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Cubs’ Jon Lester getting to work early, already in Mesa
By David Miniel
We’re a little over two weeks away before pitchers and catchers are expected to report to their spring training facilities in either Arizona or Florida.
Some, not all, will pack up whatever belongings they need and head either east or west in order to get in some extra work. For the Chicago Cubs, this man just so happens to be one of their biggest free agent signings in two-time World Series champion Jon Lester.
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Lester, who resides in Atlanta, Georgia, informed fans via Twitter that he and his Father were packing up ‘the F-250’ and headed west to Mesa, Arizona. The spring training home of the Cubs.
Now Chicago’s new ace issued out this tweet on Jan. 29, so Lester should already be setting up shop in Mesa. Besides Chicago, Mesa will be another change of scenery for this veteran after reporting to Fort Myers, Florida as a member of the Boston Red Sox from ’06-’14.
Just a day prior to announcing his departure for Mesa, Lester and last years ace Jake Arrieta exchanged tweets.
Both expressed how excited they were to get to work after Arrieta mentioned that Lester’s new uniform number, 34, looked great on his brand new handle. After editing in his new uniform – Lester lost his Twitter verification mark but wasn’t necessarily worried about it.
I’m pleased to inform you all that it was given back to him.
There’s no doubt that this rotation, no matter who ends up filling in the last spot, has the potential to become one of the best in the league. Having a man who has experience pitching in the post-season will help motivate the rest of the guys who are responsible for recording outs on the mound.
He’s made a total of 14 playoff appearances with three coming in the World Series.
So if you live in, or plan on traveling to the Mesa area be sure to get to the facility early this season. We’re expecting this team to have a jam packed spring training before heading to Chicago for Opening Day on Apr. 5 against the St. Louis Cardinals.