Lester at Ease as Boston's New Ace

There once was a left-hander who at age 25 had a career winning percentage better than .700 and had already won the clinching game of a World Series sweep.

His name was Whitey Ford.

There's another such lefty, and the Red Sox intend to start him Thursday against the Angels in their American League Division Series opener.

Boston chose Jon Lester for Game 1 over proven postseason winner Josh Beckett, a pretty good indication of where the southpaw stands.

Lester went 15-8 with a 3.41 ERA this year, but since May 31 he has been dominant: 12-3, 2.31 ERA, 163 strikeouts in 144 innings.

It's been a matter of maturity -- as he has grown into his body, his stuff has become firmer -- and growing confidence.

"I guess the biggest thing I kept harping on early in the season was just getting on a comfortable roll or a comfortable rhythm," Lester told FanHouse recently while strumming his acoustic guitar in front of his Fenway Park locker, "and I was just able to do that. My game plan hasn't changed, the way I feel hasn't changed, the pitches I'm throwing hasn't changed. There's just a lot to be said for feeling comfortable and feeling, not necessarily confident, but confident out on the mound."

A scout who has covered the Red Sox said Lester first learned to repeat his mechanics, and that led to consistency.

"With his consistency he got real confident," the scout said, "and with that he added a cutter/slider that has strikeout written all over it."

Lester has already been through plenty. He was diagnosed with a form of lymphoma in 2006, but he beat the cancer and came back to win Game 4 of the 2007 World Series and pitch a no-hitter in May 2008.

But his frame of mind just keeps getting better, saying he is "relaxed" and feeling less stress.

"You have that ease showing up at the park," he said. "You know what to expect. You know that you're going to go out there and at least -- not necessarily dominate a start -- but you're going to go out there and give your team a chance to win. Whereas when you're scuffling, you don't have that ease about you. You don't know what to expect that night. You don't know what's going to happen.

"You know what to expect. You know if I don't have my good stuff tonight I know I'm going to still battle and keep my team in the ballgame."

Which is why the Red Sox will trot him out in their postseason opener.

"Once he got on track," manager Terry Francona said, "he's been on track ever since. Just continues to get stronger. ... He's a complete pitcher. Big, strong kid that seems to be able to endure a lot of innings and stay strong while he's doing it.

"Poise is real good. That's why we're comfortable letting him pitch."

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Red Sox-Angels Photos

Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz walks on to the field during practice in Anaheim, Calif., Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009, in preparation for the team's upcoming American League division series baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

Red Sox vs. Angels

Boston Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell warms up during practice in Anaheim, Calif., Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009, in preparation for the team's upcoming American League division series baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

Boston Red Sox manager Terry Francona talks with the media during practice in Anaheim, Calif., Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009, ahead of the team's upcoming American League division series baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

Boston Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell fields a ball during practice in Anaheim, Calif., Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009, in preparation for the team's upcoming American League division series baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia waits to hit during practice in Anaheim, Calif., Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009, in preparation for the team's upcoming American League division series baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Jon Lester warms up before practice in Anaheim, Calif., Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009, for the American League division series against the Los Angeles Angels. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

Boston Red Sox right fielder J.D. Drew waits to hit during practice in Anaheim, Calif., Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009, in preparation for the team's upcoming American League division series baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia fields a ball during practice in Anaheim, Calif., Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009, in preparation for the team's upcoming American League division series baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz tightens a knot on his glove during practice in Anaheim, Calif., Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009, in preparation for the team's upcoming American League division series baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

10-08-2009 @ 3:43PM

tonytiger18 said...

Lester is special, but, let us wait a few more years before we say that he is another Whitey Ford.

Ford was a hall of famer that was especially tough in the world series and in all critical games. He was the ultimate money pitcher.
He pitched to the occasion and loved the spotlight.

There aren't too many pitchers like Whitey Ford.
Even the greats like Seaver or Nolan Ryan, they didn't perform and win as many games in crunch time.

10-08-2009 @ 3:51PM

Boston America said...

I'm thankful that the Red Sox made the playoffs this year. Also with our struggles, like Lowell, Beckett, Lester, and Buchholz doing his best for his team. Let's be proud that the Boston Red Sox made it far with out having 8 big shots thats being paid over 12 million a year NYY very sad...

Let's Go Red Sox:)

10-09-2009 @ 10:52AM

Boston America?

Is that you Fighting Irish hiding under a new screen name?

Struggles? are you delirious again?

The beginning of the year when the Sox were 8 AND 0 and were licking their chops against the Yankees, it was the Yankkes that had struggles--both starting catchers on the DL for over a month, Cervelli caught( rookie), Arod had hip surgery and out for 40 days, Texeira struggling at the plate, Wang lost for the season, Bruney on the DL, no middle relief, etc.
Stop making excuses, every team gets their share of injuries. You still play the game.

All the Bososx fans point out when things go against them is NEGATIVITY!!!!!!

Now they point out salaries, The Sox don't buy players?????
51 million just for the negotiation rights to DiceK, 7 million to over the hill Smoltz,6 million to a bad and rusty Penny,14 million to Mary Drew, 13 plus million to juiced up Big Poopie, and how about Varitek's money or Lowell.

Look in the mirror before you start throwing stones.

10-10-2009 @ 1:39AM

waaaaazuuuuup said...

the price of a player means nothing,,,, nothing.. remeber the yankees have been shelling out this kind of money for years and have not won since 2000.. AND I BELIEVE YOU ARE THE FIGHTING IRISH HIDING BEHIND ANOTHER SCREEN NAME.. THE REDSOX ARE SECOND PLACE IN SALARIES. HOW ABOUT THE JAPANESE PITCHER THE REDSOX PAID LIKE 40 MILLION JUST TO HAVE THE RIGHTS TO BID ON HIM??? REMEMBER WHEN AROD AND MARK T WAS BEING BID ON BY THE YANKEES AND THE REDSOX. THE REDSOX BID WAS OVER 100 MILLION ON EACH PLAYER. THE YANKEES WON AROD BY 1 MILLION AND MARK T BY A FEW MILLION. SO DONT GIVE ME THAT BUYING OVER PRICED PLAYER CRAP. HYPOCRITES,,, THE ENVY IS REDICULOUS ALREADY. YOU CALL PLAYERS TRADERS WHO GO TO OTHER TEAMS? THEY LOVE THE GAME BUT THEY IN IT FOR THE MONEY,, YOU WORK FOR FREE? IF ANOTHER COMPANY OFFERS YOU 5 TIMES THE MONEY YOU MAKING NOW TO GO WORK FOR THEM YOU SAY NO? IF YOU DO YOU ARE A LIAR,, BE REAL, DONT BE A HYPOCRIT.. HIGH PRICED PLAYERS ARE NOT A SURE THING TO WIN IT ALL BUT IT HELPS

10-08-2009 @ 3:54PM

Sexy Sox Girls Rule!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! said...

A video tribute to one of the best pitchers in Major League Baseball, Jon Lester. This video really means a lot to me, because of the obstacles that Jon has had to overcome, and how he has established himself as one of the most dominant and inspirational stories.
Thanks to Point798:)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dv0DyBnbcig

10-08-2009 @ 4:07PM

jyankeehater1 said...

arod=33,ooo,ooo , jeter =21,6000,000 ,texeira = 20,600,000 ,C .C.Sabathia = 15,285,000 , rivera = 15,000,000 ,and posada,damon,and chopsuey each 13,000,000. The top 3 salaried players for the skanks are paid more than 14 major league baseball teams entire payroll!!!! Major league baseball is a farce.It's laughable, that after all the fans they have lost , they still don't get it !

10-10-2009 @ 5:19PM

Fighting Irish said...

I 100% agree with you jyankeehater1. Look at these NYY Fan whores lol.

PonyTiger! who is hiding? Everyone knows the Yankess are a buyout, that's the only way they can win.

Who is scared NYY fans? Wanky Steinweiner is scared, why? because he had to buy 8 players that are each raping him over 12 million. LOL... That's sad...

Hey PonyTiger LOL you are silly go to the brox zoo... If the Yankees are the best team, then why do the Boston Red Sox have fans all over, more than Yankees? (BOSTON AMERICA) Thanks to true Yankee fans that admit that the Yankees are a buyout, and I feel sorry for the Nyc Brox residents who would like to go see a Yankees game, with there kids, but can't cause that wealty Wanky Stein Weiner made tickets "EXSPENSIVE" You should be ashamed of your selfs NYY fans that don't see what's happening to baseball!!! Really this is not me trying to disrespect NYY fans, but would like you to open your eyes, and think about your team the NYY...

10-08-2009 @ 5:04PM

The Elkester said...

Lester makes 1 mill per Dustin 1.5 Mill, Bay makes 5 mil.... You pay Clowns like Drew 17 mill , Big floppy 13.5 sliceum up K 13 Mill. maybe
Boston's Top 3 Producer's should find a Better Agent. This is why Boston is a second rate team.. they are wear they BELONG.

10-09-2009 @ 7:40PM

Adam said...

You realize they don't make big money because they are not eligible for free agency, right? Lester, Pedroia and Youk signed some of the biggest arbitration year contracts ever signed. Being the baseball expert that you are, you knew that right?
You alse meant to say "where" they belong, right?

10-10-2009 @ 6:02PM

Richard said...

Elkester, add all those prices up, and you still won't be able to pay A-ROD, & Aj Burnett's salaries which is
(33,000,000 Million Pay-ROID)And-
(16,500,000 AJ Burnett)

10-08-2009 @ 5:53PM

wburrillclear said...

Wow! Elkster you must be a yankee fan jeter and pay rod are gonna be golfing why the sox bring home a championship.

10-09-2009 @ 2:43PM

lololol redsox fans are a trip..first you guys jump on the yankees because of some steroid use? now boston has the steriod users so you jump on the yankees for overpaid players? boston fans really have envy towards nyy.. the top conversation for boston fans are the yankees... are you that affraid of the yankees? i love it,,,
what do you think boston players play for boston because the love the city? hell no. they go where the money is just like any other player. the only player that i know of that doesent care about contracts was carl ripkin jr.. didnt boston try to scoop up arod? yes.. but lost him to the yankees for that extra million... didnt boston battle nnyy for mark t? yessssss.. but lose the battle aswell.. you boston fans are hypocrits,, the players on every team go for the money.. if nny offered big pop a huge contract he would have taken it... dont get it twisted.. boston players get the big contracts and go where the money is just like all other players. look at all the guy you lost since 07? they went to other teams for bigger money..come on boston fans keep it real for one time in your sport fans lives..you guys get 2 ws in 86 years and you thought it was a beginning of a dynasty? lolol.supprise supprise supprise... not,,,04 07 is done . the redsox are a great team but the fans take away from that greatness.. boston fans are the most hated fans in baseball for a team that hasent done much in 86 years the fans talk smack like the just roll over every team in the mlb.. you guys thought you where the best team ever.. there are teams less worthy of the redsox that has more pennants,ws wins, and division than the redsox in the last 86 years.. keep it real please. root for your team like every fan should. just stop being such aholes. because to be honest i dont think you guys will make it to the playoffs this year. your redsox dont seem to have what it takes this year...

10-10-2009 @ 1:51AM

WBURRILLCLEAR- LOLOLOL YOUR REDSOX GOT 1 FOOT OUT THE DOOR.. 0-2 YANKEES 2-0
WHY DO YOU REDSOX FANS CONTINUE TO MAKE THESE PREDICTIONS EVERY YEAR SINCE LIKE 30 YEARS AGO?
I ALWAYS JUST HOPE THAT MY YANKEES WIN IT ALL..
YOU STICK YOUR FOOT IN YOUR MOUTH MOSTLY EVERY YEAR.. 04 07 OK YOU GOT 2 IN 86 YEARS. AND JUST BECAUSE MY TEAM HAS THE BEST RECORD IN MLB,AL WINNERS,, 100TH WIN OFF OF YOUR TEAM IN YOUR BALL PARK I STILL DONT SAY THEY WILL TAKE IT ALL. ITS ANYONES WS THIS YEAR. ECEPT BOSTONS. COME ON YOU HAVE TO ADMIT THE OBVIOUS. BOSTON IS DEF NOT THE SAME TEAM AS 04 07. THE REASON FOR THOSE WINS ARE LONG GONE.. THEY JUST VERY WEAK THIS YEAR.. AND YOUR BIGGEST PLAYER IS DOING NOTHING. BIG POP IS NOTHING THIS YEAR. MANNYS GONE,, NO SHILLING,, DAMONS GONE,, MARTINEZ GONE,, YUKE IS DEAD, PEDROA IS DEAD, IM NOT SAYING THEY ARE A BAD TEAM IM JUST SAYING THEY SUCK THIS YEAR.. TWINS HELD THEM TO 1 RUN IN 2 GAMES. THEY COULD COME BACK .. BUT I DOUBT IT. GOOD LUCK NEXT YEAR

10-10-2009 @ 5:39PM

Look at these NYY Fan whores lol.

PonyTiger16! who is hiding? Everyone knows the Yankess are a buyout, that's the only way they can win.

Who is scared NYY fans? Wanky Steinweiner is scared, why? because he had to buy 8 players that are each raping him over 12 million. LOL... That's sad...

Hey PonyTiger LOL you are silly go to the brox zoo... If the Yankees are the best team, then why do the Boston Red Sox have fans all over, more than Yankees? (BOSTON AMERICA) Thanks to true Yankee fans that admit that the Yankees are a buyout, and I feel sorry for the Nyc Brox residents who would like to go see a Yankees game, with there family, and children, but can't cause that wealty Wanky Stein Weiner made tickets "EXSPENSIVE" You should be ashamed of your selfs NYY fans that don't see what's happening to baseball!!! Wake Up!!! Really... this is not me trying to disrespect NYY fans, but would like you to open your eyes, and think about your team the NYY... Evil Empire? that's the name they choose to name there team after...?!?
(NYY = over paid mercenaries)
Thank God For The Boston Red Sox:)
Let's Go Red Sox!!!

10-10-2009 @ 6:07PM

Richard aka The Fighting Irish*

10-11-2009 @ 5:59PM

lolololol those are the funniest comments ive heard from a redsox fan in years.... redsox fans have more fans all over the world than the yankees??????lolololololol. if you really believe that you are as stupid as your comments....lolololo. THE EVIL EMPIRE NAME WAS GIVEN TO THE NYY BY THE BOSTON FANS..WHY? BECAUSE NYY BEEN WHIPPING THAT BOSTON ASS FOR SO LONG THEY CONSIDERED IT EVIL, ANYTHING THAT IS BETTER THAN THE BOSTON REDSOX IS EVIL,,,LOLOLOL I GUESS THE ANGELS ARE NOW THE SECOND EVIL EMPIRE?LOLOLOLOLOL SWEEP SWEEP SWEEP.YOU GUYS TALK ABOUT CHOKERS? WHAT A CHOKE IN YOUR HOUSE..LOLOLOLOLOLOL THAT HAD TO HURT EVEN MORE,, thought you where going to have that lucky 04 magic again huh? lololololol .; everytime boston is hurting they look to the yankees to take out there frustrations. that lets us yankees fans know you are always thinking about us., you love to hate us because you want what we have. a historic team.. now go home and watch the patriots,,lolololol are you predicting a patriots super bowl win aswell? frustrated at the hands of the ny aswell lololololol.. i know that one hurt just as much as this one..lololololol

10-11-2009 @ 6:09PM

freddy said...

everything you boston fans say on these sites is out of years of frustration... YOU LOSE TO THE ANGELS BUT YOU TAKE IT OUT ON THE YANKEES? LOLOL.
THATS THE HUGE ENVY THAT BOSTON FANS HAVE FOR THE YANKEES.. HAVE FUN VENTING LIKE LITTLE CHILDREN..
FACTS ARE FACTS, YOUR OUT WE ARE STILL IN,,,2 OUTS NO ONE ON 6 TO 4 IN YOUR HOUSE. WHAT A HUGE CHOKE... NO 04 LUCK FOR YOU,,,, LOLOL