Lackey’s Effect on the Starting Rotation

After the Red Sox announced their signing of John Lackey in mid-December, the starting rotation was immediately improved significantly. We all know of Lackey’s accomplishments with the LA Angels and his ability to perform at the highest level in pressure situations like the playoffs, but it is his competitive drive and effect off the field that will be the greatest addition to the Red Sox pitching staff.

Lackey has been likened to Josh Beckett in many ways, but the most important similarity is with their internal competitiveness. Beckett and Lackey pitch with the utmost intensity and determination and are always striving to be the best pitchers possible. Both fire-up their teammates by competing and pushing them to strive for perfection. The difference in 2010 is that they will be able to push each other.

The passion and focus Lackey and Beckett have will not only have an effect on each other, but also on the young pitchers in the rotation, Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz. As successful as Lester has been to this point in his career, he is still only 26 years old. Lester can learn and be motivated by Lackey’s approach to pitching and winning in high-pressure situations.

Buchholz has had well-documented struggles since pitching his no-hitter in 2007, mostly with his mental approach to the game. Lackey can teach Buchholz about how to approach the mound every time out and help guide him when he is struggling. By observing the internal competition between Beckett and Lackey, Buchholz can learn about mental preparation and intensity while on the mound, a quality that is difficult to teach and explain.

Too often team chemistry is overlooked as a key to success. Without team chemistry and a balance of veteran and younger players, a team will never reach the highest level possible and win a World Series. No one knows how the 2010 Red Sox chemistry will be, but with the addition of a few key veterans this off-season, primarily John Lackey, there certainly is a nice mix of ages and experience.

As the season progresses, keep an eye-out for the interactions between Lackey and the rest of the staff, because I have a feeling he will have a noticeable impact on those around him.