Lester to Debut with Oakland on Saturday

Jon Lester was given his marching orders on the trade deadline Thursday by the Boston Red Sox.

The American League East club traded away their veteran ace to the AL West leading Oakland Athletics.

Lester upon his arrival in the Oakland clubhouse was greeted with hellos and handshakes from players, coaches and trainers.

One familiar face in the clubhouse was Curt Young has former Red Sox pitching coach now with the A’s.

On Friday, Lester arrived to join the winningest team in baseball, the low budget A’s, who have put their faith in him to become their instant ace in a rotation loaded with No. 1 starters.

Lester said leaving Boston was tough after spending so much time there. However, it was made easier he said by going from a team that is struggling to one that has the best record in the majors.

The A’s new southpaw who is 10-7 will make his debut with Oakland on Saturday against the Kansas City Royals. Over his past eight starts, Lester is 4-0 with an ERA of 1.07.

Lester was traded with Jonny Gomes an outfielder to Oakland for Yoenis Cespedes a power hitter.

Oakland lost on Friday to Kansas City 1-0, but Lester is looking forward to his Oakland debut. He is glad the uncertainty is over.

Lester said it was difficult having a family and not knowing where he would end up at the end of July.

The veteran Lester already knows Young and Gomes, and that should help him settle in as well.

The left-hander praised his new teammates for having great energy and playing the game correctly. He does not believe the club needs too much help as they already are leading the majors with the best record.

However, the A’s players and of course the front office believe the addition of the veteran southpaw hurler gives the club the best chance not only to win the AL West by winning the AL Pennant and playing in the World Series.

Gomes called Lester the hardest working player on the team in Boston and knows how much effort the lefthander puts into his workouts to stay in top form.

Gomes played for the A’s two seasons ago when they upset the Texas Rangers at the end of the season. He fit right back in and said it felt like he had never left the club.

The outfielder said he did not want to mix anything up or alter the current chemistry on the club, though he said he knows he can help the team.

Sam Fuld also rejoined Oakland after being traded from Minnesota only four months after beginning the season with the A’s.

Lester’s contract expires at the end of this season and will not rule out returning one day to play with Boston.

Lester praised the Boston organization and said he has nothing but good things to say about the 12 seasons he was there.

However, the task before him is to help his new team win the AL West, the AL Pennant and the World Series and then make a decision about his future.