Justin Masterson

Continue reading "Red Sox continue to steal away Yanks' future"

Upon seeing Justin Masterson pick up his first Major League victory the day after Jon Lester pitched his no hitter, it got me thinking about the Red Sox’ non-trade for Johan Santana. Both Lester and Masterson were prominent names in the trade talks, along with Jacoby Ellsbury and Jed Lowrie (Clay Buchholz was deemed completely off limits). There was much debate over whether or not Boston would be better off going with the proven All-World pitcher in Santana, or sticking with the young prospects on the belief that they would develop into the prominent pieces of a championship franchise that they were projected to be. So often both front offices as well as fans fall in love with prospects who have never even played a Major League game based solely on their advertised potential. Almost as often, this ends up being an irrational love affair that falls short just as it has in the past with the likes of Brian Rose, Dernell Stenson and Steve Lomasney (anyone remember these guys?). In this case, Boston’s decision to hang on to its young talent has so far worked out very well to start the season.

Continue reading "Looking In On The Players Involved ..."

Yesterday Justin Masterson delivered just what the Red Sox needed: relief. Well sort of. For a team that has been ravaged by the flu and already had to scratch Josh Beckett and Daisuke Matsuzaka from scheduled starts, they badly needed some one to step in and give them quality innings, especially after spot David Pauley in a spot start and Jon Lester who pitched on three days rest failed to do so.

Continue reading "Get Masterson in the Bullpen, Now!"

Justin Masterson

Masterson is Boston’s most major league-ready pitcher. Primarily a starter in college and the minors, there is hope that he can start in the majors, though his future most likely projects to the bullpen. Masterson throws from a three-quarters arm slot and generates a lot of sink on his fastball which he throws in the high 80's to low 90's, resulting in a lot of ground balls. His out pitch is a plus a slider, however, his changeup has been slow in developing. We will definitely see him out of the Boston bullpen this season.

Continue reading "Boston Farm System Still Flush With Prospects"