Thursday, October 20, 2011

Padres interested in John Lackey


Padres get: pitcher with a 3.81 ERA in AL West, for under $1 million
Sox get: no more John Lackey.

The San Diego Tribune has reported that the Padres are interested in John Lackey, providing the Red Sox pick up most of his $45 million contract.

For the Sox, that's an obvious move to make. Lackey had a 6.41 ERA last season, which was literally - as in, without any exaggeration - the single worst ERA a Sox pitcher has had in over 100 years. Because he's getting paid so much, ownership won't let him sit or head back to the minors. Paying him $40 million to not play might seem like a waste, but you're getting the worst pitcher in Sox history out of the rotation for good.

It would also make the Sox look a lot better to their fans. Having a spoiled pitcher who talks other pitchers into drinking and eating unhealthily, starts cliques, and complains about his teammates and shows them up is bad enough. Paying him $40 million to do it makes it look worse. Having him divorce his wife while she's dealing with breast cancer? It's safe to say he's not popular with the fans.

Showing the fans that you're willing to swallow your pride and eat a huge contract to jettison a spoiled brat is a huge step toward regaining their trust. You recognize your mistake and are willing to pay big bucks to make the fans happy.

San Diego could be a big-time winner here too.

Lackey had a 3.81 ERA for the Angels, a more than respectable mark for a pitcher who also averaged around 200 innings.

And Bud Black, the pitching coach who helped him find 8 years of success? He's now the Padres manager.

Moving to warmer climes of the west coast should help him too. Lackey has always pitched far better out west.


Moving from one of the biggest baseball cities in the country to one of the smallest markets should do wonders for him too. No one will analyze him. No one will ask questions about his divorce. Without pressure and scrutiny, Lackey might find himself again.


Moving from a hitter-friendly park like Fenway to the cavern of Petco? Moving from the heaviest hitting division in baseball (A-rod, Teixeira, Cano, Granderson, Reynolds, Longoria) to one of the lightest (ummmm.... Kemp?)? His ERA in San Diego could easily return to the mid 3's.

The Sox could finally be rid of a clubhouse cancer and get some fan respect back. The Padres could have a pitcher with a 3.81 west coast ERA for under $1 million a year. Win win.

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