Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
In the grand scheme of the 2009 season, a 9-5 loss to the Yankees means absolutely nothing. The Red Sox really have no chance of winning the AL East crown, and it would take a monumental collapse for them to lose the Wild Card race in the American League. What does matter is Jon Lester's health. If you watched the game, saw the highlights, or simply read another article about what happened to Lester in the bottom of the third, than you know how bad it looked for the playoff chances of the Red Sox.
I saw the play live, and have seen the highlight a hundred times, and I still am shocked to see that the x-rays were negative. Apparently he just has a bruise to his quadriceps. By all accounts, Jon Lester and the Red Sox got lucky. My question is this. Have they? I have never been, or will ever be a pitching coach, but I do know that an injury to a pitcher's plant leg is no small thing. While he'll still be able to drive with the other leg, if you're plant leg is tender, and in pain, it's going to cause inconsistency in you delivery at the best, and could even play games with a pitcher's mentality. I wouldn't want a pitcher of mine to keep thinking about how it's going to hurt when you finish your delivery. My guess is Lester misses his next start to get him ready for the playoffs. That would be the smart, prudent thing for the Sox to do.
I think that despite the good news, Jon Lester's effectiveness in the playoffs took a major hit last night. All we have to do now is wait and see.
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