MESA, Ariz. -- Jon Lester used to scratch his head sometimes as he watched Joe Maddon from the other dugout when the two faced each other in the American League East for the Red Sox and Rays, respectively. Now, Lester is making suggestions for Cubs' dress-up days as he enters his fourth season under Maddon.
Lester, 34, who threw three innings against some Cubs Minor Leaguers early Saturday in his final tuneup for Opening Day, compared the Cubs' manager to former teammate John Lackey, who also is unique.
"You play against [Lackey] and guys don't like him," Lester said of his buddy.