April 24--PITTSBURGH -- Despite his World Series success and six-year, $155 million contract, Jon Lester admittedly is a slow starter.
With his "dead arm" period now more than a month in the past, Lester is ready to move ahead as he takes the mound for the Cubs on Friday night against the Reds.
"Some guys start fast and finish terrible," said Lester, who has a career era hovering just above 4.00 before June. "And other guys start slow and finish good. I'd rather be the (latter). That's what you play for -- the end of the year. (But) obviously everyone wants to get off to a good start. I've always been kind of a slow starter, for whatever reason.
"I would have liked these (first) three starts to go a little different than what they have, but you can't go back. I have to keep looking forward to the next (start) and continue to build. That's all you can really do."
Lester, who is 0-2 with a 6.89 ERA in three starts, historically has pitched his best toward the end of the season. Lester has a 24-11 record and 3.20 ERA in September and October. Lester's worst month has been in May, in which he has a 4.05 ERA.
Socially speaking: Manager Joe Maddon said the profanity-laced tirade of the Reds' Bryan Price can happen to anyone.
Maddon seemed more concerned about the effect social media has on baseball and society.
"I don't know if that's going to keep getting bigger, honestly, or is it going to become less," Maddon said. "At some point, it's oversaturated with nonsense. ... I don't really want to know about everyone else's thoughts all the time."
Maddon said he opened a Twitter account with the Rays to promote the team.
"It never was a self promotional situation," Maddon said. 'There are so many ways to become more powerful, in a sense. It's kind of weird. I'm all about change and progress, but I don't know if this is a better way."
Baez back: Infielder Javier Baez reported to Arizona for extended spring training. Baez was on bereavement leave from Triple-A Iowa for two weeks after the passing of his 21-year-old sister Joely.
