Lester is hardly a blue chipper.
You said Becket was from an ace at the start of this year also. Josh was the only 20 game winner in the majors this year. An era almost two full points lower then last year. 20 - 7 with a 3.17 era. He also just shutout the angels over nine innings in on the big stage. A front runner for the Cy Young for sure.Lester just came back from cancer. less then a year after discovering he had cancer , then receiving aggressive treatment he was back. I would not call him aty his best this year oconsdiering the aggressive cemo he had to endure. He has all the tools imo.
There's a difference. Beckett was always regarded as a stud prospect - even more highly rated than guys like Hughes. Beckett's stuff was never in question, it was his ability to harness it and sustain it over a full year, while avoiding injuries. Until this year, he hadn't done that and was only called an "ace" due to his performance in the 2003 WS. He had not pitched at "ace" levels after that, until this year. So, it was not a stretch to call a guy hardly an ace when he hadn't pitched like one for over three years.Even pre-illnes, Lester was never as highly touted as Beckett as his walk rates in the minors and majors do not scream blue chip prospect. He's been built up to be more than he is by homer fans and homer media outlets.
Man oh man Arod then Papi? One can only hope. Imagine if they could retain Lowell somehow ( I know I know) Axe Lugo, Trade Manny, start Ellsbury in left, then trade Manny?Think about the infusion of young talent we have coming up of the farm rady to start next year. Clay B, Ellsbury and Lester are all blue chippers. Add that with Dustin @ second and we have a nice core of young players to mix with the vets.
