Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Tonight’s opener of a three-game series against the Chicago White Sox is a big series for the Red Sox, who recently dropped to 5-8 after a 1-3 series loss in New York. However, this series also holds quite a bit of symbolic value to tonight’s starting pitcher in particular as Jake Peavy will take the mound for the Red Sox. Peavy was acquired in a three-team deal with the White Sox and Tigers at the trade deadline last year and will be making his first return to Chicago, and to U.S. Cellular Field, which he called home for nearly five seasons.
Although he dealt with many injuries during his tenure with the White Sox, his vigor and drive placed him as a fan favorite for several years. And though his time with the ChiSox marked his transition from the dominant power pitcher that he was in San Diego to the crafty veteran that he is today, his results in the windy city were generally good. Across parts of five seasons, he started 83 games and posted an even 4.00 ERA with an 8.0 K/9 and 2.2 BB/9.
Peavy really endeared himself to White Sox fans during the 2012 season which saw him go 11-12 with a 3.37 ERA and a 3.96 K/BB (the second-best mark of his career). After that season, Peavy signed a two-year extension with the ChiSox but saw himself in Boston by the end of the next season.
In his first taste of Boston, Peavy posted a 4.04 ERA in ten starts and his fire and enthusiasm fit perfectly into the “band of bearded brothers” which was the Red Sox’ clubhouse culture. In fact, just a few weeks after joining the team, Peavy purchased an indian statue from a cigar store which would all but ensure the Red Sox winning the 2013 World Series. He is off to a great start in 2014, with a 2.13 ERA through his first two games, and will be looking to prove himself against his former team. Expect to see his passion on full display in tonight’s game as he looks to serve as the stopper he was in his younger days against a team he served on in his younger days.