kazuneko said:One of the worst sports days in a long time. Just don't get what the Sox are doing here. Craig was beyond brutal this year and is signed for pretty substantial money going forward. Would anyone even of claimed the guy on waivers? Sure he could bounce back, but how is a player like that the main piece the Sox get in return for Lackey? Kelly isn't horrible, but doesn't seem to have the upside that you would hope for in a trade like this. This team is gong to be horrible next season - and somehow, despite that, the main return they got for Lester was a player that they only will control for another year.
Lester would have walked for a sandwich pick and Lackey's trade value this winter would likely have been compromised by the hint of a holdout unless he got an extenion.
Power is at a premium right now and they picked up a MLB bat in Cespedes and a guy in Craig with tremdous upside if he gets healthy again.
Add in a few pieces over the winter and 'horrible' is by no means a predetermined outcome.