Century clubber

Lester cracks 100 innings, but is shutdown looming?

Jon Lester is almost pitching too well for his own good.

The 24-year-old has finally developed into the front-line starter many hoped he would one day become, and worked into the seventh inning for the fourth consecutive start yesterday.

“You can’t argue with what good confidence can do for any pitcher,” said Sox pitching coach John Farrell. “The tempo gets quicker, and he’s not thinking about the negative aspects that might take place. He goes into every start now not only trusting his stuff, but knowing he has pitches to attack hitters.”

The impressive staying power displayed by the hurler has been something the Sox have needed all season long, as every other starter aside from Tim Wakefield has done time on the disabled list. Lester hasn’t missed a turn in the rotation, and became the first Sox pitcher to crack the 100 innings mark in yesterday’s win while continuing to make a case for a spot on the American League All-Star team.

“He’s grown,” said Sox catcher Jason Varitek. “He’s turned into a big boy for us over the last year. He’s starting to settle into a groove.”

However, that “big boy” has never pitched more than the 163 professional innings he totaled at four different spots on the Sox organizational chain last year (and the postseason), but is currently on pace for 211 innings this season.

The Sox front office avoids jumping innings pitched totals by more than 30-35 innings in a single season, so the young southpaw should be due for a breather in the near future.

“It’s something that we’re well aware of, and there’s already been internal discussions about [Lester’s innings], and when do we pick some spots to control that a little bit more,” said Farrell, who said Lester’s regular season innings limit was set at 185-190 innings prior to the season. “It’s a fine line because he’s pitching so well, and you don’t want to interrupt that.”