My hope is that Brad Penny will be the Sox starter here. He was 6-9 last year coming back from injury, but won 16 games both in 2006 and 2007. This man can throw and is in his prime at age 31. So, if it is Wakefield, the edge goes to New York. If it is Penny, the edge goes to Boston.
Last, the Yankees probably bring on 24-year-old Joba Chamberlain at No. 5. He goes from starting to relieving but looks solid as a starter. He has great stuff. If no one else steps up, he is a very good option here. He only won four games last year, but had a 2.60 ERA. There are questions on his endurance, though.
The Red Sox will probably have John Smoltz coming later in the season, if all goes well. Most would tell you that if he does make it, the edge would go to the Red Sox.
Until then, my hope is that Masterson, who is only 24, will be in this position. If given the chance, now that the Red Sox have so much depth in the bullpen, he could have quite a career as a starter. He throws anywhere up to 94 mph and has a great sinker.
Masterson looks like he could be even better than Derek Lowe. His composure in games last year was above what manager Terry Francona ever expected. For that reason, he was heavily depended on in the playoffs as the setup man to Papelbon. I believe the Sox cannot lose with either decision.
So, although both are very close, the starting pitching matchup between the Red Sox and Yankees goes to the Sox.
21 Comments
Loading more comments...
This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete