Jon Lester finally established his place in the grand scheme of Boston things during a breakout 16-victory season last year, and he wouldn't mind cementing his permanent place in Boston this spring.
The 25-year-old left-hander hasn't agreed to a one-year contract yet this season -- his last year under the complete control of the ballclub before arbitration kicks in next season. A potential long-term deal is something that's "been bounced around a little bit" by Lester and Boston's management team.
Lester's young teammates, Dustin Pedroia and Kevin Youkilis, have signed lucrative long-term contracts. He also has envisioned himself as someone who could be pitching from the Fenway Park mound for a long, long time.
Youkilis talked about potentially ending his career as a member of the Red Sox after signing his four-year deal, and Lester is another young player who doesn't seem to believe the grass is greener anywhere other than Fenway Park.
Pitching coach John Farrell has long believed that Lester has the ability to be a solid, dependable No. 2 starter for the next 8-10 years, and those don't exactly grow on baseball trees.
"It's one of those deals where hopefully when and if they approach me we can work something out to not only be a Red Sox for the next four or five years, but for my whole career," Lester said.
"I love playing here. I couldn't imagine being anywhere else, so hopefully we can get something done if they want to get something done. Then I can be here for a long time."
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