Blogs

John Lackey

Pitcher
Position
P
Bats
R
Throws
R
 
  • Height: 6-6
  • Weight: 235 lbs
  • Born: Oct 23, 1978

  • Debut: June 24, 2002

SEASON

IPWSKERA

Newsbreakers

December 15, 2009

John Lackey's deal with the Red Sox has been delayed due to "contract language," according to the Boston Globe.

Our View:

The two sides are trying to work out language that would protect the Red Sox from a pre-existing medical issue. Lackey initially agreed to a five-year deal on Monday, and has made 51 starts over the last two seasons with the Angels.

December 14, 2009

Updating an earlier item, the Red Sox and John Lackey are said to be "in agreement" on a five-year, $85 million deal, with only a physical left to finalize the transaction, according to Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated.

Our View:

The Sox want to double-check on Lackey's shoulder and back, which have both been hurt in recent seasons, but otherwise, this sounds like a done deal. Now will the Sox go after Matt Holliday? Stay tuned.

December 14, 2009

Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated reports that the proposed deal John Lackey could soon be signing with Boston is for five seasons and $85 million.

Our View:

The deal is sounding like it is close to being finalized. If indeed it does get done, Boston would have an awfully formidable top of the rotation with Lackey, Josh Beckett and Jon Lester. Stay tuned.

December 14, 2009

Fox Sports has confirmed that free agent pitcher John Lackey underwent a physical on Monday with the Boston Red Sox.

Our View:

Ken Rosenthal believes he is close to an agreement with the team, and that it will be similar to the five-year, $82.5 million deal A.J. Burnett signed with the Yankees last offseson. Stay tuned for updates.

December 14, 2009

Ed Price of AOL Fanhouse reports that John Lackey is set to undergo a physical for the Boston Red Sox.

Our View:

While this does not necessarily mean a signing is imminent, it's certainly not a good sign for all the clubs pursuing Lackey. Expect updates to follow shortly.

December 10, 2009

The Mariners covet a starting pitcher, according to Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports.

Our View:

John Lackey, Doug Davis and Jarrod Washburn are all on Seattle's list of targets. Lackey has been linked to the Mariners, and would form a great tandem with Felix Hernandez at the top of the rotation if they can reel him in.

December 9, 2009

Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated noted that the Yankees remain interested in John Lackey even after re-signing Andy Pettitte.

Our View:

New York GM Brian Cashman was slated to meet with Lackey's rep today. The cross-town rival Mets are also believed to be a serious contender to land Lackey.

December 6, 2009

Free agent John Lackey is seeking more in years and average salary than the five years and $82.5 million A.J. Burnett got from the Yankees last offseason, according to Yahoo Sports' Tim Brown.

Our View:

It's not at all surprising to hear that Lackey wants more than that, and we'll have to wait and see if the 31-year-old actually gets what he wants. It seems realistic to expect Lackey's deal to be relatively similar to the one Burnett inked last year.

December 6, 2009

The Angels are reportedly making a "late push" to keep long-time ace John Lackey, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Our View:

The Mets and Yankees are reportedly in hot pursuit, as well, but if the Halos make a fair offer, Lackey could be inclined to stay with the only team he has ever known. A resolution could soon be coming as baseball's annual winter meetings fire up in Indianapolis.

December 5, 2009

Anthony McCarron of the New York Daily News states that the Mets may be a serious contender to reel in John Lackey.

Our View:

The cross-town Yankees are also high on Lackey, but the Mets have a more pressing need to add talent to their rotation. He dealt with an arm issue in 2009, but is still believed to get a $100MM deal.

December 5, 2009

The Yankees will be one of the teams in pursuit of a top starting pitcher this offseason, according to Fox Sports.

Our View:

That's good news for a guy like John Lackey, who tops the list of free agent pitchers and would benefit from the amount of wealth the Yankees could bring to a bidding war, while Rich Harden, Joel Pineiro and Randy Wolf could end up better off as well. We'll have to wait and see what happens, and re-signing Andy Pettitte remains New York's top priority, but don't expect the Yankees to stand pat just because they won the World Series last season.

December 4, 2009

The Angels "remain heavily in the mix" for John Lackey, according to Fox Sports.

Our View:

Lackey is drawing wide-ranging interest from all over the league, but has been an Angel all of his career, and it's not hard to believe that he would stay there as long as the team offered him a fair contract. Owner Arte Moreno is said to be impressed with the way he pitched last postseason, as well. Don't send him out of Anaheim (or Los Angeles) just yet.

December 3, 2009

The Mariners are interested in top free agent pitcher John Lackey, according to Fox Sports.

Our View:

But they may also decide to go the cheaper route, and sign former Cubs and A's pitcher Rich Harden. It hasn't been mentioned as a strong consideration of his, but you have to imagine it would be beneficial to Lackey to stay in the American League West. Stay tuned.

December 2, 2009

Gordon Edes of ESPN Boston does not believe the Red Sox are targeting John Lackey.

Our View:

Boston reportedly has more interest in Rich Harden and Kelvim Escobar, and also have some interest in Erik Bedard. The Angels offered Lackey, a Type A free agent, salary arbitration this week.

December 1, 2009

The Angels have offered salary arbitration to hurler John Lackey, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Our View:

Lackey is a Type A free agent. He could return to the Angels on a one-year deal, at a salary that could be determined by an arbitrator. The Nationals are among the teams that would reportedly chase Lackey if he does not re-sign with the Angels.

November 17, 2009

The Nationals are expected to make a move for hurler John Lackey, according to MLBlogs.com.

Our View:

The Nationals' top priority should be to improve their pitching staff, and Lackey would help the development of prized prospect Stephen Stasburg. It remains to be seen if Lackey would be interested in headlining with a non-contender though, like Washington.

November 13, 2009

The Red Sox met with hurler John Lackey's agent, according to MLB reporter Alden Gonzalez's twitter page.

Our View:

The addition of Lackey would make a strong Boston pitching staff even better. The Mets are also interested in Lackey, but may not have the funds to reel him in.

November 13, 2009

The Mets are "testing the waters" with premier free agent righty John Lackey, according to David Lennon of Newsday.

Our View:

There has been much speculation this offseason about whether or not the Mets have any money to spend, and getting Lackey would take a boatload of it. That being said, a Mets rotation that was blown to shreds in 2009 sure could use a boost from someone of Lackey's calbier.

November 11, 2009

Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com is reporting that the Angels still have interest in re-signing free-agent pitcher John Lackey. The Yankees are also said to be interested in the services of the big righty.

Our View:

the Angels want to make sure they have an ace for their 2010 rotation, so they aren't going to let Lackey go so easily. If they can't get a deal worked out, the team will likely turn their focus to potentially trading for Blue jays' ace Roy Halladay.

November 10, 2009

The New York Yankees could be willing to give top free agent pitcher John Lackey a contract similar to the five year, $82 million one they gave A.J. Burnett last offseason, according to Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated.

Our View:

Lackey is probably an all-around better pitcher than Burnett has ever been, but his asking price will likely be driven down by his recent injury history. The Yankees, who were exposed as having a rather thin rotation toward the end of 2009, have to be considered the favorites for his services.

October 25, 2009

Sports Illustrated's Jon Heyman does not believe that the New York Mets will pursue free agent pitcher John Lackey this offseason.

Our View:

Lackey's services will no doubt be in heavy demand after his solid postseason, and the Mets are supposedly more inclined to spend their dollars on an outfielder.

October 23, 2009

SNY speculates that John Lackey could end up on the Mets next season.

Our View:

The dominating Lackey would surely be a good fit in the pitcher-friendly Citi Field, but his preference could be to either stay in California or pitch in his native Texas. Wherever he ends up, as his performance in game five of the ALCS again proved, it won't be for cheap.

October 22, 2009

John Lackey was virtually untouchable for six innings on Thursday, but he ran into trouble in the seventh as the Angels let a four-run lead get away from them. The Angels came back and won the game, and Lackey finished with a no decision after pitching 6.2 innings and allowing three runs on six hits while walking three and striking out seven.

Our View:

It looked like the Angels were in big trouble when the Yanks put six runs up in the seventh to take a two-run lead, but the offense came back to deliver a 7-6 win. Lackey looked outstanding into the seventh, but the wheels started to fall apart a bit. The bottom line is, the Angels live to fight another day.

October 22, 2009

According to Jon Heyman of Sports Illustarted, the Los Angeles Dodgers are not optimistic about landing John Lackey, or any other front-line starters, this offseason.

Our View:

It was painfully obvious in the NLCS that the Dodgers had no stopper, and Lackey would no doubt be a great fit. But he has made it clear that he is looking for top dollar, and that is something the Dodgers rarely dole out.

October 18, 2009

The Journal News is reporting that the Angels will not pitch Game 1 starter John Lackey on short rest in this series. The team will stick with their four-man rotation regardless of the status of the series.

Our View:

The Angels have a deep starting rotation, and they feel like Scott Kazmir, who has had success in his career in his career against the Yanks, can get the job done. This seems like the right move for the Halos, especially considering Lackey's struggles in his Game 1 start.

October 16, 2009

John Lackey gave up four runs (two earned) on nine hits over 5.2 innings in Friday's 4-1 loss in Game 1 of the ALCS at New York. He had three walks and three strikeouts.

Our View:

Lackey struggled in the hostile environment at Yankee Stadium. Joe Saunders will try to fare better as Saturday's starter in Game 2.

October 14, 2009

As expected, John Lackey has been slated for Game 1 of the ALCS against New York, according to the Associated Press.

Our View:

The series will start Friday at Yankee Stadium. Lackey led the Angels to a win in Game 1 of the ALDS against Boston, and he is 3-3 with a 3.02 ERA over 12 career playoff games (10 starts).

October 13, 2009

MLB.com is reporting that John Lackey is likely to be named the Game 1 starter for the Angels in the ALCS. Lackey would likely face off against Yankee ace CC Sabathia in the game.

Our View:

This series looks like it has the potential to be a classic, and Lackey vs. CC will be an excellent way to start it off. Beating Sabathia may be a key to this series for the Halos, as he is really the only reliably dominant starter in the Yanks' rotation.

October 8, 2009

John Lackey pitched 7.1 scoreless frames and powered the Angels to a 5-0 win on the ALDS opener on Thursday.

Our View:

Lackey allowed just four hits and fanned four against one walk. All four hits allowed were singles and he kept the Red Sox off balance and powerless all game. This will likely earn the pending free agent some extra cabbage when the offseason roles around.

September 27, 2009

John Lackey got smoked by the A's on Saturday. He allowed six runs on ten hits and a walk over just five innings as the Halos fell 15-10 in an all-out slugfest.

Our View:

Lackey didn't take the loss in this one, but he certainly deserved to. He's falling apart down the stretch (ten earned runs in his last 11 innings), which is bad news for the Angels playoff hopes and Lackey's wallet. He'll be a free agent at the end of the season.

September 20, 2009

John Lackey wasn't sharp on Sunday, allowing five runs in just six innings pitched, but still improved to 11-8 on the season after getting seven runs of support while he was in the game. The Angels won 10-5 in Texas.

Our View:

In 25 starts in 2009, he now has a 3.56 ERA.

September 15, 2009

John Lackey gave up three runs (two earned) on eight hits over 7.2 innings in Tuesday's 4-1 loss at Boston. He had three walks and fired six strikeouts.

Our View:

Lackey had a decent outing, but was dealt a loss due to poor run support. He allowed one or less earned runs in each of his previous three starts heading into tonight, and was coming off a complete game shutout against Seattle.

September 11, 2009

John Lackey went the distance on Thursday night against the Mariners. He tossed nine scoreless innings to earn his tenth victory and first shutout of the season.

Our View:

Lackey held Seattle to just five hits and one walk on Thursday and fanned seven Mariners. He has now gone at least eight innings in his last three starts, including nine in each of his last two, and has only surrendered one run over the entire stretch.

September 5, 2009

John Lackey only surrendered one earned run on six hits over nine innings in Saturday's 2-1 win at Kansas City. He had no walks with four strikeouts.

Our View:

Lackey pitched great tonight, but was dealt a no-decision as the game went 11 innings. He only allowed one earned run over his last two starts (17 innings).

August 30, 2009

John Lackey earned his 100th career win with a marvelous performance against the A's on Sunday. He tossed eight innings allowing just five hits, two walks and one unearned run. He fanned five in the 9-1 drubbing of Oakland.

Our View:

Lackey needed a positive outing after allowing 11 runs in his last 11.1 innings (spanning two starts). Prior to that sloppy stretch he had rattled off seven quality starts in a row. Congrats to John on getting it done Sunday and earning number 100. The pending free agent will surely get some attention in the offseason.

August 20, 2009

John Lackey was lit up for six earned runs on six hits over 5.1 innings in Thursday's 11-3 loss at Cleveland. He had four walks and three strikeouts.

Our View:

Lackey was dealt his sixth loss of the season for his poor outing. He allowed two or less earned runs in six of his previous seven starts, and should be able to bounce back fine.

August 15, 2009

John Lackey was in control from the hill in Saturday's 5-1 win at Baltimore, as he only issued one earned run on seven hits over seven innings. He had one walk and six strikeouts.

Our View:

Lackey improved to 8-5, and trimmed his ERA to 3.73. He has allowed two or less earned runs in six of his last seven starts, and should remain a reliable fantasy starter.

August 9, 2009

John Lackey allowed four runs (two earned) on eight hits over 6.2 innings in Sunday's 7-0 loss to the Rangers at Angel Stadium. He had two walks and fired eight strikeouts.

Our View:

Lackey suffered his fifth loss of the season, and is winless over his last two starts. He went 5-1 with a 2.70 ERA over six starts in July, and should be able to bounce back fine.

August 4, 2009

John Lackey gave up four runs (three earned) on five hits over eight innings in Tuesday's 5-4 loss at Chicago. He had two walks and fired seven strikeouts, and allowed two homers.

Our View:

The game was tied at 4-4 when Lackey exited, so he ends the night with a no-decision rather than a loss. He was riding a four-game winning streak heading into tonight's battle.

July 29, 2009

John Lackey only issued one earned run on three hits over seven innings in Wednesday's 9-3 win over the Indians at Angel Stadium. He had four walks and racked up eight strikeouts.

Our View:

It was a strong outing for Lackey, despite the four free passes. He has earned a win in four straight starts, and improved to 7-4. He is two wins away from 100 for his career.

July 19, 2009

John Lackey moved to 5-4 with his outstanding performace on Sunday in the Angels' 1-0 victory over the A's in ten innings. Lackey went nine scoreless while allowing three hits, walking one and striking out six.

Our View:

This was the John Lackey fantasy owners expected when drafting him before the season started. While he has been average at best so far this season, he looks to be completely healthy now and fantasy owners should expect a much better second half from the Angels' ace. This outing may have been against the mediocre A's offense, but allowing only three hits in nine innings against any major league team is impressive.

July 12, 2009

John Lackey picked up his fourth win of the season on Sunday by holding the Yankees to just two runs on six hits and three walks over seven innings. He fanned six in the Angels tight 5-4 victory.

Our View:

Since returning from injury in mid May, Lackey has been mediocre at best. He's shown flashed of brilliance and effectiveness, but has been knocked around more than he's dominated. Hopefully Sunday's solid outing gets him back on track.

July 8, 2009

John Lackey got lit up on Tuesday after pitching his best game of the season last Thursday. The burly righty allowed six earned runs in just 4.2 innings of work as the Rangers routed the Angels 8-5 in Anaheim.

Our View:

Lackey appeared to have turned a corner after his eight-inning performance against the Orioles last Thursday, but looked awful on Tuesday. He now has a 5.18 ERA and ugly 1.47 WHIP through 66 innings pitched this season.

July 2, 2009

John Lackey had his best outing of the season on Thursday, throwing eight strong innings, striking out seven and surrendering just two earned runs, as the Angels beat Baltimore 5-2.

Our View:

Lackey is slowly getting back on track after a bad start to his 2009 season. He should now be safe to pencil into your starting lineup without fear of him getting bombed from here on out.

June 27, 2009

John Lackey was excellent in a no decision in the Angels' 2-1 win over Arizona on Saturday, going seven innings without giving up any earned runs (one unearned) off five hits and three walks while striking out nine.

Our View:

The start was Lackey's best of the season and it looks like he could be turning things around having made it through the seventh inning in three-straight starts after struggling initially upon coming off the DL in mid-May.

June 21, 2009

John Lackey was roughed up for four earned runs on nine hits over eight innings in Sunday's 5-3 loss to the Dodgers at Angel Stadium. He issued four walks with five strikeouts.

Our View:

Lackey now has a losing record at 2-3, and his ERA climbs to 5.83. He is also 1-2 with a 5.67 ERA over four starts in June. Hopefully Lackey can get back on track soon, and he is worth keeping employed in fantasy lineups.

June 19, 2009

According to Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated, the Angels are "worried" about ace John Lackey.

Our View:

Lackey has an unsightly 6.10 ERA in seven starts since returning from the disabled list on May 16 and has thrown only one quality start. However, he did strike out ten Giants in his last start, so he might finally be headed in the right direction.

June 16, 2009

John Lackey allowed three earned runs on 10 hits over seven innings in Monday's 9-7 win at San Francisco. He issued no walks and racked up 10 strikeouts.

Our View:

Lackey evened his record to 2-2 for the season, and ended a four-game skid without a win. He also reached double digits in strikeouts for the first time.

June 10, 2009

John Lackey got roughed up by the Rays on Wednesday. The Angels ace lasted only five innings as he gave up eight earned runs on 11 hits and two walks.

Our View:

This was Lackey's worst outing of 2009. He has not looked particularly good in any of his five outings but we still have faith that he will be a valuable pitcher before it is all said and done this season. It may be a very good time to buy low on Lackey.

June 4, 2009

John Lackey was impressive in his start on Thursday afternoon as the Angels beat the Blue Jays 6-5. Lackey went seven innings and allowed two runs on seven hits while walking three and striking out six. He did not factor into the decision.

Our View:

Much better start for Lackey today, but his bullpen couldn't finish it off for him. Lackey lowered his ERA from 6.05 to 5.19 with today's start, and hopefully for Lackey owners he makes this the rule rather than the exception.

May 29, 2009

John Lackey allowed five runs on ten hits and two walks over seven innings on Friday night. He fell to 1-1 on the season as the Mariners topped the Angels 5-2.

Our View:

Lackey has not been good since returning from the DL. He has only one quality start in his first three outings and owns a 6.05 ERA. Don't give up on him yet though, as he is extremely talented and is likely to bounce back.

May 23, 2009

John Lackey will be closely monitored during his start against the Dodgers tonight, according to the Los Angeles Daily News. He fired 82 pitches in his first full start of the season since coming off the DL with a strained right forearm.

Our View:

It may take some time before Lackey starts pitching like an ace again, but is still worth employing in fantasy lineups right now - as long as fantasy owners temper their expectations.

May 19, 2009

John Lackey managed 82 pitches in his second start of the season as the Angels defeated the Mariners 10-6 on Monday. He allowed seven hits and five runs, four of which were earned. He also struck out three and walked none in his five innings of work.

Our View:

Lackey wasn't particularly impressive tonight, but he did manage a win. Expect him to improve in his next outing. Lackey is normally good for a quality start, and we expect nothing less than those from him going forward.

May 17, 2009

The AP reports that the Angels have announced that John Lackey will start on Monday when the Angels take on the Mariners. He started on Saturday against the Rangers, but was ejected after throwing just two pitches.

Our View:

This is good news for Lackey owners as he will now probably make two starts this week. Expect him to last substantially longer and come back more focused after his embarrassing ejection.

May 17, 2009

John Lackey could pitch Monday at Seattle after only throwing two pitches prior to be being ejected in his season debut Saturday against Texas, according to the Associated Press.

Our View:

His first pitch Saturday went behind Ian Kinsler's head, while the second struck Kinsler in the ribs. Lackey will be replacing Matt Palmer if he pitches Monday. Lackey originally was not scheduled to pitch again until Thursday.

May 16, 2009

John Lackey made his 2009 debut on Saturday, and it only lasted two pitches, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. He didn't hurt himself, but instead he got ejected after throwing the first pitch past Ian Kinsler's head and the second straight into Kinsler's back. He was replaced by Shane Loux.

Our View:

Lackey may have been wild since it was his first start, or he may have been sending a message to Kinsler after Kinsler launched two homers on Friday night. Either way, Lackey left after his two pitches. On the bright side, today acted like another bullpen session, so he should be good to go in his next start.

May 13, 2009

John Lackey, who has been recovering from a strained forearm muscle, is set to make his first start of the season Saturday against the Rangers, according to the Orange County Register.

Our View:

Lackey is capable of being an ace pitcher when healthy, but fantasy owners may want to see how he fares in his first game back before penciling him into lineups.

May 11, 2009

John Lackey had a successful rehab start at Triple-A on Sunday and has declared himself ready to make his season debut for the Angels on Friday against Texas, according to the Orange County Register.

Our View:

Pitching at Texas isn't exactly the greatest venue for a debut, and thus it may be best to see how Lackey fares in his first start before starting him in your fantasy lineup, but it certainly comes as great news that the wait is nearly over for Lackey owners who drafted the Angels right-hander to be an ace for their fantasy staff.

May 6, 2009

John Lackey threw 4.2 innings on Wednesday during a rehab start at Triple-A and he thinks that he will be ready to return from his wonky elbow after only one more minor league appearance, according to MLB.com. "If the next one goes OK, and I go up to 75 or 80 [pitches], I think I'll be ready to go."

Our View:

Both Lackey and Ervin Santana are closing in on a return to the starting rotation for the Angels, so continue to hold fast if you have been waiting. If everything goes to plan, Lackey appears likely to return to action on May 15th against the Rangers.

April 30, 2009

The Orange County Register reports that John Lackey will make a start at Triple-A on Tuesday as he continues to work his way back from right elbow inflammation. He will make two or three starts prior to joining the Angels rotation.

Our View:

The time line for Lackey is two weeks, barring any setbacks. We expect him to have another strong season in 2009 as he knows how to work deep into games, limit his walks, and get strikeouts in double play balls as he needs them.

April 29, 2009

John Lackey (elbow) will throw roughly 45-to-50 pitches in an extended spring training game on Thursday, the Los Angeles Times reports. He tossed 30 pitches when he worked on Saturday.

Our View:

Lackey could being a minor league rehab assignment next week. We would expect him to make two or three starts in the minors before moving back to the majors.

April 25, 2009

MLB.com reports that John Lackey looked sharp while using 30 pitches to complete two innings in an extended spring training game on Saturday. He is trying to return from a strained right forearm.

Our View:

Lackey will throw again on Thursday. If all goes well, look for him to start his rehab assignment in a little more than a week. The Angels want to have his pitch count up to 90 before bringing him back, so it could be another three weeks before he returns to action.

April 25, 2009

John Lackey continues to look sharp in his rehab from his elbow injury, according to the Orange County Register. He will throw on Saturday, and if that goes well he will be one step closer to making a minor league rehab appearance.

Our View:

The plan calls for Lackey to make one more appearance in extended spring training before moving on to a minor league rehab appearance. Barring a setback, he is on track to return to the Angels by mid-May.

April 16, 2009

John Lackey threw a 45 pitch batting practice session on Wednesday, according to the Los Angeles Times. The starter has been sidelined since late March with a forearm strain. He did say afterwards that he is still "feeling something" in his elbow, but that it was a fairly common sort of pain that pitchers deal with.

Our View:

The fact that he went down with a forearm injury and is now feeling pain in his elbow is something to raise an eyebrow at. He hopes to start a minor league rehab assignment next week and be back in the rotation by early May, but don't be shocked if there is a set back or two. Keep an eye on his performances in the minors to see if his effectiveness drops at all.

April 13, 2009

John Lackey continues to recover well from right elbow inflammation, according to the Orange County Register. He threw a bullpen session Sunday, light throwing from the mound with the catcher standing up in front of home plate. Lackey said, "It feels good. Arm strength was not an issue. It was just getting that little monster out of there (referring to the inflammation)."

Our View:

Lackey had worked his way up to 90 pitches in his last spring start when the arm ailment creeped up. He is hopeful that he could start a rehab assignment after just two or three bullpen sessions. He looks to remain on pace to return in late-April or early-May, and the Angels' ace hurler should be stashed in mixed leagues.

April 7, 2009

John Lackey, who is recovering from right elbow inflammation, played catch for around 10 minutes during yesterday's pregame warmup, according to the Orange County Register. He said, "I would not say there was no pain, but it felt good enough to keep going."

Our View:

Lackey could return in late-April or early-May. He is the Angels' top pitcher when healthy, and is worth stashing in mixed leagues.

April 3, 2009

John Lackey, who is recovering from right elbow inflammation, is hoping to start a throwing program Monday, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Our View:

Barring a setback, Lackey is expected to be back by the end of April or early-May. Lackey is the "ace" of the Angels' rotation when healthy.

March 30, 2009

The Angels are encouraged by John Lackey's latest MRI on his ailing right elbow, according to ESPN. They are working to get the inflammation out of his elbow, and the injury is not as significant as the one he suffered last season.

Our View:

The club expects Lackey to return to the hill by the end of April or early-May. Lackey is a risky fantasy option, but is a strong starter when healthy.

March 28, 2009

Angels hurler John Lackey received a cortisone shot in his ailing right elbow, according to the AP.

Our View:

Lackey will be out until the pain in his elbow subsides. It's possible he'll return in two weeks if that happens.

March 26, 2009

According to the LA Times, contract extension talks have halted between John Lackey and the Angels. The pitcher is seeking five years and $80-90 million. He has set Opening Day as a deadline for the deal to be completed.

Our View:

This isn't good for Lackey, who was just shut down with elbow tightness. It looks like he may soon be the most attractive free agent pitcher on the market. Assuming, of course, that the elbow doesn't turn into a huge issue.

March 25, 2009

John Lackey may not be ready to pitch on opening day as he is being shut down with elbow tightness, according to the LA Times. Lackey said, "I do not think it is serious. I could have played catch today, but they wanted me to wait another day. It is a little different than last spring. It is not that bad."

Our View:

Lackey was not sent for an MRI exam, but he is not slated to pitch again until April 1, giving him nine days between starts. How many pitches he throws that day, and how he feels afterward, will decide whether he will be able to take the hill for the season opener.

March 22, 2009

John Lackey allowed 10 hits, four home runs, a walk, and seven earned runs over four innings in Sunday's 18-12 win over the Royals.

Our View:

Lackey allowed just one home run over his first 14 innings of the spring, but clearly his pitches were coming in fat today. We feel the veteran was "just getting his work in" and that he should remain a solid fantasy option in 2009. He is no stranger to terrible outings such as this one, but more often than not he will deliver a quality start.

March 17, 2009

John Lackey had a strong start on Tuesday going five innings and allowing only one run. He didn't walk a man and allowed just three hits, but did not receive a decision.

Our View:

This is a good sign for Lackey who has struggled this spring. The Angles and fantasy owners are counting him to be a top fantasy starter.

March 6, 2009

The Los Angeles Times reports that the agent for John Lackey met with general manager Tony Reagins Friday to possibly discuss a contract extension for the coveted starting pitcher.

Our View:

Lackey, who is 91-63 with a 3.81 ERA in six-plus seasons, had his option for 2009 renewed by the Angels, but wants to get an extension done by the start of the 2009 regular season.

March 2, 2009

John Lackey retired all six Rockies hitters that he faced in the Angels 12-3 win on Monday, according to the AP. He struck out one hitter. Lackey says that he focused his offseason on strengthening his elbow and shoulder as a preventative measure. "I have not felt any pain going back to last spring," the right-hander said.

Our View:

Lackey's stuff is far from superior, but it is good. He throws a ton of strikes and he should be in line to eat up another 200 innings or so this season.

February 18, 2009

John Lackey is disappointed he will not be participating in the World Baseball Classic, according to the Orange County Register. He missed the start of last season with a strained triceps, which allowed the Angels to hold him out of the tournament. Lackey said, "Tony Reagins called me in and talked to me face to face which was cool. Obviously, I was willing to take that risk of injury. They were not real excited about having me do it and I understand where they were going. I guess we just agreed to disagree."

Our View:

Lackey remains an injury risk and has been losing pitching velocity on his fastball, but is still worth drafting as a No. 2 fantasy hurler.

February 18, 2009

The Angels hope to begin contract negotiations with pitcher John Lackey in the near future, the Los Angeles Times notes. Lackey is in the last year of his contract. "It's something I'd rather do before the season started," Lackey says. "I wouldn't want it to drag into the season." The Angels signed Ervin Santana to a four-year extension over the weekend.

Our View:

We're surprised the Angels didn't try to get something done over the winter. Lackey won't get a CC Sabathia-like deal, but there's no reason he should settle for anything less than an A.J. Burnett-level contract. He is only 30 and has been a proven workhorse. The Angels would be wise to sign him after he had some arm injuries in 2008. A healthy 2009 will only drive up the price tag.

January 12, 2009

The Associated Press reported Monday that Angels manager Mike Scioscia signed a 10-year extension with the club last week, which would keep him with the team through the 2018 season. He has been with the team since the 2000 season.

Our View:

Scioscia is often viewed as one of the best managers in the majors. He has won the AL West four times in nine years and won the wild card, World Series, and AL Manager of the Year in 2002, so it's not hard to see why they want to keep him around.

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