DeJesus Built My Hotrod said:Word. Ditto the idea that whatever offer was made was "insulting". I could see how Lester might be disappointed given that he seems to like Boston but there is no such thing as an insulting offer in business. The word is only used in posturing. And whether we like it or not, Lester is a business, man.
The problem with this argument is twofold:
1. There has been inflation in salaries since 2010. Even a modest 3% per year inflation turns 5/$85 into 5/$95. At a more reasonable 5% rate, that's 5/$103.
2. Lester at the end of 2013 was a materially better pitcher than Lackey at the end of 2009. So to start at Lackey numbers is disingenuous.
Insulting was probably too strong a word, but 4/$70 was a clear lowball, and I think it was a poor tactic. Lester was operating in good faith and put his cards on the table to say he was going to accept a reasonable offer. The Sox countered by trying to play hardball.