There can be an argument for both of these pitchers to take the ball from manager Terry Francona on Opening Day, but Jon Lester deserves the honor for the first time in his career. He went 19-9 last year sitting down 225 hitters. He pitched 208 innings and clearly is the new workhorse for this staff. Lester has been nothing short of remarkable in his short career and Tito should give him the chance on April 1st versus the Texas Rangers. He may be a slow starter, but numbers do not lie. This guy has a chance to win over 20 games this year with the lineup the Sox will put out everyday as well as the new and improved bullpen. In his first 100 starts, Jon Lester is 61-25 with an ERA of 3.55, any questions? I did not think so.
Beckett has been the man for the Sox over the past couple of years, but injuries have plagued him. He had a career worse ERA of over five last season and finished the season 6-6. I still have confidence and Beckett and still think he has the ability to win 15 plus games, but I think it is Lester's staff now. Beckett has that chip on his shoulder after last season which is not a good thing for the American League. He is healthy and if he uses all of his pitches, he can be just as dangerous as Lester. Lester is one of-if not the best left-hander in the game and deserves the nod on opening day.
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