masterson

Same question I was going to ask.

With Masterson being more consistent then Clay Bucholz, I would have to say yes.

Look for Clay to be the long man out of the pen.  Things will get interesting with a healthy Colon, Bucholz, Dice-K, and Schilling.  Who will go where after the break?

Ideally the Red Sox have a 8 deep rotation: Josh Beckett, Daisuke Matsuzaka, Jon Lester, Bartolo Colon, Tim Wakefield, Curt Schilling, Clay Buchholz, and now Justin Masterson. I still don't believe the Schilling will actually be healthy enough to pitch this year, but I could be wrong. It doesn't surprise me too much that Colon is back on the D.L. either, and while those two are unable to pitch I think Masterson will continue to be in the rotation over Buchholz. I think Clay is probably still the more talented pitcher with a brighter future, but without a doubt Masterson has been more consistent this year. As Clay gets older, and is better able to locate his fastball, you're looking at someone who can be the ace of a pitching staff. I see Masterson in the Dice-K role, suited for the #2 position, or an excellent #3 guy.

What a strength we have moving forward the next few years!