H/W: 6-6 235 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 3/22/85
The Red Sox used Masterson as both a starter and reliever last season and he performed admirably in both roles. In 36 outings, the tall righthander went 6-5 with a 3.16 ERA and 40 BB/68 K in 88 IP. The San Diego State alum features a heavy 92-94 MPH fastball that he throws from a 3/4 arm slot with a great deal of leverage. In addition to his fastball, he has a promising slider that has good lateral movement, but sometimes gets left up in the zone when he drops his arm slot. His changeup has some promise to be effective too, but it lags behind his other two offerings. Hitters have a difficult time generating much pop off of his fastball, but his slider is still hittable and his command numbers will need to improve. The presence of Jonathan Papelbon at the end of Boston's bullpen may eventually push Masterson into the rotation. Whether he is throwing every 5th day or every other day, he is a highly valued piece to the future prosperity of the Red Sox.
2009 Projection: The acquisitions of Brad Penny and John Smoltz has relegated Masterson to the 7th or 8th inning job once again. His control has been excellent this spring as he has walked just two hitters in 12.2 IP. Keep an eye on this as the major league season goes on. His ability to command the strike zone should allow for him to use his sinker much more effectively as an out pitch. Also monitor the health of Boston's rotation. If one of their horses goes down, Masterson will be the first name called to step into a rotation spot. Once he gets in, he may be too good to supplant.
Key Justin Masterson Baseball Cards:
- 2006 Bowman Chrome Draft
- 2008 Finest RC Redemption #6
- 2008 Stadium Club Auto
- 2008 Topps Red Hot Rookie
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 2009 Upper Deck Goudey 24 Justin Masterson Red Sox US $.99 |
 Justin Masterson 2009 Topps Chrome Refractor 96 Red Sox US $1.95 |
 2009 Topps Update Gold Justin Masterson Uh110 US $1.50 |
 2009 Upper Deck Goodwin Champions Justin Masterson Sp US $1.90 |
 2010 Bowman Gold Parallel 141 Justin Masterson US $1.25 |
 2008 Bowman Chrome Justin Masterson Rc 210 Refractor US $.99 |
 Justin Masterson 2008 Bowman Chrome Refractor Rookie US $7.95 |
 2006 Bowman Chrome Sp Rc Refractor Justin Masterson US $.99 |
 2006 Bowman Chrome Xfractor Justin Masterson 167 299 US $.99 |
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