The Boston Red Sox have chosen lefty Jon Lester to be their opening day starting pitcher for the 2011 season. This is the first time in his career that he has had this privilege. With the vast following of Red Sox nation, and the high hopes that fans, the media, and team management have for the 2011 Red Sox, this honor is a testament in the faith the Sox have that Lester can be the anchor for the rotation.
Lester was chosen over veterans Josh Beckett, John Lackey, Daisuke Matsuzaka, and fellow youngster Clay Buchholz.
Lester is already rumored to be a leading candidate for the Cy Young Award this year, awarded annually to the best pitcher in both the National and American Leagues.
In 2010, Jon Lester led the Red Sox with a 19-9 record,posting a career high in wins. He also had a 3.25 ERA in 208 innings pitched. He averaged 9.7 strikeouts per 9 innings pitched, and a had a walks to hit ratio (WHIP) of 1.202, the lowest in his career.
Lester made his first appearance as an all star in 2010, and finished fourth in Al Cy Young voting.
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