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However, two sources I spoke to -- one inside the clubhouse and one in management -- said Lester's comments only told part of the story. Their feeling is that the behavior of Lester, Josh Beckett, John Lackey and, on occasion, Clay Buchholz was irresponsible, occasionally reckless, and disrespectful to manager Terry Francona.
While trying to downplay the severity and scope of their actions, Lester admitted to the Globe that he should have spent more time in the dugout during games to show support. One of them agreed, though no one complained at the time, "Most guys didn't feel like they needed to say anything," he said. "They're veterans, big boys. No one should need to be babysat."
As to Lester's feelings that Francona no longer had authority over his team, neither source disputed that. They were, however, quick to note that the now-deposed skipper always treated his players as men and that, in the end, too many didn't return the favor.
While not naming names, this line from a player who asked to remain unnamed should tell the full story: "It was the guys who should know better, the guys who have been here and often benefited from Tito's softer hand. I mean, how many times [did] Tito defend you to the press or stick by you, and this is how [you] repay him? It's bull----."
CSNNE | Sources: Lester only told part of the story
Jon Lester's interviews yesterday with Peter Abraham and Gordon Edes did include some admission of guilt, but they were full of downplaying as well. Now we have more unnamed sources -- though CSNNE's Mike Giardi at least gives us some context that one is a player -- saying there's more to it.
It would be fun to guess who the player was, but there didn't appear to be enough context. Based purely on the phrasing, I'd throw Youkilis out there, but obviously that's a total guess.
I guess it's good that people are owning up to some things they did. This entire fried chicken and beer story is wildly blown out of proportion, but has reached a stage that it needs to be addressed anyway. The outrage (like in Shaughnessy's column) is really pretty silly at this point, but the team was a letdown and there are parts of it that will need to be addressed in the offseason.
It was most important, I think, to hear from Henry, who has a tendency to only speak when he's recently signed a nine-figure check for something shiny and new. I'll take comments from Lester too. The question is: How much more do you need? Shaughnessy is clamoring for public comments from Beckett and Lackey; I think I'm ready for the story to die. Let's just cut Lackey and move on. It's not all his fault, but wouldn't he be a good scapegoat?
CSNNE | Sox' focus on Cubs' McNutt slows negotiations | Sources: Epstein announcement several days away | Herald | Jon Lester accepts blame | John Henry a bumbling billionaire | Red Sox need to re-sign game's best DH | Report: Sox wanted Matt Garza | Negotiations between Cubs, Red Sox drag on | Globe | An important start | Confession fails to absolve | If no announcement today, then a delay | ESPNBoston | Jon Lester: We're good people | Source: Red Sox wanted Garza
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