Who Would You Take?

JON LESTER or ANIBAL SANCHEZ

Last November the Marlins made Lester (left), a 21-year-old Double A lefty, their prime target in a deal that would send 15-game winner Josh Beckett to the Red Sox . After Boston balked, Florida agreed to take Sanchez (right), a 21-year-old Double A righty, and three other minor leaguers. Since debuting in the majors last month, Lester (5--0, 3.04 ERA at week's end) and Sanchez (3--0, 3.41) have thrived, and both had one-hit wins last week. Here's one NL executive's take: " Lester used to be a lot further along because Sanchez struggled through injuries, but Sanchez looks strong following Tommy John [surgery]. A confident kid who throws a mid-90s-mph four-seamer and a deceptive changeup with great control, he's been better than expected. [But] Lester , a tall, lefty strikeout pitcher, has excellent command and a fastball with filthy movement. He reminds me of Andy Pettitte ."

THE VERDICT: Lester .