Larry Lucchino regrets how Red Sox handled Jon Lester talks

How are the Boston Red Sox feeling after losing the Jon Lester sweepstakes to Theo Epstein and the Chicago Cubs? Not very good, according to team president Larry Lucchino. Speaking at the team's Christmas at Fenway event on Saturday, Lucchino was forthright and honest in sharing his disappointment with the team's efforts, stating that they "failed" in their pursuit and that he "had regrets" with how the process played out. From The Boston Herald: "We didn't succeed, so I don't give us a very good grade," Lucchino said. "We were trying, sincerely, to get him signed, and wanted him to come back here, but free agency is a special opportunity for a player, and it only comes up once or twice if you're lucky in your career. "We're disappointed, certainly have regrets here and there as to how it all went down, but right now I'm trying to focus on the future and want to express a sense of gratitude to Jon Lester for all he did for us, for the horse that he was for us so many years, a successful pitcher and person. I wish him luck. I'm glad it's in the other league and not our league. That's cold comfort, but some comfort." The biggest regret, of course, would be their initial lowball...