Masterson Hates Math

You've got to hate it when your boss asks you to do one thing, then just as you get comfortable, he asks you to do something else. Now, when he comes back a few days later and tells you to go back to the original plan, he's just asking for an Ed-Norton-in-Fight-Club-style response. Somehow Justin Masterson has been taking it in stride, as the 24-year-old is emerging as one of the Red Sox's most malleable and indispensible players.

His 5.48 ERA going into last night's start didn't tell the whole story. Considering what Francona is asking of the youngster, he's earned every penny of his $415,500 contract. Very few pitchers can go out and get notch quality relief innings, and then, at the drop of a straight-brimmed hat, start a game - not to mention his age and the fact that he's doing this in the single most unforgiving baseball market in the world... you vultures. This is one of the reasons Red Sox nation should forever love Derek Lowe.

We need that Stretch Armstrong like flexibility this year more than ever. The 2009 team was built on the premise that everyone would be playing at 100%. The front office has been playing a dangerous game with their classic shortsighted optimism - and the lack of depth is starting to blow up in their faces like a hillbilly holding a fire-cracker. They mysteriously forgot to factor in the distinct possibility that Smoltz won't make it out alive, Penny will go down for the count, and the obligatory injuries to Beckett and Wakefield. No fear - at least Dice-K will... oh crap. Looks like their own smoke and mirrors act is starting to choke them.

And this naivety is starting to work its way into the line-up as well. For the past two years, the Sox have been surviving with D.L. Drew on the premise that Pedroia, Youkilis, and Lowell will hit consistently. With injuries to the first two (although admittedly not that bad) and Lowell hitting like Bob Barker, these injury prone players with big upsides are coming back to bite the Red Sox where it hurts. I liked the offseason low risk/high return signings individually - but when you compound all of the problem spots on one staff, you start playing with serious fire. With the current pool of prospects, there's not a whole lot that can be done about the holes in infield hitting, but a solid fourth outfielder, a la Nick Swisher or Juan Pierre, could be a difference maker.

And on the pitching side, Justin Masterson has emerged as that difference maker. Fantasy - no thanks; reality - yes please.

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