New year, new Lester

MLB. A year of good health and prosperity has changed everything for Jon Lester.

The Sox lefty was still recovering from cancer and subsequent radiation treatments last spring, but this season the 24-year-old is emerging as a strong, young southpaw ready to make his mark in the big leagues.

“It is [a big season] for me,” said Lester. “The main thing for me is that I want to stay healthy, make all my starts and just go out and pitch.

“I can definitely tell when I throw my fastball [this spring] that I’ve got a little extra on it, and I just feel stronger.”

The southpaw added 10 pounds of muscle heading into this spring and gained strength and effectiveness with each passing start, though he’ll need to continue focusing on improved command and cutting down the bases on balls. 

Lester has developed so quickly that he’ll toe the rubber for the second game of the two-game series against the Oakland A’s in Japan on Wednesday morning, and he’ll be relied upon as a frontline starter for the Sox this season.

“Lester looks strong to me … he just looks like a big, strong man right now and that’s changed,” said Sox catcher Jason Varitek. “I wouldn’t say we’re looking for great things, but we’re looking for him to grow into who he is and that’s all. I don’t think we should put expectations on him, but just let him be who he is and he’ll be okay.”