DISQUS

The iTod · 2 years ago

Lester needs time to develop. They should give him one more major league start at home for the feelgood factor. If he doesn't do well they should send him to AAA to continue his development and call up Buchholz who is better than Lester right now and has dominated AAA more than Lester did. Lester just has not been the pitcher of 2005 or early last year lately and needs to get his mojo back. Good teams do not let young pitchers learn their craft in the Majors. That is for the Tampa Bays and Florida Marlins of the world. Buchholz could also use the experience of 5-6 starts in the majors to end his year and get him ready for next year.

Bill Burt · 2 years ago

iTod
Do not under rate Lester. Buchholz is not ready yet. Trust me, the Sox will not rush another guy who needs a little more seasoning. Could Buchholz make it? Maybe. But it isn't worth the risk, as we saw with Cla Meredith. Anyway, I will predict right now that Lester will beat the Yankees at least once in September.

The iTod · 2 years ago

Buchholz is not ready yet? Seriously? Have you looked at his AA/AAA numbers? They blow Lester's 2005/2006 numbers away at AA and AAA and Lester is pretty good IMHO. He has pitched the same amount of innings in AA/AAA as Papelbon did before he came up in 2005. He has also had more success than Papelbon had in 2005 and Papelbon was also pretty good and has done ok in the Majors (massive understatement).

Lester is still not back and he will struggle in the Majors. His numbers at AAA this year were not good and he needs to go back and start dominating. We don't even have the Lester of early last year yet. I think that this year will be a lost year for Jon and he will come back strong next year. He is absolutely a better prospect than Gabbard and should have the better career going forward but Kason could pound the strike zone and mix his pitches well. Lester is really struggling with both.

Buchholz is a stud and while not having pitched as long as Papelbon or Lester is much more talented and 5-6 starts is not going to hurt his development. Phil Hughes got pulled up in a similar amount of time and is only 20 years old and has done well, injury aside.

Bill Burt · 2 years ago

iTod
People have to leave Lester alone. He is 23. Buchholz is 22, a year younger (well, he really turns 22 on Tuesday). They are not going to rush him. I'm not saying he won't be around in September, but it will be based on need, not for desire.
I don't know why so many like yourself doubt Lester. He is struggling with control and fastball that moves away from righties. He's got a great curve. Again, I predict he is at least the No. 2 guy within a year from now. Please don't remember this post if he doesn't.

The iTod · 2 years ago

Burt,

I love Lester and wouldn't trade him and agree he will take time to find himself. I just am not sure he should do it at the major league level. He is capable of dominating AAA and until he does it he should not get called up. Time will tell if Lester is a #2. I would be ok with that but he looks more like a future #3.

Buchholz is just better. He is a true potential ace in ability.

Mark · 2 years ago

Lester/Bucholz Bucholz/Lester
Both are with the sox, # 1 or # 3 won't matter much, once they start rolling. Man...future looks bright with the young arms. Least not forget Mr. Dice K
Lester will face a Yankee line-up and get a taste of what the Yankee/Sox rivalry is all about up close and personal. Bucholz is waiting in the wings...and ready to fly!

The iTod · 2 years ago

Mark,

Also beckett, papelbon, pedroia, ellsbury, youkilis, jed lowrie, masterson... future is so bright we got to wear shades.

IT IS A GREAT TIME TO BE A SOX FAN!