Jon Lester really wanted to impress his new organization.
Lester, who signed a six-year, $155 million contract with the Chicago Cubs over the offseason, started slow in his first season in the Windy City. The left-hander since has turned things around, but he admits the pressure of pitching under such a lucrative contract initially had a negative impact.
“At times, it’s a good feeling. At times, it can be that monkey on your back — especially early,” Lester said, according to the Providence Journal, after tossing a gem Monday against the Cleveland Indians.