Is Lackey Right For #2?

According to the Globe, Boston's rotation is set.

April 1 at Texas: Jon Lester

April 2 at Texas: John Lackey

April 3 at Texas: Clay Buchholz

April 5 at Cleveland: Josh Beckett


April 6 at Cleveland: Daisuke Matsuzaka

April 7 at Cleveland: Lester

April 8: New York: Lackey

April 9 New York: Buchholz

April 10 New York: Beckett

The two things that stand out are that Beckett is currently the fourth pitcher and Lackey is the second pitcher. Beckett not facing Texas makes sense, as they shellacked him last year. But Lackey slotting in between Lester and Buchholz...is that a good idea?

On the down side, some of Lackey's numbers weren't great in 2010. He posted his highest ERA since 2005, surrendered the most hits in one season (233) in his career, posted his highest WHIP since 2003 and his lowest K/BB ratio since his rookie year of 2002. Not good.


On the other hand, he won 14 games, the most he had since 2007 and the second-highest single-season total in his career. He pitched 215 innings, the most since 2007. His 156 strikeouts were the most since 2007 and his 33 starts matched a career high. Lackey's 21 quality starts were his most since 2007 and led the Sox in 2010. And one should also keep in mind that Lackey was helping his wife through some health issues. That can take a toll on anyone.



I think it is safe to say that Lackey frustrated the hell out of Boston fans last year. For what he was paid, a lot of Boston fans wanted more. Personally, the pay issue doesn't affect me that much. Boston can pay a premium for pitchers that perform decently but beneath their "value" without going broke.


Still...some of his key numbers from 2010 are pretty mediocre. But his endurance numbers (starts, IP, QS) are up. Which means that if he can recapture some of his earlier form then Lackey is in a position to contribute a lot more to Boston. And take it for what it is worth, but Lackey's spring training has been going well. His 1.74 ERA is anong the lowest on the squad and he has yet to walk a batter.


Lackey breaking up the 1-2 punch of Lester and Buchholz may look odd at first. But if Lackey even improves back to his 2008 form, he would likely have at least 15 wins and cut his ERA by almost a full run.