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Pitch Fever
In my last missive to all the Red Sox faithful I mentioned how tired I was of Jon Lester and it was time for the Red Sox to move on - and move on they did.
I would love to say that it was my column which inspired the Sox to pass on Lester (which they kinda did by not meeting his salary demands) and start looking for 2 or 3 good pitchers to fill the rotation gap - which they did, no "kinda" about it. So now they are bringing the starting rotation to where they want it and come opening day in April 2015 I see a whole new beginning on the mound.
As has been written by others before me, the Red Sox are still in need of an ace or so the thought goes, but I'm not so sure. Let's take a look at the 3 pitchers they have signed over the last few days.
Justin Masterson 
If I had the opportunity to say anything to Masterson my first words would be, "Wecome back, Justin. We missed you."
Masterson was just coming into his own when he was traded to the Indians for Victor Martinez because the Sox needed a big hitting catcher and while Martinez delivered, at least in 2010 - his only full season with the Sawx - he was one of those players who just didn't seem to fit in. We all know it takes a special player to make it in Boston and Martinez was not one of them. Plus we lost a potential starting pitcher at the time in Masterson who could have given us games for years to come.
Well, Justin is back and I'm thrilled because I think this is where he always wanted to play. The story goes that when he was traded to Cleveland he lost it because he really loved Boston and I think Boston loved him back. Also remember he was going to Cleveland and I would think that having to live in Cleveland would make anyone spontaneously break out in hives, the shakes, and cause a sudden urge to curl up in a corner and start sucking ones thumb. Especially after living in Boston.
Now that he's back in Boston and hopefully healed from his 2014 season, I expect great things from Masterson and I think he will deliver. He loves Boston, he's worked with John Farrell when Farrell was pitching coach, and I think we might see that rookie pitcher that was on his way when he was traded. Look for Masterson to win 15 to 18 games this season - maybe more.
Rick Porcello 
Late of the monster rotation that was the Detroit Tigers, Porcello is coming off his best season as a pitcher with a 3.43 ERA with 3 shutouts and 204.2 innings pitched, which means he can chew up innings. Porcello is one of those good pitchers I was talking about in my last column. He may not be a John Lester but he can pitch and he's solid and that is what the Sox need. From all the reports I have been getting, Porcello is a team player and will be good in the club house - important for a member of the Sawx.
Wade Miley 
Who?
I must be honest, I don't know much about Miley. In fact I know more about Miley Cyrus than Wade Miley - and that in itself is frightening. But if he hasn't played in the AL or the AL East for that matter, he just isn't going to cross my radar. Miley has spent his four MLB seasons in Arizona with the D-Backs and has built up a respectable career with a four season ERA average of 4.13. Other than that I don't know much about him and this is where I have to trust the scouts and the powers that be and hope that he can carry the Sox deep in his starts. As I have said many times - time will tell.
There is one undeniable common denominator that these 3 acquisitions bring to the Red Sox: they are all young. Masterson is the "elder statesman" of the group at 29, then Miley is 28, and Porcello is almost a child at 25. The big factor in these new signings is that they possibly have many years of service ahead of them and they can also field their positions which, let's face it, was not one of Lester's strong suits. So, I think "optimism" is the operative word here and combined with a beefed up batting order I think we have a team that can be contenders - I hope.
for now Peace and....
GO SOX!!!
Mark~NYSoxfan7
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Leesha Olivier hails from Dallas, Texas. The Red Sox have stolen this Southern Cowgirl's heart for sure. She has been a Sox fan for over 30 years and has even made the pilgrimage to attend a few games at our beloved Fenway Park. Y'all will want to meet Leesha and follow her posts on the DOJR fan club Facebook page.
