Lackey An X Factor

No one knows what to expect out of John Lackey this year. Many, including me, thought he would dealt by the Sox before the start of spring training. Almost shockingly, Lackey reported to camp as a much thinned-down player having lost almost 20 pounds in the off-season. And he made it through his first mound session against the Rays with no problems. Who knows what he can contribute this year? With his contract set to expire in 2014 other teams may have interest, particularly by the trade deadline. Lackey is not quite in the same position with the Sox as Jacoby Ellsbury, but pretty close. If Lackey finishes the year with the Red Sox, it will be because the team is performing better than anticipated & Lackey is performing better than anticipated. Otherwise, I still think he could be gone at the trade deadline.