clement returns, or (d) one of Tavarez/Pineiro converts to starter - then when would we see Lester at all? In short, if we need a starting pitcher, Lester could be as low as sixth on the call-up list, and more likely a second or third option. If we need a relief pitcher, he probably ranks below a lot of people simply because we don't want to convert him into a bullpen guy.

03-05-2007, 07:46 PM	#4 (permalink)
Zen653 Hall of Famer Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 6,636	Drury, I don't expect this to happen because the need simply isn't there for it, but let's say that we have a comfortable lead in first place at around the time that Clemens decides to make his return. The Yankees are 8 back and sputtering, and the Astros are languishing well behind the Cardinals, Cubs and Reds in the NL Central. John Henry said that whether we need him or not, he would find a spot for Clemens if Clemens decides he wants to pitch for the Red Sox. Can you imagine sliding Clemens into this rotation mid-season (and probably pushing Wakefield into the bullpen)? That would possibly be the best pitching staff of all time.

03-05-2007, 09:55 PM	#5 (permalink)
ingagi Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 30	I'm sure Lester will get his chances, people always get hurt, or slump, or get traded--he's a lefty and a good pitcher. Should be some room for him.

03-05-2007, 11:59 PM	#6 (permalink)
AutomatedTeller Moderator Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 544	He will probably show up, but may pitch out of the pen - that's ok - long relief is good for a young pitcher, too. But I don't see the Sox pushing him in any way.

07-22-2007, 05:53 PM	#8 (permalink)
Zen653 Hall of Famer Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 6,636	It'll be interesting to see how the Red Sox handle the pitching staff over the next fortnight. With Lester getting called up for tomorrow's start, Gabbard pitching lights-out, and Donnelly and Schilling a rehab outing away from returning, the team needs to make some major decisions. Who will go? Who will stay? And in what capacity? It's safe to say that Tavarez has been bumped from the rotation for good. He'll be in the bullpen for the foreseeable future where he can likely contribute as a long reliever. Even in his recent atrocious outings, he still pitched quite well his first time through the lineup. Guys who could be on the way out: Javier Lopez (still has minor league options), Kyle Snyder (not used much, no defined role), Joel Pineiro (the $4 million bust we all predicted.) Jon Lester could also be sent back out after he makes just one or two starts for the Red Sox. I'm not sure if he's back for the long haul or as a stopgap solution because of Tavarez's struggles. Kason Gabbard and Manny Delcarmen are two other guys who could get demoted but I have a hard time believing that the Red Sox would send either one of them back to the minors with the way they've been pitching the last couple weeks. Then again, it would be tough to send Lester down after everything he's gone through to make it back to the majors. The scenario I'd like to see: Tavarez and Wakefield to the bullpen, with Gabbard and Lester to the back-end of the rotation. After a hot start, Wakefield has been a lackluster starting pitcher for this team. He seems to be quite similar to Tavarez in that he does a great job the first time through a lineup and then gets knocked around his last couple innings of work. On the other hand, Wakefield does have 11 wins, the veteran status, etc., and there's no guarantee that Lester (who did not pitch particularly well at Pawtucket this year) would be any better. So I suppose we could see Lester converted into a relief pitcher for the rest of this season. With Lester and Tavarez working out of the bullpen, and both easily capable of going 3-4 innings at a time, Francona would have the luxury of being very quick on the trigger with Wakefield. Our senior statesman could be used as a 5 inning starter, which probably suits him, given his recent struggles to get through the 6th and 7th innings unscathed. It'll be fun to see how this all unfolds. Hopefully, Lester will remain completely healthy, will pitch great for this team, and will make the roster-juggling that much more difficult. Too much pitching is always a nice problem.

07-22-2007, 06:10 PM	#9 (permalink)
Zen653 Hall of Famer Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 6,636	To make room for Jon Lester, Joel Pineiro has been designated for assignment. Boston Red Sox - Extra Bases - Red Sox blog - Boston.com

07-22-2007, 09:12 PM	#11 (permalink)
AutomatedTeller Moderator Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 544	Wonder if the Sox can ship Piniero and WMP and get something decent in return, if just a good prospect.