Lester: Buchholz deal good for both sides

Prior to the Red Sox' series-finale against the Yankees, Jon Lester talked about the four-year, $30.5 million contract extension Clay Buchholz and the Red Sox agreed to. 

"We've got the core four guys for the same amount of time. It's good for both sides," said Lester of Buchholz' deal, which also includes two team options. "You don't have to worry about that spot anymore. It's one thing they have to worry about. It's one less thing he wants to worry about. He's financially set for the rest of his life."

The Red Sox now have Lester, Josh Beckett, and John Lackey under their control through '14, with the Sox possessing control of Buchholz's contract until after the '17 season.

Lester -- who signed a five-year, $30 million extension prior to the 2009 season while at relatively the same age (26) and experience level as Buchholz currently finds himself -- said he didn't talk to the righty throughout the negotiating process regarding the pros and cons of inking such a deal.

"That's hard to compare stuff like that. Different years. That was two years ago, so it's hard," Lester explained.

"It's not like you get that check and are automatically set just because you have it in the bank. You still have to go out and earn it and play. Obviously you're making plenty enough money when you're making big league minimum. But to have that in the back of your mind, saying, 'You know what, my family's good forever, and my kid's good forever if I'm smart about it.'"

Lester explained that there is a second part to the process after signing such a deal -- having to go out and perform and live up to expectations, although the lefty said that he adjusted to the pressures fairly quickly in that '09 season.

"I think at first it's one of those deals where, 'Now I have to earn it.' The next phase is going out and playing. That for me didn't last to long," Lester said. "It's a good thing for both sides."

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