Jon Lester led the Red Sox to World Series glory last fall, helping Boston top the Cardinals in six games.

Jim Davis/Globe Staff

Jon Lester led the Red Sox to World Series glory last fall, helping Boston top the Cardinals in six games.

Lester made his major-league debut in June 2006. Here, he?s shown in a game from July 2006.

Jim Davis/Globe Staff

Lester made his major-league debut in June 2006.

Despite a cancer diagnosis in 2006, Lester returned to pitch the clinching game of the 2007 World Series against the Rockies.

Stan Grossfeld/Globe Staff

Despite a cancer diagnosis in 2006, Lester returned to pitch the clinching game of the 2007 World Series against the Rockies.

The next season brought more accolades for Lester, including a no-hitter against the Royals on May 19, 2008.

Jim Davis/Globe Staff

The next season brought more accolades for Lester, including a no-hitter against the Royals on May 19, 2008.

Lester has gone 10-7 with a 2.52 earned run average in 21 starts this season.

Chris O?Meara/Associated Press

Lester has gone 10-7 with a 2.52 earned run average in 21 starts this season.

At 30, Lester leaves the Red Sox at the top of his game.

Jim Rogash/Getty Images

At 30, Lester leaves the Red Sox at the top of his game.

Jon Lester traded to Oakland

Lester is the centerpiece of a deal that also sends Jonny Gomes to Oakland, while Boston receives All-Star outfielder Yoenis Cespedes.

//c.o0bg.com/rf/image_90x90/Boston/2011-2020/2014/07/31/BostonGlobe.com/Sports/Images/2014-07-15T041818Z_1639108169_NOCID_RTRMADP_3_MLB-HOME-RUN-DERBY[1]--90x90.jpg Meet Yoenis Cespedes, new Red Sox outfielder

Cespedes, the two-time defending Home Run Derby champ, brings a big bat and a powerful right arm to Fenway Park.

The dark nights continued for the Red Sox as they lost again, swept by the Blue Jays on Wednesday.

Christopher L. Gasper

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As the state legislature wraps up its session today, several major proposals remain on the agenda.

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The fractured grocery chain said it would begin replacing employees unless they returned to their jobs next week.

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Johnny Depp captures the menacing tone of Whitey Bulger.

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The authenticity of the adaptation, which wraps filming in Boston Friday, is evident in moments big and small for Dick Lehr.

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The woman allegedly stole a firefighter?s wallet from his station while he was out battling a blaze in the town.

Opinion

Alex Beam

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Le Carré spotlights the Cold War, and by extension the US role ? and principles ? that were part of it.

BetaBoston

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The 140-character social network is riding high after a stronger than expected quarter.