Dec. 07--John Lackey's big-game reputation still resonates with his original team -- the Los Angeles Angels.
A team official marveled this weekend over the determination and effectiveness of Lackey, 37, who agreed to terms on a two-year, $32 million contract with the Chicago Cubs that will become official once he passes a physical examination.
Lackey was a rookie in 2002, when the Angels trailed the San Francisco Giants 3-2 in their best-of-seven World Series and faced a dilemma if the series stretched to seven games.
The Angels' staff decided to go with Lackey over Ramon Ortiz, who won 15 games that season and was more rested after pitching five innings and winning Game 3.
The plan crystallized after the Angels rallied to win Game 6 and stuck with Lackey even though he threw 95 pitches and five innings in Game 4 and was starting on three days' rest in the deciding game of the Series.
"We felt very good about John on three days' rest," said the Angels' official, who wished to remain anonymous. "That shows what we felt about his poise and makeup."
Lackey, who was 9-4 in 18 starts during his rookie season, responded by limiting the Giants to one run on four hits in five innings of a 4-1 win that gave the Angels their only World Series title.
"That shows what he was all about," the official said.
