With the news coming out today that Josh Beckett's back is worse than expected, there may be a reason to pencil in someone else as the opening day starter. With Beckett and Schilling hurt, and Dice-K awaiting his second child, the duties of opening day starter could fall to Jon Lester. Now all reports are that Lester's fastball velocity has been there and that he has been commanding his fastball down in the zone. In his most recent start, his curve ball also had its moments... it's normal for a breaking ball to be behind the fastball at this point in spring training. There is also word that the Red Sox have told Lester not to use his cut-fastball yet so that he can continue to develop his other pitches.

If Lester is given the start it would be a full circle journey for a man who less than two years ago was diagnosed with cancer. That along with these promising scouting reports would make it the feel good story for the beginning of the 2008 season.

Now, back to Beckett: the pain is not related to a disk problem and the doctors actually thought he may feel worse today than yesterday. If Beckett just has to miss the trip to Japan, no harm there; however, if this becomes a season-long issue, we could be in for a rougher season than expected, Red Sox fans.