He gives up lots of hits, is not economic with his pitches, and gives up far too many runs. He is W-L record is deceptive. If he was supposedly last year's top free agent pitcher, it begs the question: who was number 2? Theo, I hope you still feel good about this $82M commitment 'cause I sure don't feel it.
I know that I'm down on Lackey and sound like a broken record. I'll try to temper my frustration.
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No, your reasons for your "Lack" of enthusiasm for Lackey is justified. I am totally not impressed by this signing. He was so not worth the $82 mil. His only real stellar outing was against the Phillies last week and it was overshadowed by the offense's 12 run night. I really expected more from this guy.
ReplyDeleteOk. Devil's advocate. What if it's the whole "playing in Boston" thing? Yeah, some people can't hack it (Smoltz, Penny). But let's just say Lackey's lackluster outings this year are more mental than physicial. He ends up this season with a mediocre W-L record and ERA. He survives his first season in Boston. Next season, he's more comfortable. He's played here before. He knows the organization, the city, and the fans. He's comfortable. He can then concentrate on being John Lackey (as oppsed to being John Malkovich--I couldn't let that one go by). He may find himself again and have a really great season next year. As much as I want to write our dear Mr. Lackey off and being on the downside of his career, I can't help but wonder if he's just mental this year.
The mental issues is valid. Many players do not fare well in Fenway. I can think back over the years to pitchers like Fergie Jenkins, Gary Peters, Frank Viola, and others who just did not do well in Boston. Some of these folks go elsewhere and do fine.
ReplyDeleteLook what happened to Brad Penny. He came from the NL, got smacked around and then went back to NL where he ended up pitching well. Boston and the AL East ain't for the faint of heart!
ReplyDeleteSince Lackey's here for the long haul, we'll have to consider this year as his "transition" year.