Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here... highlighting the big storyline. Because there's nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
New general manager Ben Cherington dropped a bombshell during his introductory press conference yesterday, disclosing that right-hander John Lackey will undergo Tommy John surgery on his pitching elbow and probably miss the season.
No one ever wants to see a player hurt or cut open, but this could be a win-win for all involved.
[...]
From Lackey’s perspective, he gets a year away from the slings and arrows, a year to get his life in order — he’s reportedly in the midst of a divorce — and maybe even a year to assess the way he’s conducted himself since signing a five-year, $82.5 million contract.
If he comes back in 2013 as a calmer, less combative person, that’s all to the good. And if he regains the stuff that made him an All-Star and a proven playoff performer, even better.
“Aside from just getting healthy, there could be some benefit,” Cherington acknowledged after his press conference. “You’d have to ask John to get a better answer. He’s been going through a lot. I think he’s closer to resolving some of that stuff than he was a year ago. But maybe it is an opportunity for a fresh start physically and mentally.”...
Herald: John Lackey injury blessing in disguise
I can't stop thinking about John Lackey's surgery and I can't get this smile off my face. I want to write about him missing the 2012 season for the entire off-season.
John Tomase couldn't have said it better, this is a win-win situation. We don't have to see his mug on the mound and he gets to be away from all of this for an entire year. He can get his life back together and get his mind straight and maybe, just maybe, he will pitch better in 2013.
Cherington never spoke poorly of John Lackey during his press conference yesterday, and defended him as he spoke of the extreme circumstances he had to pitch through. Sure, he went through a lot and still came into work, so he ate and drank his pain away in the clubhouse.
The next step is finding 2 pitchers to fill the number 4 and 5 spots in the rotation for the lack of Dice-K (for part of the season) and Lackey. I don't think anyone cares that he will be paid $18 million to do nothing next season. As long as we don't see his face, everyone will be happy.
The rest of the links:
Herald: Ben Cherington bullish on Carl Crawford comeback | Globe: New Cub Epstein gets bear hug | Cardinals' Pujols has power to make in-game calls | ESPN Boston: Video: Theo's five minues on 'PTI' | WEEI: Why Terry Francona's depature from Red Sox ensured Theo Epstein would follow
Original Story:
