Can the Red Sox afford to be "Lack'n" in 2013
To say Lackey's tenure in Boston is anything but “Lack’luster” is paying the guy a serious compliment. Since signing a five year deal with the Red Sox worth 82.5 million dollars in December of 2009, Lackey has both under performed and failed to deliver on a consistent basis. If you're a Lackey Lover (You see what I did there? Clever right?) perhaps further proof is needed to make my point. Let's take a look at the numbers because we all know that numbers don't lie - at least to your face.
In only two years with the Red Sox – an injury forced John out of the 2012 season – Lackey has recorded 26 wins while posting 23 losses combining for a .531 winning percentage. Lackey’s average ERA during those two years was a dismal 5.41 and his strikeout-to-walk ratio was 2:1. Are you beginning to see the picture I’m exhaustively trying to paint here? In short, he’s been terrible.
Heading into the 2013 season Red Sox fans could have something to cheer about. It may be hard to believe – considering I just bashed Lackey into some form of Boston baked bean dip – but after successful Tommy John surgery in 2012, Lackey has a chance to redeem his horrendous play in 2013. Just don't count on the Sox organization to giveaway any insight into Lackey's current standing.
The tight lipped organization has been eerily quiet on Lackey’s status throughout the off-season Very little has been leaked regarding his arm strength, velocity or overall health. What we do know; currently Lackey is fourth on the official Red Sox depth chart which means he's back in the Sox rotation, for now. All the news flowing out of the Red Sox organization points to a positive outlook regarding his ongoing health status.
At this point all we can do is nervously await his return and continue our cynical Bostonian view over last year’s embarrassing season. I love being a Red Sox fan.
Follow Scott Levesque on Twitter at @scottlevesque.
