Chicago Cubs: Jon Lester named NL Pitcher of the Month for June

The Chicago Cubs pitching staff had their moments during the month of June, but Jon Lester was a beacon of consistency as he claimed National League Pitcher of the Month for June.

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This time last year I was still trying to sell people on the

Chicago Cubs

signing of Jon Lester. Most were onboard, but when the results weren’t what many expected (that kind of money will do that), people started complaining that he wasn’t worth the money, that he can’t even throw to first base and that the Cubs were now saddled with that huge contract.

It’s amazing what a year and some comfortability can do for a guy. Lester was 4-0 for the month of June, posting a 1.41 ERA and 44 strikeouts against only seven walks in 44 2/3 innings. I don’t think many are questioning the status of Jake Arrieta as the team’s ace, even with his recent struggles with his pitch counts. But Lester has offered the Cubs “Ace 1a”, and they’ll need him in the second half as much as they needed him now.

Lester still isn’t throwing to bases. And no one is forcing him to. David Ross continues to be an impressive bit of support for Lester when he’s on the hill, and while teams are still getting their steals against him he minimizes the damage. So if it isn’t broke, why fix it?

Next: Cubs have the trade chips at their disposal

The Cubs will continue to ride the arms of Lester and Arrieta, and hope that John Lackey can continue his surprising start while hoping Jason Hammel and Kyle Hendricks will take a step forward and not back as they approach the second half. With Adam Warren preparing for a spot start or two before the All-Star break, the Cubs could have some options to not only help if someone falters but also to help protect the starters from getting burned out like they looked to have been last October.