It's Over, Lester to Cubs

Theo wins. 6 years, $155 million. If history is any indication, Jon Lester will have 3 good years & 3 bad years. Example - Josh Beckett. Example - CC Sabathia. I guess you really can't go home again. Did the Red Sox bungle this situation in Spring Training? Yes. Will the talk shows be all over the Red Sox brass? Yes. But now it's time for Plan B which should include a full court press for Cole Hamels, Johnny Cueto, Jordan Zimmermann, David Price & Doug Fister. Of that group I would go for Hamels or Zimmermann. Some of the better prospects may have to go because of the failure on Lester. That includes guys like Bogaerts, Betts, Owens & Swihart. Second tier pitchers like Brandon McCarthy, Ian Kennedy & Ervin Santana may now be in the mix as well. Given that the Red Sox should hit better this year, do you need a #1? Lots of decisions for Ben Cherington's team to make on the fly now. Time to move on.