List of top 100 performers in the game – MLB 2012 Update - Part 18
32. Jon Lester
Since bursting on to the Major League Baseball scene, Jon Lester has developed into one of the best southpaws in the game. Lester has been producing match winning performances since the start of his career. However, 2008 proved to be the breakout year for
him as he went on to secure an incredible 16-6 win-loss record in 210.1 innings in the Majors.
The starter pitched with great control and accuracy in the 2008 season as he posted an incredible 3.21 ERA and 5.1 WAR. However, his best performance of the season was recorded against the Kansas City Royals, as he pitched his first no-hitter of his career.
Lester continued to work hard in the following two seasons and he improved his K/9 from 6.50 in his rookie year to 9.96 in 2009 and 9.74 in 2010. It was a remarkable achievement by the left hander considering the kind of start he has made to his international
career. Playing his natural game freely, he helped the Royals secure memorable wins in 2009 and 2010.
Lester also suffered from cancer in his rookie year but he showed great determination, mental strength and belief to make a comeback in baseball.
"It’s almost embarrassing to be out in public and someone comes up to you and says, ‘My mother had the same thing you did.’ What do you say? I don't know what to say to make them feel better about their situation. When you're laying in bed at night, when
you're not doing anything, you think about it a little bit,” said Lester.
Lester was unable to perform to his immense potential in 2001 but he certainly didn’t pitch poorly. He ended the season on a low note as his forgettable September (5.40 ERA, 1-3) helped bring about Boston’s collapse. However, still only 27, Lester hasn’t
reached the peak of his career.
33. Mark Teixeira
A sensational 2009 with the Angels and the Braves was what Mark Teixeira needed to earn a huge eight year $180 million contract with the Yankees. The left handed striker displayed some high quality hitting in his very first year in the Bronx as he finished
in the top ten of the American League, hitting 39 home-runs with 122 RBI’s, .565 SLG and an impressive .948 OPS. In addition to his hitting abilities, the guy was brilliant in the fielding department of the game as well as he went on to win his third Golden
Glove Award.
However, since then Teixeira has gone cold as his batting average and OBP have declined considerably. In the 2010 and 2011 seasons, he posted an OPS over 50 points below his career average, which was a disappointing result for him. However, his defence was
as solid as before as he finished as the third best among all first basemen with an 8.6 Fld.
He will be looking to make the most of available opportunities in 2012 to change the course of his career. Considering the hitter friendly conditions of his home ballpark, it is likely that Teixeira will rediscover his lost form.
Continued in Part 19
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