To Lack? Or not to Lack? That is the question....

This has been a common mannerism for Lackey this season,
but not all is lost for this season.

Well for starters, that really ISN'T the question and for anyone calling for Lackey's head or his demotion to the bullpen, shame on you.  I'm not just saying that because of his fantastic outing this evening (7.2 IP, 8 H, 2 ER, 5 K, 1 RBI, no balls hit to Gonzo), but because of John Lackey the competitor.

Who is he?  Have you ever heard a Lackey press conference (aside from the "everything in my life sucks" one)?  The guy is a gamer, he has an urgency to his tone and his responses that screams, "I AM SICK OF BEING THE WEAK LINK HERE."  He wants to be out there. For the Angels, Lackey was the man, leading LA of Anaheim to a slew of AL West crowns and a 2002 World Series title.  What did that get John?  A 5 year, $82.5 million contract, that most players what sit on.  Not Lackey, who came into camp as a Sox rookie down a bunch of weight and ready to make a place for himself.  He went 14-11 in his first season, struggling at times, amassing 140 K's (his fourth highest career total) and a 4.40 ERA.

Now let's look at the signing at the time it occurred.  Who in Boston was upset at this?  Jason Bay supporters (cricket) (cricket).  Who would you rather have right now?  A potential top of the rotation guy?  Or a troubled and often injured left fielder?  I'll take Lackey anyday, especially in a day and age where pitching is at a premium and given the status of the current Sox rotation (Buchholz on the DL, Beckett just getting back, Dice K).  For God's sake, the headline on ESPNBoston.com was "Pair of Aces" when comparing Lackey and Beckett.  Did people think he would come in and be the #2 guy?  Yes.  Realistically, looking at a rotation of Beckett, Lester, and Buchholz emerging as a bona fide starter, combined with the AL West to AL East adjustment (underrated), the expectations were far too high.