Along with Rubby De La Rosa, Allen Webster was the first of the “prospect hurlers” to be dealt away by the Sox. Obtained from the Dodgers in the 2012 megatrade, Webster pitched well at Pawtucket the last two years but was wildly inconsistent at the big league level.
Nearly everyone who saw Webster pitch was impressed by his stuff. Signed by LA in 08, the 24-year-old pitched well in every level of minor league competition. In 7 seasons, he went 46-33 with an ERA of 3.40. His ratio of hits to innings pitched and walks to strikeouts were also very good.
Webster may have fallen victim to what may be called the Calvin Schiraldi Syndrome. Referring to the infamous righty reliever who became notorious in the 86 World Series, it denotes a hurler who has the skills but lacks the toughness to compete. Often when he pitched, Webster projected a “deer in the headlights” look, suggesting a man without the intestinal fortitude to get big league hitters out.
I do not wish to paint Webster simply as a shaky kid. The fact that he appears younger than his years may have had an effect on management, fans, and possibly teammates. Whispers about a lack of guts-if they existed- could take their toll on a young man trying to break into the majors.
It remains to be seen whether Webster will succeed in Arizona, where the pressure is much less than Fenway. Will Wade Miley be worth giving up two pitching prospects? Impossible to tell.
I am sure some fans-including myself- would have liked to see him stay and silence his critics. But as the Sox try to become a contender again, there is little room for sentiment.
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