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Boston Red Sox Spring Training 2006 Report

A second rounder in the 2002 draft, Jonathan Lester, the 6-foot-4, 210-pound left-hander enjoyed a breakout season in 2005 as he went 11-6. An Eastern League end of season All-Star, Lester led the league in ERA (2.61) and strikeouts (163) at Double-A Portland.  He was also tapped as Boston's Minor League Pitcher of the Year. The accolades are a far cry from his place on the chopping block a few years ago when the Red Sox offered him up in the failed deal to send Manny Ramirez to Texas for Alex Rodriguez.

"He's made steady, methodical progress each step of the way,'' Cherington says. "He's getting close to the point where he's ready to contribute at the major-league level. And once he gets there, he has a great chance to stay.''

Lester, who turned 22 in January, throws two fastballs in the low 90s, a nasty curve and a changeup, but his greatest asset may be the space between his ears: He is light years ahead in terms of maturity.

"He understands what it takes to succeed, and he's very focused on what he wants to do,'' Cherington says. "He's very organized in his work detail.''

 

- Jim Mandelaro

Jonathan Lester | Dustin Pedroia | Jonathan Papelbon | Craig Hansen | Jacoby Ellsbury