Finally, The 2014 Season: Dr. StrangeLackey, Or How I Learned To Relax And Love The RHP With the Greatest Voice Ever

You may forgotten about Lackey's dulcet tones…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6mhmL6GEJw&feature=player_embedded

In 2013, the man with the golden throat was tough, resilient, and one of the damn best pitchers in the American League. It was a joy to watch him silence many of his harshest critics. He was outstanding in the regular season, and even better in the playoffs. So, why aren't more people excited about Lackey heading in to 2014?

Because for all that he did in 2013, what Lackey was not, throughout much of the season, was lucky.

Of the 36 pitchers who threw at least 180 innings in 2013, Lackey finished number 30 in run support, with  3.76 runs per game. In his his 29 regular season starts, the Sox were shut out on five occasions, including an embarassing 2-0 loss to the 111-loss Astros on August 5.

As a result, Lackey posted just a 10-13 record, despite his 3.52 ERA. We are moving ever closer to "Killing the Win," to quote Brian Kenny, but W's next to a pitcher's name still get attention (see: Schilling and Mussina Hall-of-Fame vote totals). Ryan Dempster, Lackey's teammate, posted an ERA more than a full run higher (4.57) than Lackey's, but still managed to win eight games with the help of the best run support in baseball (6.07 runs per game).

Despite the hard-luck run support, 2013 was Lackey’s best season since 2007, the year he won 19 games, led the league with a 3.01 ERA, posted the sixth highest WAR in the AL, and finished third in Cy Young voting.

Last season, Lackey’s 4.025 K/BB rate was good for the seventh in the league, while his career-best 1.152 WHIP was tenth best in the AL. His .244 Opponents Average was the lowest of his career, as was the .381 Opponents Slugging Percentage. The 161 K’s were Lackey’s most since 2007, and the 189.1 Innings Pitched were the second highest since 2007.

Man, wouldn't you love to hear the noise emanating from that laugh

During the postseason, he was 3-1 with a 2.77 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, and 25 K’s in 26 innings. Lackey out-dueled Justin Verlander with 6.2 innings of four hit, eight strikeout ball in Game 3 of the ALCS and posted a 2.57 ERA in three World Series appearances. His one inning scoreless relief appearance Game 4 helped even the series at 2-2 before he picked up the win in the decisive Game 6. In that game, Lackey allowed one earned run in a tough 6.2 innings, and he really wanted that last out of the seventh inning.

With two outs, runners on the corners, and Lackey's pitch count at 98, John Farrell came to the mound to remove Lackey. What transpired over the next 40 seconds - Lackey telling Farell "this is my guy," Farell leaving him in to face Matt Holliday, and 38,000 fans chanting "Lackey, Lackey" - seemed damn near impossible to imagine happening at any point from 2010-2012.

In fact, throughout 2013, Lackey never acknowledged the Fenway fans as he walked off the mound. Not a tip of the cap, or even a wave of his right hand. Personally, I do not think he's ever been crazy about Fenway or Sox fans. Three seasons of unrelenting boos and criticism, much of it unwarranted, will do that to a man. Hell, as a member of the Angels teams eliminated by the Sox in 2004, 2007, and 2008, Lackey once advocated for Fenway to be "blown up."

But on the night of Game 6, he finally tipped his cap in appreciation. It was a cool moment, and probably as much warmth as we'll ever get from Lackey. But honestly, though, who cares if Lackey loves the fans? I would rather have a pitcher who is honest about pitching for himself and the 24 other guys in the clubhouse, than hear the tired cliche or "doing it for the fans."

With that, we move on to 2014. As far as 2013, I say good for Lackey. Mahna Mahna.