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Morning Marquee: Jon Lester sets the bar high for Cubs
By Jake Misener
The first few days of Spring Training has resulted in plenty of storylines around Major League Baseball, and for the Chicago Cubs, it was the determination of left-handed ace Jon Lester, who told reporters that the goal every season is the World Series.
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Lester, who spent last season with the Boston Red Sox and the Oakland Athletics, told members of the media that the goal has to be the Fall Classic every year; and that excuses cannot be given for anything short of that. This attitude has been lacking in the Windy City for some time and, given the team’s relative youth, Lester’s mindset and its importance cannot be overstated.
In other news around the league, Philadelphia Phillies left-hander Cole Hamels again told the media that he wants to win and is seeking a trade, but nothing appears imminent. The arbitration season is officially over – with the final case coming to a close on Saturday, and the Los Angeles Dodgers added yet-another rotation option in former Atlanta Braves right-hander Brandon Beachy.
One of the more eye-catching players to report this week is former top prospect Jesus Montero, who showed up to Seattle Mariners camp almost 50 pounds lighter than he finished the 2014 season, giving M’s fans reason to believe that he could still pay dividends after joining the organization in the trade that sent Michael Pineda to the New York Yankees.
Here’s more from around the league:
“Cubs’ Jon Lester has no time for excuses this spring” – Cubbies Crib
“PTBNL in Travis Snider trade announced Saturday” – Rum Bunter
“Yankees’ Teixiera focused on the season ahead” – Call to the Pen
“It’s safe to call Twins’ offseason a success” – Puckett’s Pond
“Jon Lester ‘likely’ to get the nod on Opening Night” – Cubbies Crib