Jon Lester To Start Season Opener in Detroit

The biggest challenge Jon Lester will face in 2012 could come on the first day of the season. Lester was given the task that no pitcher wants, especially on Opening Day. He gets to face the reigning Cy Young Award winner and MVP in Justin Verlander.

The Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine made the official announcement this morning saying this..

“And the Opening Day starter is … Jon Lester in Detroit,” manager Bobby Valentine said Monday morning. “And the Opening Day starter is … Josh Beckett in Boston.”

Valentine didnt go as far as to say that Clay Buchholz will follow them as the third but if the righty doesnt have lingering effects from Sundays start it would make sense that he would be the third starter.

As for the fourth starter, it will likely be Daniel Bard or Alfredo Aceves dependent on the way the rest of the spring plays out. At this point it looks like Aceves’ versatility will play against him for the position.

The way the schedule falls, the Red Sox dont need to have a fifth starter until April 17th. Thats not to say that they wont have one but Bobby V could use the schedule to his advantage and allow the remaining pitchers some extra time to get stretched out and make their case. Aaron Cook could take advantage of the extra time to get into shape since he’s behind the rest of the pitchers.

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