Less Walks Equals Better Result for Lester
I’ve always liked Jon Lester’s stuff and felt he had the potential to be, if not an ace, a number 2 or 3 on the Red Sox staff. If only he’d throw strikes, attack hitters, stop hurting himself. Doesn’t seem like a tall order. A post over at Joy of Sox, however, is a tad alarming.
Bases on balls has been an issue during Lester’s entire professional career…
He’s made no progress at all in cutting down on his walks since he was drafted in 2002. He’ll be nothing more than a league-average back-of-the-rotation guy until he does.
In his most recent outing, however, a 5-3 no decision to the Rangers, there seems to be a glimmer of hope. Lester only walked 2 while pitching into the 7th inning, while giving up 10 hits. Just a couple of additional walks and Lester’s out early, the bullpen is taxed, and the Sox are too far behind to comeback and grab a victory.
No, he can’t give up 10 hits a start. But hopefully this game shows Lester that good things can happen, even when he’s not sharp, if he doesn’t give the opposing team free base runners.
