Orioles fans are ecstatic about the Jon Lester signing

Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

If you were up at around 1 AM this morning like I was, you would have seen the breaking news that Jon Lester signed with the Cubs. Chicago is still seeking their first World Series since 1908 and the signing of Lester as their ace is a big step in the right direction. Lester agreed to a six-year, $155 million deal.

In 2014, Lester maintained a combined 2.46 ERA between Boston and Oakland with 220 strikeouts and only 48 walks. He also had a 1.102 WHIP [(BB+H)/IP].

The three-time All-Star had his best year this past season making him a valuable free agent acquisition this off-season. By signing with the Cubs, the Red Sox will be without their ace next season. This fact makes Baltimore Orioles fans extremely happy. Not only will they not have to face him during the 2015 regular season, but their AL East opponent, the Boston Red Sox, still have a lackluster starting pitching rotation.

When facing Lester, the Orioles bat .262/.320/.384 with only two home runs and 26 RBI. Matt Wieters seems to hit well against Lester. In 47 at-bats, Wieters hit .340 with four extra-base hits and 8 RBI.

Now without Lester, the Red Sox starting rotation looks like this:

1. Clay Buchholz
2. Joe Kelly
3. Rubby De La Rosa
4. Allen Webster
5. Anthony Ranaudo

None of these pitchers could be considered a certified ace. Although the Sox made some big name signings with adding some bats to the lineup, their pitching is looking inconsistent and will give up just as many runs if not more than they score themselves.