Odds'n' Ends

Jon Lester was named Eastern League pitcher of the week after allowing just five hits with 12 K's in seven shutout innings against Trenton last week. Lester was the second consecutive Sea Dog to win the award. Jon Papelbon celebrated by being promoted to Pawtucket. Lester celebrated by outdueling himself, shutting out New Hampshire on just one hit in a seven-inning complete game on Monday, this time striking out 13 batters. The 13 K's were a personal best and tied the Sea Dogs record set by AJ Burnett in April, 1999. Note that Burnett pitched 9 innings in that game. It may just be a matter of time before Lester follows Papelbon to Rhode Island.

Here's an article from MaineToday.com discussing how Lester was discussed as an additional player in the failed Manny Ramirez for Alex Rodriguez trade during the 2003-04 offseason. That non-deal seems to have worked out OK for the Sox.

Finally, here's another MaineToday article, about All Star Jared "the Wicket" Sandberg, and his hopeful road back to the big leagues.