The Book on Justin Masterson

Prospect Info

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Justin Masterson
Born 3/22/1985
RHP, BOS

With Buchholz likely in the majors to stay, the title of top Red Sox pitching prospect falls to Justin Masterson, a hard-throwing right-hander.

While the Sox began testing him as a starter in 2007, his combination of a three-quarters arm motion and nasty sinker-slider stuff still makes him look a lot more like a relief pitcher. But if he's destined to be a reliever, he could be an exceptional one. His sinker is plus-plus, with the potential to match those of Webb and Carmona, and he can throw it at any speed from 84-94 mph. It's that sinker that has teams asking for him, and he's the frequent subject of trade rumors.

If he remains with the Sox, Masterson might get a look in September, or be used to bolster the bullpen if it's dragged down by a few injuries. If he gets a chance in the bullpen late in the year, he could bring the same benefits and boost that Joba Chamberlain did to the Yankees in 2007. He's definitely something special.

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Player Updates and Notes

The Atlanta Braves have been scouting Justin Masterson, perhaps eyeing the young star as a piece in a possible Mark Teixeira trade. Masterson could fit into the Braves' plans as a starter, rather than as the kind of late inning pitcher that Boston's envisioning.

7/14/2008 by KDaddy

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