The return of Justin Masterson to the Red Sox via free agency caused little excitement among writers and fans. Once considered a top prospect, he was traded to Cleveland in 09 in a deal involving Victor Rodgriguez. The deal basically failed on both ends- Rodriguez left at the end of that year and Masterson was up-and-down for the Indians. Part of the problem with the hurler (who was born in Jamaica, where his father worked at a theological seminary) is that his role has often changed-from starter to reliever and back.
After serving in both roles in the Sox system, the 6’6″ righthander made it to Boston in the spring of 08. After five starts, he was sent to Pawtucket to try to transition him to the bullpen.. Soon after, he was recalled and spent the rest of the year mostly in the pen. He had a successful rookie campaign, with a 6-5 mark and 3.16 ERA in 36 appearences. He even picked up a postseason win in the ALCS against Tampa Bay, pitching a scoreless ninth in an 8-7 Sox victory.
The trade to Cleveland did not yield results, as Masterson went 1-7 with a 4.55 ERA in 10 starts. With the Indians, his bullpen days pretty much ended. He endured another poor season in 2010, though he pitched a shutout in June against his former mates. Following surgery on his non-throwing shoulder, Masterson had his best season in 2011, finishing 12-10 and 3.21 in 34 starts. He relapsed to 11-15 the following year, but rebounded in 2013 under the tutelage of Terry Francona, his former manager. In that season, he went 14-10 and became only the third player in baseball history to beat two Cy Young winners-RA Dickey and David Price- in the same year,.
In February of 2014, Masterson, who had been Cleveland’s opening day pitcher for three consecutive years, signed a one-year, $9.7 million contract. Talks of an extension foundered, however. On the field, 2014 was not a good one. Dogged by a knee injury, he was traded to the Cardinals in July. His overall mark was 7-9 and 5.88, allowing 141 hits in 128 innings. In December Boston re-signed him, again to a one-year deal.
It is ironic that Masterson is projected to be a third or fourth starter with the Sox, about the same as when he arrived 6 years ago. But unlike 08, the team is coming off a last place finish and desperately needs successful hurlers.
Boston still lacks a stopper, and the acquisition of one would relieve some of the pressure on guys like Masterson and Clay Buchholz. But at 30 years of age, he could be a big help if he can avoid injuries and inconsistency.
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