Terry Francona, Mike Napoli, Andrew Miller and Coco Crisp or Theo Epstein, Jon Lester, John Lackey and David Ross?
Jon Lester
WBZ reports comments by Jon Lester, who was successfully treated for lymphoma in 2007.
The MBTA has replaced the applique of Chicken and Beer Guy with Jon Lester at Kenmore station just in time for tonight's game - and a day after somebody complained about the old homage.
Over the Monster explains why last night's Sox game was, all in all, decent, except for Lester getting the loss instead of, say, Aceves or Padilla.
Both pitchers apologized yesterday for last September. Allan at Joy of Sox provides the round up to show that the media has decided whom we should pat on the head and murmur "there, there" to and who should be banished to that ratty old couch in the basement until he apologizes some more:
Three in a row, but perhaps equally important: Two days in a row of run prevention.
Like other Sox fans, Beth watched in horror as Jon Lester crumpled to the mound last night:
... The attachment to Jon Lester is deeper and more personal than for many other players among Sox fans, a feeling embodied perfectly by the way Tito gently touched his head, then shoulders, once Lester was on his feet again, as if he were his own child.
I had tears in my eyes watching Lester roll around next to the mound and grimace in agony, clutching his knee. Nobody wants to see that with any player--but with Lester, our homegrown boy, our survivor, seeing him in that kind of pain was especially cruel. ...
Red, meanwhile, considers the Captain:
... One thing that both sides agree on, however, is that Jason Varitek should be used only in emergency situations from here on out. Aliens taking over the world and holding Victor Martinez in the mothership? Well, call Fisk and Bob Montgomery. If they're not available, then let Tek catch. End of story. ...
Beth reviews the evidence after last night's game.
Peter: I sat there with my mouth open half the time:
... It was a fun game to watch as the outs mounted and the tension grew. ...
Cyn says she is fed up with the Lugo haters:
... Idiots. That what you all are, those of you who booed Julio Lugo yesterday. Funny, I didn't hear any boos for the pitcher who gave up 10 hits in just over four innings. The guy who gave up 8 runs - all of them EARNED - in a game the Sox lost by nine runs. A guy who many had pegged to be this year's Cy Young winner who couldn't make it out of the fifth inning. Where were Jon Lester's boos? ...
That's what some Sox fans were this morning and what the Sox are today.
Dan Miller: This is why they invented coffee. Vickie shows us the dark smudges under her eyes.
Red: Substitute Ass Kicker Kicks Ass.
Peter on Lester: WOW!
Rob: Thank God we're playing the Yankees.
Kim: I love shutting out the Yankees in their own backyard:
I also love it when one of our pitchers gets to complete his game. Congratulations, Lester!
Riggs: Thanks, Jon.
Jeff Louderbeck: Boston's bullpen did not hurt the team tonight. Jon Lester wouldn't let it.
Red basically asks: How 'bout that Johan Santana trade?
Empyreal Environs sums it up:
Alberto Callaspo took the dish, representing what could be the final out or the undoing of eight and two-thirds innings of dominance. Lester worked him inside and high with heat. Just when Callaspo thought he got down Lester's timing and location, the lefty hurled his fastball high and outside. The utility infielder's bat casted itself after empty air, quick as a clapstick signaling the beginning of the scene.
Only at Fenway is the reality better than any script.
Red describes the first couple of minutes after the last out:
... I love the fact that Tito basically forgets himself, loses his shit, then suddenly turns, trying not to look at the cameras, and scampers off. Lovely stuff, and I'll admit that it achieved "last five minutes of Field of Dreams" status as a clip that can reduce me to tears almost instantly. ...
Kristen couldn't ask for anything more:
... So Jon Lester. Two thumbs up. And, because I'd be remiss not to mention it, Mr. Covelli Crisp with the four-hit night. Not only does he play defense but he enjoys hitting the ball as well! Who knew? Apparently, he's just decided to do it all his own self. I expect we've got another week before he intercepts a reliever coming out of the bullpen and mows down the opposing hitters himself. I look forward to it.
Basegirl: The phrase, "triumphant return" has perhaps never been so true.
Bruce Allen provides the media roundup on Lester's start tonight.
On Dan Shaughnessy Watch, Jenny takes time off from bashing the CHB to bashing the Herald's Tony Massarotti and whoever fed him the story about Jon Lester's enlarged lymph nodes:
... First of all, whoever leaked this information should be fired. If it was a Sox official, I want them gone. If it was a health professional, I want them gone and I want them arrested for a HIPAA violation (yes, you can be jailed for that).