BOSTON -- Determined not to repeat the mistake they made with Jon Lester five years ago, Red Sox ownership on Monday voiced a priority to sign ace lefty Chris Sale to a long-term extension.
In Spring Training of 2014, Lester was entering his "walk year" and the Red Sox were fresh off a World Series championship. Lester had stated he would take a hometown discount, but Boston got negotiations off to a bad start with a four-year, $70-million offer that was nowhere close to market value.
So, here Sale is this spring, entering his walk year as the Red Sox are again coming off a World Series championship.