| 13 May 2009
We're going to mix things up a bit this week and post a Pick Your "Ace" disucssion...
First let me state for the record that I am aware that neither Beckett nor Lester have been very ace-like this season, but I think that's what makes this an interesting debate...
Jon Lester exploded onto the scene in 2008 winning 16 games and posting the 4th best ERA in the American League at 3.21. With his cancer scare behind him, Lester used his first full offseason to refine his control and add a few more pounds of muscle. The results had people talking about the potential for a Cy Young caliber season... but Lester has struggled out of the gate posting a 6.81 ERA and a 2-3 record through seven starts. He has fanned 49 batters on the year, good for an average of seven K's per start, and he's still just 25 years old, so the potential for at leats six more years of 15+ wins is there...
Josh Beckett is also struggling right now, but has a longer track record of success than Lester. That said, Beckett seems to rotate from mediocre top great from one year to the next. He won 15 games with the Marlins in 2005, but struggled in his first year in Boston, posting a 5.10 ERA with a 16-10 record. He bounced back in 2007 with perhaps his best year ever, winning 20 games while fanning a career best 194 batter and carried the Sox to a World Series Championship. In 2008, he regressed, winning 12 games and while battling numerous injuries. Beckett had a great spring and seemed poised to have his usual "odd-year" season of success... but walks (20 in 7 starts) and a lack of command have lead to a disappointing 2009 so far. He'll turn 29 on Friday May 15th so the question is: Have we seen the best of Josh Beckett?
So... who would you take as your ace? The older starter with lots of post season success or the younger guy with plenty of upside?
Cast you vote on the poll to the right and leave your thoughts in the comments section below. Everyone that leaves a comment will have a shot at a FREE Youk t-shirt... but the real fun comes in the banter between us Sox fans... so let us know what you think and check back to see what others are saying throughout the week!
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