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Pitcher Jon Lester is "unhappy" as a member of the Red Sox, according to
Peter Gammons, who was interviewed on Boston's 98.5 The Sports Hub on
Wednesday afternoon.
Lester is 5-6 this season, with a 4.49 ERA. He does sport a 3.57 FIP, which
is actually lower than his career mark of 3.64, but his strikeout rate has
dipped to 7.53, down from 8.55 last year, thanks to the lost velocity on his
fastball.
There's no word on whether the Red Sox will put Lester on the trading block,
but, if they do, a number of teams will be interested. He's still considered
a legit ace.
Lester signed a five-year extension in March 2009, which has him under
contract through 2013. He's making $7.625 million this season, and will earn
$11.625 million in 2013. The Red Sox have a club option for Lester worth $13
million in 2014, with a $250,000 buyout.
ESPN noted that if Lester does indeed want out of Boston, Seattle might be a
fit, as he's from the Pacific Northwest, or the Angels or Dodgers, who are
looking for starting pitching.
Considering how banged up the Red Sox are, especially their rotation, don't
expect to see them deal Lester right now. Boston's still in the hunt in the
American League, and are getting healthier by the day.