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July 23, 2007
Jon Lester on his outing:
“It was really good. There were a lot of raw emotions and excitement. It’s just good to be back with these guys again.”
Lester on not dwelling on the past:
“I’m trying to put that behind me and move on. I want to focus on pitching and not worry about things, but right now I have to go back every three months and get that reality check. Hopefully we can put it behind us and win some games.”
Curt Schilling on Lester:
“We’re way beyond baseball stuff. Just to see him healthy again is awesome, but to go out and do what he did against that team is impressive. It’s been fun to watch. I’m just happy for him. I had a chance to stay in touch with him all winter, and during the season [in the minors], it’s been a long road for him. This was incredible. Proud, I guess, is the word I’d use.”
Lester on his offense giving him an early lead:
“That definitely helps. Our offense did an unbelievable job in that first inning and that eases any pitcher’s mind, getting four in the first. It makes it a little easier to go out and throw strikes.”
Lester on when tonight will sink in:
"Maybe in a day or two it’ll hit home this happened. Right now there’s just a lot of excitement and happiness.”
Manager Terry Francona:
"I'm impressed, proud, just a lot of adjectives. It was supposed to be his night and I think it was fitting he won the game."
Francona on early run support for Lester:
"It helps any pitcher. He gave up that two-run to Grady Sizemore (in the third) and then in in the next inning, it looked like he was fighting it. He looked a little uncomfortable, but as we've seen before he doesn't give in. He made pitches, and the guy who takes him deep, he gets him out. He gathered themself for another couple of good innings. He just competes and really keeps his composure."
Francona on Manny Delcarmen, who earned his first major-league save:
"It was great. We were going to go to Hideki Okajima (in the ninth) because Jonathan Papelbon had a long inning (26 pitches on Sunday at Fenway against Chicago), but anytime we can win and not go to those guys, I know a win is a win, but it's nice to be able to win games without leaning on them all the time."
Francona on Coco Crisp, who went 4-for-5:
"He looks good. He's taking some pretty healhty swings. He's not just hitting the fastball right now, he's hitting the ball all over the ballpark with whenever the ball is a strike. He's been squaring it up pretty good."
Former teammate Trot Nixon on Lester's return:
“I think it was good for a lot of people to see him back out there. Hundreds of thousands of people have gone through these disease, and there have been a lot of great stories out there, not just sports related but all throughout the world. He’s a real good kid and very respectful and so eager to learn. He’s got a great career ahead of him and to have this happen to him, and for him to battle and persevere it was good to see him out there.”
Posted by Joe McDonald 
at 11:07 PM | Permalink
wolf | July 23, 2007 11:49 PM link
Jon Lester has earned the right to a starting spot in the rotation as has Gabbard. Sorry but say hello to long relief Tim Wakefield.... don't think Franconia has the guts to do it, but that is what would be the best move for this team